Wednesday, May 14, 2025

			
				                                Aleyah Wilson (23) of James Kenan maneuvers past the South Lenoir goalkeeper, sprinting up to the edge of the goal line to score a critical goal in the second half. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

James Kenan girls soccer outlasts South Lenoir in intense battle, 2-1 victory

WARSAW — The James Kenan Tigers delivered a thrilling 2-1 home victory over the South Lenoir Blue Devils Wednesday night in a hard-fought conference match that tested every layer of their defensive resolve, attacking creativity, and team chemistry. Senior standouts Katherine Enamorado and Karla Diaz combined for the two goals that pushed the Tigers past a physical and tactically sharp South Lenoir squad on a cool, breezy evening in Warsaw.


			
				                                Gators baserunner Nick Smith charges toward second while a Wayne Prep player attempts to field the throw in Spring Creek’s 16–0 victory. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

Spring Creek dominates in shutout victory over Wayne Preparatory Academy, 16–0

SEVEN SPRINGS — The Spring Creek Gators delivered a commanding performance, routing Wayne Preparatory Academy 16–0 in a varsity baseball contest that showcased timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and solid defensive execution.


			
				                                Garrett Stevens, No. 18, holds steady at first base for North Duplin, staying ready to field as Union looks to advance runners. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

North Duplin baseball delivers commanding win

North Duplin High School’s baseball team delivered a commanding performance, shutting out Union High School with a decisive 21–0 victory. The game showcased North Duplin’s offensive prowess and defensive solidity, culminating in a mercy-rule conclusion after four innings.


			
				                                North Duplin’s Matute Dariana, No. 4, steps in to challenge a Union attacker during the first half. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

North Duplin shuts out Union in commanding 3-0 home victory

North Duplin’s girls soccer team delivered a dominant performance Thursday evening, blanking Union High School 3-0 at home. The Rebels executed a complete game on both ends of the field, fueled by aggressive defense, cohesive midfield play, and timely scoring that steadily widened the gap.


			
				                                Southern Wayne’s Kenzi Aycock takes control of a loose ball while tightly marked by two East Wake defenders during second-half action. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

Southern Wayne battles East Wake to a scoreless draw in overtime thriller

Southern Wayne’s girls’ varsity soccer team hosted the East Wake Warriors in a high-energy, defense-heavy match that ultimately ended in a 0–0 draw after two scoreless overtime periods. From the opening whistle, both teams showcased strong defensive tactics, frequent turnovers, and several scoring opportunities that were ultimately denied by resilient goalkeeping on both ends.


			
				                                Legendary coach Doyle Whitfield was inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame Friday night during a ceremony at Southern Wayne High School. (Robert P. Taylor|Mountolivetribune.com)

Whitfield honored with NCHSAA Hall of Fame induction

Southern Wayne High School celebrated a monumental moment Friday night, honoring legendary coach Doyle Whitfield for his induction into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Hall of Fame. The event, held between the JV and varsity baseball games, drew a crowd of former players, family, and community members eager to pay tribute to a coach who dedicated decades to shaping young athletes.


			
				                                Kinzely Sloan, (#11), pauses at third base during softball action against North Johnston Thursday. (Robert P. Taylor|Mountolivetribune.com)

North Johnston overwhelms Spring Creek in 14-1 victory

SEVEN SPRINGS — North Johnston asserted dominance early and never relented, securing a 14-1 victory over Spring Creek’s Lady Gators Thursday on. Despite a brief spark from the home team, the visiting Panthers controlled the game with aggressive baserunning and timely hitting.


			
				                                Spring Creek’s Rosa Cabrera Flores (#7) sprints downfield as a defender launches into the air, showing off incredible athleticism in pursuit of the play. (Robert Taylor|Mountolivetribune.com)

Gators lose hard-fought battle to N. Johnston

Spring Creek hosted North Johnston on a cool evening in Spring Creek. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze drifting across the field, making for ideal playing conditions. The field, though slightly damp from rainfall earlier in the week, was firm enough for quick passes and sharp movements.


			
				                                No. 6 Trip Phipps attempting to get opponents out with a slick pass from pitcher. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

James Kenan secures strong win over Kinston with late offensive surge

KENANSVILLE — The James Kenan Tigers overcame early struggles and a mid-game rally by Kinston to claim a decisive 17-7 victory. Behind aggressive baserunning and a late-game offensive explosion, the Tigers pulled away to secure the win.


			
				                                No. 15 Kenadi Gideons with a good hit to get to second base. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)

James Kenan dominates Kinston Vikings in 17-1 victory

The James Kenan softball team delivered a dominant performance against the Kinston Vikings, securing a decisive 17-1 victory. Head coach Craig Armstrong expected his team to play at a high level, and they did just that, executing efficiently on both offense and defense.