Boys' Game Preview: Kinston (3-2) vs. Greene Central (3-1)
Boys' Game Preview: Kinston (2-2, RPI: #9) vs. Greene Central (3-1, RPI: #21)
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.
Greene Central Rams (3-1, RPI: #21, .541)
Recent Games:
12/3 AT Beddingfield W 65-50
12/4 vs North Lenoir W 65-46
12/10 vs Beddingfield L 58-51
12/13 AT North Pitt W 66-51
Team Stats:
Points Per Game (PPG): 61.8
Points Allowed Per Game: 51.3
Rebounds Per Game: 29.5
Assists Per Game: 5.0
Steals Per Game: 18.8
Blocks Per Game: 3.8
Fouls Per Game: 15.8
Three-Pointers Made: 16 (4 per game)
Free Throw Percentage: 68%
Team Makeup:
8 Seniors, 4 Juniors, 1 Sophomore, 0 Freshmen
Key Players:
#1 Dontrez Evans (SR): A defensive stalwart who scores off steals and transition, Evans has improved his outside shot, averaging 17 points and 5.5 steals per game.
#10 Josh Cetnar (SO): A consistent scorer and playmaker, Cetnar averages 11.5 points and 2.8 assists per game. Youngest player on the team, but savy point guard.
#32 Nick Avent (JR): Athletic, great defender that can knock down the outside shot. Avent contributes 8.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.
#5 DJ Williams (JR): Long wing player with capabilites to knock down outside shots and can play above the rim. Williams averaging 8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Kinston Vikings (2-2, RPI: #9, .628)
Recent Games:
12/3 vs West Carteret W 65-48
12/7 @ First Flight L 80-73
12/10 @ JH Rose W 76-56
12/14 @ Farmville Central L 74-63 (Neutral Site)
12/17 vs JH Rose W 69-67
Team Stats:
Points Per Game (PPG): 69.2
Points Allowed Per Game: 65.0
Team Makeup:
5 Seniors, 4 Juniors, 5 Sophomores, 0 Freshmen
Key Players:
#1 Keyshawn Herring (SO): A dynamic guard who excels in the passing lanes, finishes at the rim, and can knock down outside shots.
#2 Tyreek Copper (JR): Kinston’s most versatile player, known for his rebounding, passing, defense, and high basketball IQ.
#3 Jemarion Washington (SO): A dangerous scorer who can shoot from deep and attack the basket effectively.
#21 Genesis Wiggins (JR): An explosive athlete who plays strong defense and can finish above the rim.
#22 Okie Edwards (SR): A long, athletic forward who defends the rim and scores efficiently in the paint.
Missing Factor:
Senior point guard Isiaha Parson has missed recent games, and his absence could impact Kinston’s ability to organize its offense and protect the ball against Greene Central’s aggressive defense.
What to Watch For
Strengths and Style
Greene Central:
The Rams excel at forcing turnovers with 18.8 steals per game, using their defense to fuel transition scoring. Dontrez Evans is pivotal in this style, turning steals into points and contributing with improved outside shooting. Greene Central’s ability to control the boards (29.5 rebounds per game) and knock down free throws (68%) will be key to staying competitive.Kinston:
The Vikings thrive on their athleticism and transition game, creating highlight-worthy plays through fast breaks and dunks. Their scoring depth, led by versatile players like Genesis Wiggins, Jemarion Washington, Tyreek Copper and Keyshawn Herring, makes them difficult to contain. Kinston’s crowd will also play a role, energizing their high-paced style of play.
Key Matchups
Dontrez Evans Defense vs Keyshawn Herring Offense
Evans takes pride in playing defense and is a very good on ball defender. Keyshawn Herring is fast and explosive! Herring majority attracts double teams as one guys is hard to keep in front of Herring.Kinston’s Inside Play vs. Greene Central’s Rebounding:
Greene Central’s rebounding has a little bit more size and traditional big man play. This will test Kinston’s ability to generate second-chance points and defend the paint.Offensive Efficiency:
Kinston’s ability to capitalize on transition opportunities and Greene Central’s reliance on scoring off turnovers will dictate the pace of the game.
X-Factor:
The crowd at Kinston’s gym will create a high-energy environment, favoring the Vikings’ fast-break style. Greene Central’s senior-heavy lineup will need to maintain composure to avoid being overwhelmed by the atmosphere.
Summary
This matchup highlights Greene Central’s defensive intensity and transition scoring against Kinston’s athleticism and dynamic offense. The game will hinge on rebounding, ball security, and which team can best execute its game plan in a high-pressure environment.
