Kinston High School's basketball teams delivered a clean sweep against North Lenoir on Senior Night

On Senior Night, Kinston High School's basketball teams delivered a clean sweep against North Lenoir, with victories in Varsity Boys, Varsity Girls, and JV Boys matchups.

Varsity Girls: The Lady Vikings dominated with a 63-28 win. Sophomore guard Aleah Hill led the charge, scoring 27 points, including five three-pointers. The game was competitive in the first half, with Kinston leading 30-20 at halftime. However, after a motivating halftime discussion with Coach Chris Bradshaw, the team surged ahead, outscoring North Lenoir 18-4 in the third quarter and 15-6 in the fourth. Nashayla Mason contributed 11 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while America Lloyd and Aryionna Willis added 9 and 7 points, respectively.

Coach Bradshaw praised his team's performance, stating, "I thought the girls played well; they kind of put together four quarters of basketball, which is something we haven't done all season." Regarding his halftime message before the 33-8 run, he added, "At halftime, I told them in the third quarter we're going to make a run, lock in, and focus on what we had said we were going to focus on, and we're going to play some good basketball. The girls responded." On Aleah Hill's standout performance, Bradshaw remarked, "Aleah is a gamer. She is ready to play every night, regardless if she scores 8 points or 27 points; she is ready to play every night."

The Lady Vikings are set to host South Lenoir in the upcoming conference tournament.

Varsity Boys: The Kinston boys mirrored the girls' success with a commanding 70-41 victory. Senior Night honored Okie Edwards, Camir Fields, Isaiah Parson, and Javen Dixon, all of whom made significant contributions. Keyshawn Herring led the team with 20 points, featuring several highlight-reel dunks. Genesis Wiggins added 11 points, and Tyreke Copper scored 8 points, including a memorable alley-oop dunk. North Lenoir's Ju Veal led his team with 16 points, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter.

Coach Perry Tyndall reflected on the evening: "It was Senior Night; it's a little different, a little bit different emotions. I thought we came out a little flat, but I was really happy for these guys. They made a little run there in the beginning. Anytime on Senior Night, it is about them tonight and the different experiences for each one of the seniors."

He continued, "All four are special players. Isaiah Parson, a four-year player in the program; his brother played here, his dad coaches with us; he has been in it, worked hard, grinded it, and just chipped away to be where he is at. Okie Edwards comes in and really just been a joy to coach; love having him playing, didn't know if he was going to, but he has been a tremendous addition to our team this year. Camir Fields and JD Dixon are program guys; both of these guys have done anything you have ever asked them to do. It hasn't been easy, it's no doubt about it; if I asked them to bust through that wall right there, they would do it. Those selfless sacrifices they add to our program are invaluable."

Reflecting on wearing the Kinston jersey, Isaiah Parson shared, "It means a lot; I've been coming to the K-High games since Brandon Ingram was playing, even down to the Reggie Bullock days; it really means a lot."

Okie Edwards added, "They have shown me they believed in me, and it's a great program and environment to be around."

Javen Dixon emphasized, "Even though it's Senior Night, this is not where we stop; it doesn't matter if I had zero points or if he had 30, we want the title."

Coach Tyndall concluded, "We have come way too far to stop and slow down; we know there are gains to be made. This group has not met their full potential yet... this is kind of the time we want to start rolling. Conference tourney next week, everyone is 0-0; you're going to get everyone's best shot; this is everyone's chance to win the conference."

The Vikings are gearing up for the conference tournament, aiming to carry their momentum forward.