Lady Vikings Defeat West Carteret 52-41.

In a classic tale of redemption, the Kinston Lady Vikings, powered by a dynamic two sophomore’s and a freshman, got their “get back” from their previous defeat to West Carteret, triumphing with a decisive 52-41 victory. This win didn’t just add a notch to their belt; it avenged their narrow 42-40 loss from December 8th, showcasing the team’s resilience and growth.

The game, which began with the Vikings trailing 9-6 in the first quarter, soon turned into a showcase of their burgeoning talent and strategic prowess. Outscoring West Carteret 46-33 in the remaining quarters, Kinston displayed a remarkable turnaround, a testament to their tenacity and skill.

Sophomore Willow Gardner, leading the charge with 12 points. Her performance on the court, as Coach Chris Bradshaw noted, is a direct reflection of her dedication both in the classroom and during practice sessions. Gardner’s hard work and focus culminated in a display of on-court brilliance that left no doubts about her potential.

Complementing Gardner was fellow sophomore Avkeyvia Keys, whose clutch performance, including two game changing three-pointers, added 10 points to the scoreboard. This contribution was pivotal in shifting the game’s momentum in Kinston’s favor. Freshman sharpshooter Nashayla Mason sinked three 3-pointers and tallying 9 points.

Despite the win, Coach Bradshaw, in a reflection of his commitment to excellence, acknowledged that the team is still a work in progress. His remarks post-game emphasized the need to iron out the “small things” – a focus on details to continue progressing.

As the Kinston Lady Vikings gear up for the holiday Christmas tournament at Lenoir Community College starting on the 27th, this victory set the Vikings at 5-4 on the season.