NNS Girls Basketball Report Card
This is the midseason report for our Neuse News Sports teams. I am grading the teams based on what I have seen from them so far. The grade is not a rating of how good they are; instead, it reflects how each team has performed this season relative to expectations. For example, if Team A is given a B+ and Team B is given a C, that does not automatically mean Team A is better than Team B. Each team is graded individually.
Bethel Christian (2-7) | Grade: B-
The Lady Trojans have already matched their win total from last season, which is a positive sign, and they are currently 1-0 in 2026. Their competition level has been on opposite ends of the spectrum, as they have faced some extremely tough teams. Bethel Christian has been competitive in every game except three of its 10 contests, including a double-digit win in its most recent outing. The B- grade is not a knock at all; this is simply a very young team learning on the fly.
Greene Central (6-4) | Grade: B
The Rams returned a lot of talent and are having a solid season, though it could be higher in my opinion. Injuries have played a role, but they are not the only factor. Most of the starters have two to three years of varsity experience, making this an experienced group. Greene Central lacks bench depth but has the ability and talent to be a deep playoff team with the right matchups. An’Nysha Wooten is undoubtedly the leader, while Janiyah Sutton, Jayce Russell, and Azaria Mumford have all stepped up significantly. Kharma Schuster has been one of the best shot blockers in the area.
Jones Senior (1-5) | Grade: C
The Lady Trojans are going through a tough stretch, having lost their last five games. This is a very young team with only two seniors on the roster, and this season will serve as a learning year as they work through the growing pains.
Kinston (8-0) | Grade: A+
Kinston has checked every box so far. The Vikings feature several players who have started for two to three years, and the growth is evident across the lineup, including role players off the bench. The bench is extremely deep and does not miss a beat when substitutions are made. The team is led by junior Aleah Hill, but if Hill has an off night, others like Ariyonna Willis and Nashayla Mason are capable of taking over offensively. Kinston also has players who embrace the gritty work, including key contributors America Lloyd and J’Riyana Edwards. The development of K’Niyah Whitefield and Willow Gardner has been fun to watch. This team is exciting and positioned for a deep playoff run.
North Lenoir (7-7) | Grade: B+
North Lenoir is still developing and dealt with injuries over the Christmas break. The Hawks are a different team when point guard Cassidee Fraser is running the offense. Ta’Sheena Lynch did a strong job holding things together in Fraser’s absence, but the offense flows much more smoothly when Fraser is healthy. Several players have stepped up recently, including Myracle Samples, Kennedi Starkey, and Sieanna Robinson. This Hawks team can be very dangerous, especially with the junior-sophomore backcourt combination of Lynch and Fraser.
South Lenoir (1-8) | Grade: C+
The Lady Blue Devils are making the most of what they have, though a lack of depth has been a challenge. Makenzie Herring has been lethal from the three-point line, while Zarri Cobb has done a strong job helping relieve some of the pressure as a secondary scorer. South Lenoir also has promising potential in freshman Janna Outlaw, and this season should provide valuable experience for her future development.
