News Reporter Sports

07/29/2024

A sport that’s growing in popularity across North Carolina has now muscled its way into Columbus County as well.

07/27/2024

Following a standout prep career at South Columbus, basketball player Rovaughn Graham is set to begin a new basketball career at Mount Olive University.

07/24/2024

🐊 🏈 “I’m excited to have this opportunity,” said Pedro. “I think one thing that our players need is consistency, and I hope to bring that here.”

East Columbus’ Fred Pedro has been promoted to the head coach position for the Gator football team.

07/22/2024

West Columbus graduate Triston Freeman had a penchant for big plays throughout his prep career.

“The feeling of defeating Whiteville for the first time in years was a feeling like no other,” said Freeman. “Especially when I made the game-winning play. All I could say was ‘God Did.’”

📰 This is a part of a series of stories featuring recent high school graduates who plan to compete in athletics in college.

West Columbus graduate Triston Freeman had a penchant for big plays throughout his prep career.

07/20/2024

The Columbus County Jr. Dixie Boys have secured a berth in the Jr. Dixie Boys World Series beginning July 26.

The Columbus County Junior (13 years-old) Dixie Boys team finished as the runner-up to Lumberton in their state tournament. However, the team received a berth in the Jr. Dixie Boys

07/19/2024

BREAKING: It's official — former Whiteville High School standout Brooks Baldwin has been tapped by the Chicago White Sox.

“I was surprised at how quickly Brooks moved up this season, but it is no surprise at all that he has made it to the highest level of professional baseball,” former WHS head coach Brett Harwood told The News Reporter.

Hours before the Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball (MLB) club officially announced its selection of Brooks Baldwin, his high school coach praised the Whiteville native’s skills and determination.

07/18/2024

Columbus County Dixie Boys go undefeated to capture the NC Dixie Boys tournament title.

The Columbus County Dixie Boys (14 years-old) defeated Duplin County 6-0 Thursday morning to secure the NC Dixie Boys State Tournament championship. Columbus County now qualifies for the Dixie Boys

07/18/2024

⚾ Three Columbus County youth baseball teams are still in the hunt for state championships and the opportunity to join two others preparing for World Series play.

Three Columbus County baseball teams remain alive in NC state tournament play.

07/18/2024

“Overall, it was a great experience to meet and learn from around the state,” said Elkins. “It’s a great event to be a part of, and I was thankful for the opportunity.”

The East Region team, led by Whiteville Head Soccer Coach Savanna Elkins, earned second place at this year’s BodyArmor State Games High School Soccer Showcase in Charlotte.

07/16/2024

Columbus County Dixie Pre-Majors pummel opponents to win NC Dixie Pre-Majors championship. Open World Series play in Louisiana this Saturday.

It was no contest. Columbus County earned run-rule wins in all four games of the 2024 NC Dixie Pre-Majors state tournament held at Brunswick Community College. The tournament ended a

07/15/2024

Shipman-Ganus is from Riegelwood and played her high school basketball for East Columbus and coach Karl Bracey. She was named The News Reporter All-Columbus Girls’ Player of the Year in both 1998 and 1999.

In a July 3 press release, Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) announced the appointment of LaTasha Shipman-Ganus as the new head coach for the Lady Falcons women's basketball team. Shipman-Ganus brings

07/15/2024

Columbus County earns wins in its first two state tournament games.

Columbus County has secured wins in its first two games in the NC Diamond Youth Baseball D1 Majors tournament in Mt. Holly. Columbus County topped Tryon 10–0 in opening round

07/15/2024

Columbus County Dixie Boys teams are enjoying early state tournament success at Town Creek.

The Columbus County Dixie Boys (14 years-old) edged Bladen County 5–3 on Sunday in the opening round of the state tournament held in Town Creek. First round play was moved

07/12/2024

Whiteville Nationals sweep past opponents to claim NCDYB D2 Majors title and a World Series berth in Bossier City, LA. July 25-31.

The Whiteville Nationals D2 Majors Diamond Youth Baseball team ran the table with five consecutive wins to claim the 2024 NC Diamond Youth Baseball D2 Majors state championship. The eight-team,

07/12/2024

Columbus County Dixie Pre-Majors begin play Saturday at Brunswick Community College.

The Columbus County Dixie Pre-Majors team will open state tournament play with two games Saturday against teams from Burgaw. The the three-team tournament is being held at Brunswick Community College.

07/12/2024

This story first appeared in the Spring & Summer 2024 edition of 954 magazine, which is published by The News Reporter.

07/11/2024

Following an impactful senior campaign at South Columbus, Daquan Cox said he’s ready to make a name for himself as a member of the UNC Pembroke baseball team.

07/10/2024

🐺 ⚾️ Although he was a two-sport athlete during his time at Whiteville High School, Ashton Hammonds said that there is no other sport “quite like the game of baseball.

“It will reward you,” said Hammonds, “and humble you quickly.”

📰 This is a part of a series of stories featuring recent high school graduates who plan to compete in athletics in college.

Although he was a two-sport athlete during his time at Whiteville High School, Ashton Hammonds said that there is no other sport “quite like the game of baseball.

07/08/2024

Whiteville's Amari Best said he will miss the time he spent with his classmates at WHS as he looks forward to joining Fayetteville State University this fall.

Whiteville’s Amari Best, known for his explosive athleticism in three sports, is set to join the Fayetteville State University football program this upcoming season.

07/06/2024

A three-sport athlete for East Columbus during her four years as a Gator, Destiney Mitchell is excited to start her collegiate career for the Brunswick Community College basketball team.

07/05/2024

Still reminiscing about American Legion baseball.

Yes, this week’s column contains more American Legion reminiscing. No, I don’t plan on American Legion baseball being a topic next week.

07/04/2024

A half dozen Columbus County Diamond Youth Baseball teams begin state tournament play this weekend.

Saturday, July 6 will have six Columbus County based Diamond Youth Baseball teams entering NCDYB State Tournament competition. All five tournaments are within easy driving distance of most Columbus County

07/03/2024

Six Columbus County based youth softball teams will be taking part in four North Carolina Dixe Softball State tournaments beginning Saturday.

Six Columbus County based youth softball teams will be taking part in four North Carolina Dixe Softball State tournaments beginning Saturday, July 6 in Bessemer City and Vale. Opening ceremonies

07/02/2024

Tabor City Post 507's baseball season ends without a playoff game.

An American Legion season that started off with a bang for Tabor City Post 507 ended quietly Monday afternoon when the team withdrew from the N.C. Area II playoffs opening

06/29/2024

Heading into the final weekend of regular season play, Tabor City Post 507 sits second in the Area II South Division.

06/27/2024

🐊 🏀 “I love that I can say that I was a part of that team in making history," said Chynna Patrick of East Columbus Jr./Sr. High. "I will always have something to look back on.”

📰 This is a part of a series of stories that will feature recent high school graduates who plan to compete in athletics in college.

For East Columbus graduate Chynna Patrick, her approach to every at-bat is simple.

06/27/2024

NCDYB AA State Tournament begins in Dunn June 29 with two teams from Columbus County participating.

The South Columbus and Riegelwood AA (Coach-Pitch) All Star teams will begin play in the 2024 NC Diamond Youth Baseball AA State Tournament in Dunn on Saturday, June 29.

06/25/2024

We attempted to post our story about the change in leadership of the South Columbus baseball program, but Facebook would not allow it to be posted. Not certain why, was told it was a violation of "community standards." The story is now on our web page, nrcolumbus.com/sports so visit it if you would like to learn the details of the change.

Sports Johnson steps down as South Columbus baseball coach, Justin White to take over Updated 51 mins ago South Columbus High School administration announced Tuesday morning that Stallions Head Baseball Coach Scott Johnson was stepping down from that position. Johnson’s replacement is set to be Ju...

06/21/2024

Wilmington Post 10 rallies late to defeat Tabor City Post 507.

For five innings it appeared Tabor City Post 507 was going to cruise to an easy win over Wilmington Post 10 Thursday evening at South Columbus High School. But as

06/21/2024

“I'm not saying it's better or worse, but it does feel different,” writes columnist Franklin Davis.

Let me quickly say this column is not designed to bash the current American Legion baseball team or besmirch the reputation of any coach or player. As a former player,