South Lenoir senior Gage Howard, a .401 career hitter known for his relentless work ethic, has officially signed to continue his baseball career at the University of Mount Olive.

A full week of coverage features NNS Live shows, key basketball matchups across the county, multiple wrestling events, and Friday night football as Kinston visits James Kenan, capped by a packed Saturday slate including the Pierce-Davis Invitational.

Goldsboro High School hosted a competitive four-team wrestling quad Thursday featuring the Cougars, Eastern Wayne, Greene Central, and North Lenoir. Greene Central dominated the night with a 3–0 sweep, while North Lenoir showcased several standout individual performances despite a challenging slate.

Greene Central seized control with an early run and a high-energy, highlight-filled third quarter to defeat North Lenoir 84–48 in their rivalry matchup, despite strong efforts from the Hawks’ scoring trio.

Greene Central held off a fierce North Lenoir rally in a whistle-heavy rivalry battle, winning 41–37 behind senior defense and late scoring while the Hawks fought through foul trouble and big second-half shots.

North Lenoir is proud to announce that seniors Maddox Smith — All-State, All-Region Southeast, and Three Rivers 4A Conference Player of the Year — and Nery Aguilar — All-Region — have earned major postseason honors following historic careers.

North Lenoir opened the season by defeating South Lenoir in both games of the rivalry doubleheader: the Lady Hawks led from start to finish in a 55-33 win behind 18 points from Ta’Sheena Lynch and 12 from Cassidee Fraizer, while the boys rallied from an early deficit, exploded for 28 third-quarter points, and pulled away late for an 81-75 victory led by Chris Veal’s 21, Julian Veal’s 17, and AJ Black’s 16.

Fueled by a veteran senior class, a lockdown defense that suffocated Pasquotank’s passing game, and explosive plays from Tyler Jones, Tyreek Copper, and Brennan Chambers, No. 14 Kinston rolled to a 34-20 road win Friday night, advancing to the NCHSAA 3A East regional semifinals and earning a Black Friday clash at No. 7 Northeastern.

Lenoir Community College will host its 2026 First Pitch, Final Serve Athletics Dinner on January 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the LCC Gymnasium, featuring guest speaker Parker Byrd, with $50 tickets benefiting LCC Athletics.

Hope Prep moved to 2–1 with a 40–34 win over Christ Covenant, pulling away late with strong defense and clutch free throws from Camryn Davis.

Kinston JV Girls secured its first win of the season with a 43–18 victory over Clinton, using defensive pressure and balanced scoring to take full control of the matchup.

Greene County Middle School opened its basketball season in overwhelming fashion last night, earning decisive wins in both the girls’ and boys’ games against GR Whitfield.

Check out this week’s NNS schedule

Kinston used explosive plays from Genesis Wiggins, Tyreek Copper and Tyler Jones, plus a dominant defensive effort, to roll past No. 3 Midway 34–13 and advance to the third round of the NCHSAA 3A playoffs.

Greene Central’s inaugural flag football team delivered a historic debut, going 2–1 on the day behind first-ever touchdowns, clutch defensive plays, and rapid growth across all three games.