Jenkins Pitches North Lenoir into Round Two
New Coach, Same Tradition.
North Lenoir finds themselves in the NCHSAA Playoffs for the tenth straight season. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Cam Sherrer, the Hawks have sport an impressive record of 19-4, securing the #3 seed. Their latest victory came against #30 seed East Duplin, a familiar conference opponent from the East Central Conference, advancing their postseason journey with a 7-1 win.
North Lenoir entered the playoffs in formidable form, having won 10 of their last 12 games. Coach Sherrer's inaugural playoff win marks a promising start to his tenure. This season, North Lenoir defeated East Duplin in all three encounters, with the playoff game proving less contentious than their regular season matchups, which ended 5-1 and 2-0.
The game intensified in the third inning when North Lenoir's Garrett Byrd hit a pivotal three-run homer, bringing in Ethan Smith and Jackson Jenkins. Byrd finished the game 1-3, contributing significantly with 3 RBIs and a run scored. The momentum continued into the sixth inning, where Wriston Honeycutt's single drove in two runs, and Smith executed a sacrifice fly that further extended their lead. Mason Sasser had an excellent night at the plate, going 3-3 with a run scored, while Jenkins went 2-3 also scoring a run.
On the mound, Jackson Jenkins delivered a standout performance, pitching 6.1 innings with three hits, two walks, and an impressive 13 strikeouts. Relief pitcher Eli Kearney took over in the seventh, securing the win and the save for the Hawks.
Reflecting on the team's ethos, Coach Sherrer emphasized unity and resilience: "Man, it has been the same thing we have been preaching all year, team, team, team... We got in big moments, and guys came up clutch, and that's all you can ask for."
Looking ahead, North Lenoir prepares to host Ayden-Grifton at the "Swamp" this Friday night. The upcoming game is a rematch of last season's second-round playoff, where North Lenoir narrowly triumphed over Ayden-Grifton 6-5. With both teams familiar with each other's strategies and styles, an exciting game is anticipated.
Senior pitcher Jackson Jenkins, reflecting on his crucial role in the playoffs, shared his determined approach: "It's playoffs; I am a senior, I can't leave anything out there. I have to go out and give everything I've got." Having participated in his 10th career playoff game, Jenkins's experience and leadership continue to be invaluable for the Hawks as they strive for another deep playoff run.
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