Postseason Honors Cement North Lenoir Seniors as Program Legends

Nov 25

Nov 25 Postseason Honors Cement North Lenoir Seniors as Program Legends

North Lenoir High School is proud to announce that seniors Maddox Smith and Nery Aguilar have been recognized with major postseason honors after two of the most decorated careers in program history.

Smith, a four-year varsity starter and two-year captain, earned spots on the All-State Team and the All-Region Team for the Southeast, along with being named the Three Rivers 4A Conference Player of the Year. He leaves North Lenoir as the most prolific goal-scorer the school has ever seen with 95 career goals — a school record — including a record-breaking 51 this season. Smith also set the school record for career assists with 55 and finished this season ranked top 10 in North Carolina in both points and goals, and top 10 statewide in NCHSAA points.

Head coach Chris Evans said Smith’s impact stretched far beyond statistics.

“He is a coach on the field, making everyone around him better,” Evans said. “Maddox loves the game of soccer. He’s hard working and dedicated to the sport. He is leaving his legacy at North Lenoir.”

Joining him among the program’s elite is senior captain Nery Aguilar, who was selected to the All-Region Team following a season defined by exceptional playmaking. Aguilar recorded 6 goals and shattered the school’s single-season assists record with 35 — a mark that ranks top 10 nationally and third in Class 4A. His ability to create scoring opportunities transformed North Lenoir’s attack and anchored the team’s identity.

Evans said Aguilar’s leadership and precision made him indispensable.

“Nery leads by example both on and off the field,” Evans said. “His vision, creativity, and work ethic make him a key playmaker and leader for our team. His consistency, composure under pressure, and ability to elevate teammates set him apart.”

Together, Smith and Aguilar leave behind a legacy defined by excellence, leadership, and school records that may stand for years. Their postseason honors reflect not only their individual talent but the standard they set for all who follow.