North Lenoir cheerleaders captured the Three Rivers 4A Conference Championship at North Pitt, finishing ahead of Washington after a performance marked by confidence, dedication, and months of hard work.
Kinston used a dominant second half and big nights from Jamarion Washington and Keyshawn Herring to pull away from Goldsboro for an 80-67 win in the finale of the Brandon Ingram Invitational.
North Lenoir nearly rallied all the way back but fell 80-77 to Swansboro in the Brandon Ingram Invitational, led by Julian Veal’s 33-point performance in a game that showcased the Lancers’ resilience less than 24 hours after a conference loss.
South Lenoir struggled at the free-throw line, missing nine attempts in the fourth quarter, and fell 49-45 to Ashley at the Brandon Ingram Invitational despite a 16-point performance from Keyon Jones.
Goldsboro handed Kinston its first loss of the season with a 54-36 win in the opening game of the Brandon Ingram Invitational, snapping a drought that dated back to 2018 and marking just the program’s second victory over the Vikings in the past 25 years.
Kinston pulled away with a big second quarter to defeat Greene Central 69-38, extending its winning streak in the series to 29 straight games while improving to 11-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
Kinston entered the night ranked No. 3 in the 3A RPI and played like it, owning an average margin of victory of nearly 21 points in its seven wins while piling up five victories by 20 or more. A blistering 28-point first quarter and another lockdown defensive finish only added to a growing résumé built on separation, not survival.
Kinston’s girls basketball team improved to 10-0 for the second straight season with a 77-18 win over South Lenoir, continuing a dominant start that has them firmly in the state title conversation. Through 10 games, the Vikings are winning by an average of 34.2 points per contest while sitting No. 1 in the 3A state rankings and RPI.
Former Kinston High championship point guard Dory Hines returns home as the head coach of Myers Park when the Mustangs compete in the Brandon Ingram Invitational, bringing together elite basketball, deep family ties, and a full-circle moment in the Vikings’ gym.