South Lenoir’s Noah Rouse Commits to Carteret Community College
South Lenoir’s Noah Rouse Commits to Carteret Community College
Senior outfielder seeing results from years of development as Blue Devils push toward postseason
South Lenoir senior outfielder Noah Rouse is taking the next step in his baseball journey, announcing his commitment to Carteret Community College this past weekend.
Rouse’s progression at the plate tells the story of his development. After hitting .143 as a sophomore and .236 as a junior, he has taken a major leap as a senior, batting .500 through 17 games with 26 hits, 25 runs scored, and 19 RBIs. Across his varsity career, Rouse holds a .324 average with 48 hits and 38 RBIs, showing steady growth that has now turned into production at the right time.
As his individual success rises, so does the urgency around South Lenoir’s season, with the Blue Devils aiming to build off last year’s deep playoff run.
Below is a Q&A with Rouse on his commitment, development, and the team’s mindset heading into the postseason.
Q: What made Carteret Community College stand out when it came time to make your decision?
A: “Carteret stood out to me mainly because of the head coach Blake Herring and there is nothing better than playing baseball at the beach in my opinion.”
Q: When did you realize playing college baseball was truly within reach for you?
A: “I finally realized playing in college was a good possibility this summer. Everything finally started clicking. I’ve always had the tools but they all would never come together and I lacked consistency, but this summer it definitely all came together.”
Q: How did this season play a role in helping you earn this opportunity?
A: “This season played a huge role being able to be on a high level playoff caliber team and coming off a regional championship. There was definitely eyes because you don’t get that far without key pieces and people were definitely watching this year.”
Q: You’re heading into the final week of the regular season—how locked in is this team right now?
A: “I think we are pretty locked in. We had a rough week last week and that really humbled us. We know we are better than that and that is kind of lighting a fire under all of us and we are ready to get out there and take care of business.”
Q: How are you balancing the excitement of your commitment with the urgency of finishing this season strong?
A: “I would say I’m definitely looking forward to it, but as of right now the only thing I’m focused on is South Lenoir baseball and when that is over I will move on to Carteret.”
Q: What’s the mindset of this group as you prepare for the playoffs?
A: “We know we are talented and we have the pieces to make a deep run in the playoffs and our mindset right now is almost the same it was last year—why not us.”
Q: In what ways have you grown the most as a player since the beginning of the season?
A: “I think the main thing I have developed is my approach at the plate and my leadership role on the team. I’ve always been a sit back and let other guys speak for me kind of guy, but this year I’ve had to step up and speak my mind when it needs to be said.”
Q: Who has had the biggest impact on your journey to this point?
A: “My mom has definitely had the biggest impact on my baseball career. She has been with me ever since I was 3 years old playing t-ball to now. I think she’s missed two or three games in 15 years, so I’d definitely have to say my mom.”
Q: What do you want your teammates and coaches to remember about you when your high school career is over?
A: “I just want them to remember me as a great teammate and a great role model to the younger kids.”
Q: Before you leave, what’s something you still feel like you need to prove?
A: “I feel like there is nothing I need to prove individually, but I do feel like we need to prove as a team that we can replicate what we did last year and be a dominant program for years to come.”
