Greene Central stayed unbeaten and advanced to the championship game, while North Lenoir’s hot start wasn’t enough in a loss to D.H. Conley on Day 2 of the Parker’s BBQ Christmas Tournament.
Kinston’s undefeated run headlined the FCA Women’s Winter Classic, with dominant performances, late-game heroics, and consistent scoring across the bracket shaping a competitive and well-played tournament.
The FCA Women’s Winter Classic was proudly sponsored by Hightower Communications, Foss Recycling & Demolition, and DEPS Security Systems.
Greene Central stayed unbeaten with a dominant win over Ayden-Grifton, while North Lenoir struggled offensively in a lopsided loss to J.H. Rose on Day 1 of the Parker’s BBQ Christmas Tournament.
Day one of the 5th Annual FCA Women’s Winter Classic featured defensive battles, balanced scoring, and outstanding performances led by North Duplin Abby Rose’s 22-point night, as Greene Central, Farmville Central, and unbeaten Kinston advanced into Monday’s winner’s bracket action.
Kinston stayed unbeaten at 3-0 with a 72-64 win over 6A J.H. Rose behind 21 points each from Jamarion Washington and Keyshawn Herring, while head coach Perry Tyndall noted late missed free throws and execution as areas to improve despite the victory.
South Lenoir used a dominant 27-point third quarter to earn a 62–52 road win over North Lenoir, avenging an early-season loss and securing its first official victory in the rivalry in 13 meetings.
North Lenoir extended its dominance in the county rivalry, earning a 46–38 home win over South Lenoir for its fifth straight victory against the Blue Devils and 12th win in the last 14 meetings.
Greene Central head coach Jason Wilson will lead Team 252 in Saturday’s Showcase Bowl at John Paul II Catholic High School, with Greene Central players Craig Whitley, Nicholas Avent, Dejuan Cobb, and Deuce Wilson, along with Kinston standouts Ex’Zavion Croom and Tyler Jones, representing their schools against Team 919 in Greenville.
Kinston stayed unbeaten in its return to the floor Tuesday night as Keyshawn Herring and Jamarion Washington combined for 43 points in a 67–55 home win over Southwest Onslow.
Kinston boys basketball earned its first win of the season with an 87–56 home victory over South Lenoir, snapping the Blue Devils’ three-game winning streak. Vikings Jamarion Washington led all scorers with 25 points.
GC Middle School boys basketball used a decisive second-quarter run to defeat Frink 44–24 and head into the Christmas break 7–1 overall and unbeaten in conference play. Photo by William Hardy
North Lenoir senior Hallie Fowler, a key piece of last year’s state championship team, has signed with Chowan University after a decade-long journey defined by daily work, elite production, and a deep love for the game.
Kinston returned to the state championship stage for the first time in a decade, watched Tyreek Copper deliver the greatest receiving season in North Carolina history, and pushed the scoreboard into the record books — but Shelby’s quarterback had just enough time and firepower to turn a historic night into a heartbreaking one.
In this column, Trey Scott reflects on his journey from rivalry to respect, and how Kinston head coach Ryan Gieselman’s long-term vision and relentless work have led the Vikings to the doorstep of a state championship.
After a 3–3 start, Kinston made key offensive line changes that fueled an 8–1 surge to the state championship game — a reminder that superheroes don’t wear capes, they line up in the trenches.
Kinston’s journey to the state championship is the story of a relentless, blue-collar defense that crushed five straight playoff offenses, held every contender far below its season averages, and forged an identity ready to challenge 12-time champion Shelby.
GCMS improved to 4-1 (4-0 conference) with a 45-27 win over Chicod, pulling away late after a tight game behind strong performances from Kam Jones and Josiah Joyner.