South Lenoir Blanks James Kenan 16-0 on Senior Night
DEEP RUN — South Lenoir celebrated its senior night in dominant fashion Monday, cruising to a 16-0 victory over James Kenan in five innings behind a standout performance from both its veteran leadership and deep lineup.
Senior Hayden Marshburn got the start and delivered four shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five. The Blue Devils exploded for nine runs in the second inning and never looked back, improving to 12-2 overall and 8-1 in East Central 2A play.
One of the loudest moments of the night came from fellow senior Matthew Rhodes, who blasted his first career home run — a three-run shot over the left-field fence that helped South Lenoir enforce the run-rule by the fifth.
In all, the Blue Devils racked up 13 hits and got offensive production across the board. Gage Howard went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, Rhodes finished 3-for-3 with four RBIs, and Evan Grady and Christian Coples each chipped in multi-hit efforts. Jake Howard, Kamden Winter, and Luke Potter each added to the offensive barrage.
But the night wasn’t just about the win — it was about honoring the legacy of a senior class that’s helped redefine South Lenoir baseball.
“These guys are real important — like, they're the lifeblood of the team,” said head coach Paul Novicki. “They show up every day, work hard. I mean, can't ask for a better group of seniors.”
The group includes Luke Potter, Christian Coples, Hayden Marshburn, Kamden Winter, Jake Howard, Caden Sawyer, and Matthew Rhodes.
“Luke’s a baller — works hard behind the plate, always hitting late,” Novicki said. “Christian, great athlete, plays hard, kind of like the jumpstarter of the team. Matthew — first career home run tonight, been the ace for two years, can’t ask anything more of him. Kam Winter, outfielder — can steal a base anytime, does what he is asked to do”
He continued: “Jake’s been a four-year starter on varsity, usually our three-hole. Works hard every day. Hayden, he’s our little bulldog — when he steps on the mound, you know you're going to get all he's got. And Caden Sawyer at third base, comes in to pitch anytime, plays a great third.”
For Jake Howard, the experience with this group has gone beyond the diamond.
“Man, it's great,” Howard said. “Every day I get to come out here, hang out with them. We all hang out outside of baseball. I mean, it's not just an on-the-field thing — it's an all-the-time thing. We’re all good buddies. It’s senior night, but it’s nowhere near the end of the season.”
The numbers speak to their impact. Over the last four seasons, South Lenoir has compiled a 57-23 record with four consecutive playoff appearances. By contrast, the program went 31-42 in the four seasons prior.
With five games remaining in the regular season — including a pivotal May 1 matchup at conference-unbeaten (conference play) North Lenoir — this senior class still has more to add to its legacy.
South Lenoir returns to action Tuesday on the road at James Kenan, with first pitch set for 6 p.m.
