It’s easy to cheer for the players. To scream at a coach’s decision. To question a call. But too often, the people wearing the stripes—the officials—fade into the background until one call sparks controversy. What’s often missed is the commitment, sacrifice, and heart that goes into officiating high school football across North Carolina. On Thursday, July 24, West Bladen High School hosted the Southeastern Football Officials Association’s annual coaching clinic, bringin

What started as an idea rooted in fellowship and faith has blossomed into a brand-new tradition in Bladen County. The inaugural season of the Bladen County Church Softball League officially wrapped up this summer, bringing together churches from across the region for friendly competition, community, and Christ-centered connection. With both men’s and women’s divisions taking the field, the league offered a new outlet for churches to gather outside their walls and engag

For Iveonna “NeNe” Ward, her final high school game came on one of the biggest stages in North Carolina girls basketball. On Monday night, Ward suited up one last time as a high school athlete, representing East Bladen and the East squad in the annual Women’s All-Star Game held at the Greensboro Coliseum’s Novant Health Fieldhouse — home of the NBA G-League’s Greensboro Swarm. Ward, who helped guide East Bladen to a 1A state runner-up finish this past season, was selected

When NeNe Ward takes the court at Greensboro’s Novant Health Fieldhouse on Monday, July 21st, she’ll be doing more than just representing East Bladen High School—she’ll be stepping into history. The annual East-West All-Star Basketball Game is one of North Carolina’s most prestigious showcases for graduating seniors. Held at the home of the NBA G-League’s Greensboro Swarm, the event brings together top talent from across the state in a highly anticipated East vs. West show