Kinston-Lenoir 10U All-Stars Dominate Opener, Face Crucial Game Today

BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — The Kinston-Lenoir 10U softball All-Stars began their campaign at the 2024 Dixie Girls Softball State Championship with a commanding 14-1 victory over Bessemer City on Saturday at Sims Legion Park in Gastonia, N.C.

Carley Stocks and Aniyah Porter led the offensive charge. Stocks went 3-for-3, scoring three runs and driving in two, including a double. Porter also had an impressive performance, going 2-for-3 with two runs and three RBIs. Kenly Barnett contributed by going 2-for-2 with two runs, while Paisley Garriss added a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs and two RBIs.

Stocks also dominated in the circle, pitching three innings, allowing just one hit, and striking out six batters.

However, on Sunday, the team faced a setback with a 17-5 loss to Lumberton. The Kinston-Lenoir bats were stifled, with Alice Lewis and Avery Bryant being the only players to record hits. Bryant went 1-for-1 with a double and an RBI, while Lewis finished 1-for-1 with an RBI.

The double-elimination format gives Kinston-Lenoir a chance to fight back, and they will play the loser of the Lumberton vs. Hope Mills matchup at 3 p.m. today. The team must win to stay in contention for the championship.

Kinston-Lenoir is led by head coach Jason Bryant, with assistant coaches Jeremy Barnett and Josh Garner. The roster includes Adilynn Garner, Alice Lewis, Aniyah Porter, Arianna Porter, Avery Bryant, Carley Stocks, Hailey Abreu, Kenly Barnett, Kylee Andrews, Leah Hill, Paisley Garriss, and Scarlett Locklear.