Friday, February 14, 2025

			
				                                Southern Wayne’s Jaylen Carr, #20, tries to find a hold through a group of Spartan defenders. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

Saints overpower Spartans in 66-44 victory

The Southern Wayne Saints delivered a commanding performance on their home court Friday night, defeating the visiting Smithfield-Selma Spartans 66-44. Southern Wayne’s sharp defense, fast-paced offense, and well-balanced scoring effort helped them take early control and maintain their dominance throughout all four quarters.


			
				                                Lady Saint Aliyah Williams, #33, slows the pace down to allow her teammates to catch up and set for a rebound. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

Lady Saints’ show strength despite loss to Warriors

The girls of Southern Wayne faced the East Wake Warriors in a game filled with momentum swings and standout plays. Despite a strong effort from the Lady Saints, the Warriors ultimately pulled away for a decisive 54-39 victory.


			
				                                Saints’ Kairell Evans finds is surrounded by defenders as he tries to make a pass through the triple-team. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

East Wake defeats Saints in high-energy matchup

The East Wake Warriors showcased a strong offensive game and defensive intensity as they defeated the Southern Wayne Saints 83-63 Wednesday night. Despite moments of resilience and standout performances from Southern Wayne, East Wake maintained control from start to finish, securing a commanding victory.


			
				                                Sarah Hess prepares to make a tactical throw-in attempt that would give the Lady Gators a fighting chance in a game with Eastern Wayne Tuesday night. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

Lady Warriors prove too much for Spring Creek

Eastern Wayne’s Lady Warriors proved too much for the home team Tuesday night, as Spring Creek’s Lady Gators fell to the visitors 56-36 in front of an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness this anticipated clash.


			
				                                Lady Tiger Shamya Johnson, with foes on her heels, makes a three-point attempt during a game against South Lenior. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

Lady Tigers dominate in home victory

WARSAW — The James Kenan Lady Tigers showcased a dominant performance on their home court Friday night, surging past the South Lenoir Blue Devils with an overwhelming 47-9 victory. After a slow start, the Tigers took full control of the game in the second half, using an aggressive defensive strategy and a relentless offensive push to secure a convincing win.


			
				                                David Zelaya posts up for teammate Jeremiah Hall,#11. (Robert Taylor|Mount Olive Tribune)

Kenan’s Tigers win nail-biter over South Lenoir

WARSAW — The game began with both teams showcasing strong defense, but it was the Tigers who were first to strike. David Zelaya opened the scoring with a layup, giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead. South Lenoir responded with a three-pointer to take the early advantage, but Zelaya’s quick thinking put the Tigers back in front with another layup, bringing the score to 4-2.

North Duplin’s Lady Rebels faced off against the Lady Leopards for the first round of the Carolina 1A tournament. North Duplin kept the Leopards caged all year. In their last two encounters, Lakewood only took one set out of six. Vengeanace was sweet as the Leopards returned the favor against their rivals and sent them home with the loss, 3-1.


			
				                                Rebel Nation showed up at Dail Stadium on the NC State campus to support the Lady Rebels in game two of the 2023 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1A state softball playoffs Saturday afternoon. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

North Duplin finishes state 1A runner-up in softball

RALEIGH — Two significant injuries led to a revamped North Duplin softball lineup that left everything on the diamond Saturday afternoon.


			
				                                Southern Wayne senior Ta’Niyah Glaspie, right, gets a hug from track coach Takisha Vann after she signed a national letter of- ntent to run indoor/outdoor track at UNC Pembroke next season. Glaspie was named the Saints’ Female Athlete of the Year. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

Southern Wayne athletes recognized for achievements in year-end awards ceremony

DUDLEY — Two student-athletes who made huge impacts in their respective sports garnered the highest honors possible during the season-ending awards ceremony held Tuesday evening.


			
				                                Wayne County Post 11 head coach Adam Pate watches his team from the dugout during a recent game. The former Post 11 player collected his 100th win Thursday evening — a 5-3 victory over Louisburg Post 105. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

Pate reaches 100-win mark with Post 11

LOUISBURG — Working with a 3-2 count, Wayne County Post 11 right-hander Ayden West fired a pitch toward the plate. The batter swung … and missed.