Local volleyball races are tightening as Ayden-Grifton, Farmville Central, North Lenoir, and East Duplin sit among the top seeds in the East RPI, while Greene Central, South Lenoir, and Jones Senior remain in the playoff mix.
Tarboro, Northside-Pinetown, Pender, and Eastern Wayne headline the East RPI race, while Greene Central, Kinston, and Ayden-Grifton sit firmly in playoff contention and South Lenoir, Farmville Central, and North Johnston battle on the bubble.
Lakyn Whitley powered North Lenoir to a 3-1 start with 42 kills, 13 blocks, 17 digs, and 17 service points in the opening week. Sponsored by Kinston Lenoir County Parks and Recreation.
Kinston enters 2025 with a veteran roster led by senior quarterback Tyler Jones and D1 receivers Tyreek Copper and Brennan Chamber, making the Vikings one of the most explosive and dangerous teams in 3A.
Greene Central enters 2025 as a true 3A dark horse, powered by a dominant offensive line, star running back Dejuan Cobb, and a deep roster ready to prove they belong among the East’s best.
The Eastern Plains Conference held its first football media day Wednesday morning at Parker’s BBQ, as coaches and athletic directors from across the new 2A/3A league came together to finalize schedules and vote on preseason predictions.
After 1,097 days without a win, the Greene Central Varsity Lady Rams made their long-awaited return to the win column with authority, overwhelming Beddingfield 23-0 on Monday afternoon.
When Greene Central travels to Kinston on Thursday night, fans can expect another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. The Vikings and Rams have a history of hard-fought contests, with Kinston winning 10 of the last 11 matchups. Greene Central’s last victory came on February 23, 2021, when they upset the Vikings in the playoffs on Kinston’s home court. With packed stands and an electric atmosphere guaranteed, both teams will look to make a statement early in the season.
After a tough 58-51 loss at home to Beddingfield earlier in the week, Greene Central bounced back in emphatic fashion, defeating North Pitt 66-51 on the road Friday night in their Eastern Plains Conference opener. The Rams, now 3-1 on the season, used a trademark second-half surge to overcome a hot-shooting Panthers squad that led at halftime.