NCHSAA EASTERN REGIONAL FINALS PREVIEW
🥎 2A Softball 3rd Round: #15 North Lenoir at #4 South Granville
South Granville is one of the most dominant programs in North Carolina softball history — and this year’s team looks like another state title threat. The Vikings are 21-3 on the season, winners of 22 of their last 23 games, and riding an 11-game win streak heading into the fifth round. Since 2010, South Granville has posted a staggering 303-40 record, including 10 state championships, with their most recent coming in 2018. Their worst season in that span? A 17-8 campaign last year.
This year’s lineup is overwhelming. The team batting average is .452, with nine players hitting over .400. The lowest average on the roster is .333 — and that’s a bench player. They’ve hit nine no-hitters this season, including five during an eight-game stretch without giving up a single run. Their second-round win over Farmville Central featured 11 hits, 11 RBIs, four doubles, and a homer — and they gave up zero hits while striking out 11.
At the center of it all is senior Chaleigh Currin, one of the best two-way players in the state. She’s batting .571 with 50 RBIs, 10 doubles, 4 triples, and 13 home runs. She’s also their ace in the circle, owning a 16-3 record with 98 innings pitched, 170 strikeouts, 50 walks, and a 2.48 ERA. Junior Avery Wilson is batting .524 with 22 RBIs, 9 doubles, and 6 triples. Tiatana Bates and Addisen Goodwin each have 6 home runs, and speedster Madeline Wilkins leads the team with 17 stolen bases.
How can North Lenoir win?
The Hawks have been stellar all year, but they’ll need their best game yet. It starts with pitching — limit free passes and keep the ball in the park. Offensively, they’ll need to match South Granville’s pace early to avoid playing from behind. Most importantly, they’ll have to find a way to pressure Currin on both sides — driving up pitch count and forcing contact. Defense must be clean. Any mistakes will be punished.
⚾ 2A Baseball 3rd Round: #6 South Lenoir at #13 Midway
South Lenoir and Midway meet in a highly anticipated rematch, with the Blue Devils looking to flip the script from a 13-3 loss earlier this season. But don’t let the seeding fool you — Midway is 22-7 and was one game away from a top-four seed. They tied for the Southeastern Conference title and only lost the tiebreaker, which dropped them to No. 13. This is a team that’s played one of the toughest schedules in 2A and has postseason experience after reaching the third round last year before losing 1-0 in extra innings to eventual state champion Greene Central.
Midway is red hot. They haven’t allowed a single run in their last three playoff games, shutting out Ayden-Grifton, undefeated East Carteret, and Southwest Edgecombe. The Raiders have real pitching depth. Sophomore Tanner Williams is 8-1 on the season with a 2.44 ERA, 68 strikeouts in 57.1 innings, and 27 walks. But their most efficient arm may be senior Wyatt Herring, who sports a 3.00 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 58 innings and just 17 walks. He gives up more hits than Williams but commands the zone and limits damage.
Offensively, five players are hitting over .300. They’re led by Wyatt Scott (.356, 31 hits, 32 RBIs, 4 doubles, 3 triples). Leadoff man Carson Tew (.347, 34 hits, 14 RBIs) sets the tone at the top of the order with consistent contact and extra-base ability.
How can South Lenoir win?
It starts with plate discipline. Midway’s arms thrive when teams chase. South Lenoir has to work counts, capitalize with runners in scoring position, and avoid the big inning on defense. The Blue Devils will need a clutch outing on the mound and can’t afford defensive miscues. The key will be timely hitting and minimizing free passes — Midway feeds off momentum. South Lenoir has the offensive firepower and experience to win on the road. It comes down to execution.
