North Lenoir opened the season by defeating South Lenoir in both games of the rivalry doubleheader: the Lady Hawks led from start to finish in a 55-33 win behind 18 points from Ta’Sheena Lynch and 12 from Cassidee Fraizer, while the boys rallied from an early deficit, exploded for 28 third-quarter points, and pulled away late for an 81-75 victory led by Chris Veal’s 21, Julian Veal’s 17, and AJ Black’s 16.
North Lenoir junior Angel Lee stole the spotlight at the school’s first-ever all-girls wrestling match, going 3-0 with three pins while emerging as a leader and driving force behind the Hawks’ growing girls wrestling program.
The (3A) Kinston Vikings opened the 2025-26 season in style Thursday night, putting an end to a five-game losing streak against (6A) Jacksonville with a convincing 63-39 victory at home.
Greene Central’s inaugural flag football team delivered a historic debut, going 2–1 on the day behind first-ever touchdowns, clutch defensive plays, and rapid growth across all three games.
Kinston’s senior duo of quarterback Tyler Jones and wide receiver Tyreek Copper are rewriting the record books. Jones has thrown for 3,196 yards and 42 touchdowns, while Copper has racked up 1,677 receiving yards and 24 scores. Together, they’ve shattered school records and climbed into North Carolina’s all-time lists as they lead the Vikings into the second round of the playoffs, still chasing history — and a state championship.
South Lenoir alum Vance Wade returns to his alma mater as head boys basketball coach, aiming to rebuild the program’s culture and excitement after years of struggle and frequent coaching changes
North Lenoir rallied late to defeat North Johnston 2–1 in overtime to advance to the 4A second round, while Greene Central, Jones Senior, and Spring Creek also moved forward in playoff action.
#14 North Lenoir (11-12) hosts #19 North Johnston (7-15-2) in a 4A first-round rematch of conference rivals, while #10 Spring Creek (11-12-1) welcomes #23 South Lenoir (6-13-2) in 3A action, with the Gators holding a 7-0 all-time edge in Tuesday’s playoff openers.
Jones Senior, Greene Central, South Lenoir, and North Lenoir have all qualified for the NCHSAA soccer playoffs, with Jones Senior and Greene Central earning first-round byes, while South Lenoir and North Lenoir open postseason play on the road and at home, respectively.
Kinston, Greene Central, and South Lenoir have all clinched spots in the NCHSAA football playoffs, with Kinston hosting North Moore while Greene Central and South Lenoir hit the road to face Wallace-Rose Hill and Ayden-Grifton, respectively.
In a thrilling senior night showdown for the Eastern Plains Conference title, Kinston’s Tyler Jones shattered his own single-game passing record with 434 yards and five touchdowns to fuel a dramatic comeback, but undefeated Tarboro’s 522-yard rushing attack proved too much as the Vikings ran out the clock for a 42-35 victory.