The North Lenoir boys’ basketball team opened the 2024-25 season with a hard-fought 45-36 victory over Spring Creek. The Hawks, coming off an 8-16 campaign last year, displayed resilience in a game that saw multiple lead changes.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has officially released the Average Daily Membership (ADM) numbers for the 2024-25 school year, finalizing the classifications for its upcoming realignment cycle. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, the NCHSAA will move to an eight-classification model, a departure from the current four-class structure. Check out where your school will be assigned. 

Martin C. Freeman (12u) and Holloway (10u) clinched the 2024 championships in the 12U and 10U divisions, respectively, of the Kinston/Lenoir County Recreation Football League.

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Greene Central Rams prepare to face off against the Clinton Dark Horses in the Eastern Regional finals of the 2A NCHSAA Soccer Playoffs. This fifth-round clash, scheduled for 6:00 PM on Tuesday, November 19th, at Clinton High School, promises to be a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. The winner will secure a coveted spot in the state championship, elevating this match to a pinnacle of high school soccer excitement.

Garrett Byrd, a senior at North Lenoir High School, has fulfilled a lifelong dream by committing to play baseball at Winthrop University. A versatile athlete excelling as a pitcher, catcher, and hitter, Byrd's dedication to the game has set him apart as one of the region's top talents.

It was North Lenoir who stole the show, earning the title of Conference Champions with a stellar performance. The Hawks also celebrated an individual honor, as JayShaynna Kittrell was named Cheerleader of the Year, recognizing her exceptional talent and leadership.

For the first time since at least 2004, Greene Central and Midway will face off on the gridiron, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The 17th-seeded Rams (6-4) travel to Spivey’s Corner to take on the 16th-seeded Raiders (8-2) in the opening round of the NCHSAA 2A Playoffs. Kickoff is set for Friday night in what promises to be a compelling clash of contrasting styles.

The NCHSAA 2A Playoffs kick off with an intriguing first-round clash as #19 Kinston (6-4) travels to Tabor City to face #14 South Columbus (8-2). This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, and both teams bring firepower and momentum into the postseason.

The North Lenoir Hawks (4-6) head into the NCHSAA 2A Playoffs as the #27 seed, set to face the #6 seed Ayden-Grifton Chargers (6-4) on Friday night. While Ayden-Grifton comes in as the Eastern Plains Conference champions on a five-game winning streak, North Lenoir is determined to play spoiler in their first playoff matchup since 2019.

Maddie Rouse, the 2024 NNS Softball MVP and a standout for North Lenoir High School, signed her letter of intent Wednesday to continue her softball career at the University of South Carolina Aiken. The signing marks the culmination of a journey filled with hard work, perseverance, and unwavering support from her family and coaches.

SNOW HILL — Greene Central’s season has been a masterclass in dominance and determination. With a 19-5 record, a perfect 12-0 conference slate, and a prolific 90-30 goal differential, the Rams have proven they belong among the state’s elite. After a commanding 3-0 victory over East Duplin in the second round of the NCHSAA 2A Soccer Playoffs, Greene Central will host conference rival Washington Pam Pack tomorrow at 6 p.m. in a high-stakes third-round matchup.

Arendell Parrott Academy’s football season showcased offensive firepower and defensive grit, but despite a 10-2 record and stellar performances from their senior leaders, the Patriots fell just short in the NCISAA playoffs, leaving a legacy of resilience and excellence.

Check out your local sports schedule…

KINSTON, N.C. — After a brief hiatus to allow Western North Carolina teams to catch up on games impacted by recent hurricane devastation, the NCHSAA has released its football playoff brackets. Round one begins this Friday, Nov. 15, with three Neuse News Sports teams earning spots in the postseason: No. 17 Greene Central, No. 19 Kinston, and No. 27 North Lenoir.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Cheer squads will take center stage on Saturday, Nov. 16, as Southwest Onslow High School hosts the 2A East Central Conference Cheer Championship. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., with the competition beginning at 11 a.m. and winners announced at 12:45 p.m.

SPIVEY’S CORNER, N.C. — North Lenoir delivered a thrilling comeback performance in the first round of the NCHSAA 2A soccer playoffs, defeating No. 10 seed (15-6-1) Midway 4-3 in double overtime. The Hawks, seeded No. 23, overcame a 3-1 halftime deficit on the road, with Maddox Smith’s hat trick leading the charge. Sophomore Yahir Hernandez added a crucial goal, and goalkeeper Evan Smith’s eight saves kept the Hawks in the fight.

Lenoir Community College’s volleyball team advanced in the NJCAA DII Region 10 Tournament, rallying for a 3-1 win over Bryant & Stratton on their home court. For sophomores Mikalah Dale and Hayli Verme, this last home game was especially meaningful. Dale noted the team’s unity, while Verme praised their focus, adding, “Going out with a win is everything.” The Lancers now face top-seeded Richard Bland College on Friday.

Check out this week’s NNS Schedule!

The North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) released its 2024-25 football state championship brackets this past weekend, with top teams primed to begin competition on Friday. Among them, Arendell Parrott Academy leads as the number one seed, boasting a 9-1 record and a nine-game win streak.