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.
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.
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.
A packed week of local sports features Neuse News Sports live shows, key basketball and wrestling matchups across the county, and Kinston’s 3A State Championship showdown with Shelby on Saturday.