Thursday, December 5, 2024

			
				                                New Spring Creek head boys’ basketball coach Raytrell Caldwell claps after his team made a good defensive play during a recent game. The Gators picked up their first win of the season Saturday. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

SC boys grab first victory under Caldwell

GOLDSBORO — The wait is finally over.


			
				                                North Duplin’s Donovan Armwood celebrates after intercepting a pass in a game earlier this season. Armwood is one of 13 seniors who played their final game in a loss against Lakewood on Friday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

Lakewood stuns North Duplin in 1A football playoffs

CALYPSO — The adage “it’s hard to beat a good team twice in the same season” proved true Friday evening.


			
				                                James Kenan defensive coordinator John Bert Avent, far right, celebrates with players after upsetting Wallace-Rose Hill, 14-13 in overtime Friday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

James Kenan stages epic upset over arch nemesis

WALLACE — James Kenan teammates David “Cito” Zeleya and Zamarion Smith had the game of their lives for different reasons Friday evening.


			
				                                North Duplin senior Addy Higginbotham, second from right, signs a nationa letter-of-intent to play softball at Wingate University. At right is her dad, Joey. Her mom and softball coach Jaime Kylis, left, and sister, Grace, second from left, watch her sign. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

Higginbotham signs softball NLI with Wingate University

CALYPSO — The college softball recruiting process intimidates most athletes.


			
				                                Southern Wayne’s Zach Sauls pins Tucker Sullivan from American Leadership Academy in 33 seconds during their 138-pound match Wednesday at the Sass-Holmes Memorial Duals hosted by Rosewood High School. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

Saints’ matmen experience tough day

GOLDSBORO — Expected to field a competitive wrestling team this season, fourth-year Southern Wayne head coach Tori King walked away from the annual Sass-Holmes Memorial Duals with discontent Wednesday afternoon.


			
				                                North Lenoir’s Kasheena Lynch (24) nearly bowls over Spring Creek center Heather Alexander on her way to the basket Tuesday evening. Defending on the play are the Gators’ Trinity Daniels (12) and Sarah Hess (2). Lynch turned the ball over. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

Gators, Hawks split hoops doubleheader in “The Swamp”

SEVEN SPRINGS - It’s just three colors — green, blue and white.

Athlete of the Week

Athlete: Cal Avent


			
				                                James Kenan’s Keshaun Murray (20) celebrates a “pick six” with a teammate during an opening-round playoff win over Roanoke Rapids. Murray recorded an interception against Martin County on Friday. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

Tigers advance, set up showdown with Wallace-Rose Hill

WILLIAMSTON — The rematch is set.


			
				                                University of Mount Olive’s Raeford Dunton attempts a shot against Shorter University defender Ja’Myas Davis (22) during first-half action Saturday afternoon. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)

Trojans split conference hoops opener with Shorter University

University of Mount Olive launched its 2024-25 Conference Carolinas basketball campaign with a doubleheader split against newcomer Shorter (Georgia) University on Saturday afternoon.