First row: Austin Malena, Jakori Spencer-Turner, La'Jaylen Robertson, Jakobi Spencer-Turner, Calvin Tate, Jai'ven Watkins, Kaden Jones, Jayden Davis, and Orlandos Rutherford. Second row:  Glendarius Morrow, Kealan Polk, CJ Jarrett, Corre'on McNeal, Tametric Harris, Jeremiah Woody, and Ja'Corey Stanley. Photo by Tina Cranford.

Season Ends in Semifinals

Bolivar Middle School saw another undefeated regular season end in the sectional tournament as Crestview Middle School beat the Tigers 40-38 with a layup at the buzzer at Northview Middle School in Newbern on February 1.

The loss marked the fourth straight season the Tigers completed an undefeated regular season, but the first time in the four years they failed to make the sectional final.

Bolivar reached the semifinal on January 29 with a 48-41 win over Martin Middle School.

Sectional Notes: The Bolivar Middle School Girls reached the semifinal as well, beating JCM 50-8 on January 29, but fell to Martin Middle 44-42 on January 31. Whiteville fell 58-43 to JP Freeman in the first round on January 29. The Middleton Middle School Girls will play in the sectional semifinals in Whiteville on February 5, after beating Lake County 40-20 on January 29, and Douglas 56-14 on January 31. Middleton will face Lake Road at 3:00 p.m.