Behind a complete-game shutout from Braden Barnett and a redemption-fueled performance, South Lenoir defeated Greene Central 2-0 in a second-round NCHSAA 3A playoff pitcher’s duel to advance to the quarterfinals against Ayden-Grifton.
The Lady Rams rallied for three runs in the seventh inning Tuesday night to defeat West Bladen 5-3 in the opening round of the NCHSAA 3A Softball State Playoffs. The No. 17 seed Greene Central improved to 11-11 on the season and secured the program’s first playoff victory since 2019 and first road playoff win since 2009.
Goldsboro’s Caleb Larson and Greene Central’s doubles teams headline a strong showing from the area after the 2026 NCHSAA 3A East Regional, with five players advancing to the state championships.
Greene Central’s JV baseball team made the most of its return, winning the conference championship in its first season back in over 10 years under head coach Colin Lee.
In Episode 9 of Down The Line, we take you through the latest softball and baseball updates, key wins and losses, and where each team stands heading into the postseason. From South Lenoir’s strong positioning to Greene Central snapping a losing streak, to North Lenoir building momentum at the right time — there’s a lot to unpack.
The NCHSAA finalized the men’s dual team tennis playoff brackets, with multiple local teams earning top-four seeds and first-round byes, including Greene Central (#2), Goldsboro (#4), North Lenoir (#4), and C.B. Aycock (#3). The playoffs begin Monday, with state championship matches set for May 15-16 at the Burlington Tennis Center.
South Lenoir softball stays red-hot while several teams battle momentum swings heading into the postseason, with updated RPI rankings shaping the playoff picture. We also break down key performances and debate a clutch late-game decision in this week’s “Sideline Talk.”
Greene Central wasted no time building control. After Radford’s first-inning blast, the Rams erupted in the second inning with contributions across the lineup. Will Radford singled in a run, Riley Radford added two more with his double, Logan Burress drove in another, and Austin Oliver capped the inning with an RBI single.
On the mound, sophomore Sutton Harris continued his strong season. Harris earned the win, tossing three hitless innings with five strikeouts and one walk. The outing improved him to 5-1 on the year.
Trey Scott and Chance Scott are back with another episode of Down The Line, breaking down a busy week across local high school softball and baseball. Season 3 Episode 7…. DONT MISS THIS EPISODE