Kinston Tops Goldsboro 61-53 in Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase Showdown
Kinston Tops Goldsboro 61-53 in Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase Showdown
KINSTON, N.C. — In the marquee matchup of the Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase, Kinston (10-3) secured a hard-fought 61-53 victory over rival Goldsboro (7-9), avenging back-to-back losses to the Cougars in recent years. The highly anticipated game, featuring a packed house and intense energy, saw Kinston overcome a tight first half and surge ahead in the second behind a spectacular performance from sophomore guard Keyshawn Herring, who was named the game’s MVP.
Goldsboro, coached by Kinston alum Jamaal Croom, had won the previous two meetings, 48-45 and 59-57, both nail-biters that left fans buzzing. This time, however, the Vikings flipped the script. Kinston entered halftime with a narrow 25-21 lead, thanks to a balanced offensive effort with seven different players contributing in the first half.
The second half belonged to Herring, who erupted for 20 of his game-high 22 points in the final two quarters. Herring poured in 11 points in the third quarter and added nine more in the fourth, highlighted by four made three-pointers and a two-hand dunk in the final minute to seal the game.
“I hit one, and I just felt like I need to keep shooting,” Herring said. “Once I get hot, it just keeps going.”
Kinston’s offense steadily improved throughout the game, scoring 12, 13, 17, and 19 points by quarter. Tyreek Copper added 10 points, while junior forward Camir Fields chipped in with a gritty six points, earning praise for his work on the boards and timely putbacks.
Head coach Perry Tyndall expressed pride in his team’s resilience.
“I’m proud and glad we got this win,” Tyndall said. “We’re not necessarily satisfied with the total output—we know a lot of screws need to be tightened—but we’re encouraged because there’s so much room to grow and get more consistent.”
The victory marked a significant milestone for Tyndall, who tied legendary Kinston coach Wells Gulledge with 274 career wins at the school. Reflecting on the achievement, Tyndall credited the players.
“Honestly, those wins are because of the great players I’ve been fortunate to have here,” he said. “The players get the wins. I’ve had a very small part—it just means I’ve been in a very special place with some very special kids.”
Goldsboro was led by big man Nyrese Williams, who scored 17 points despite struggling at the free-throw line (1-for-8). Neremiah McNair added 14 points for the Cougars, who kept the game competitive throughout.
Tyndall also shared high praise for Croom, his former player.
“When I coached Jamaal, he did it all—a blue-collar, hard-nosed player,” Tyndall said. “That’s who he is as a coach. I love what he’s done with his team. He’s a heck of a coach and does a great job getting them ready.”
Herring’s MVP performance and Kinston’s team effort gave the Vikings their third straight win and eighth victory in their last nine games.
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