Lady Eagles Secure Consecutive Final Four Appearance with 68-45 Win Over North Duplin

East Bladen Girls Basketball Team

Mount Olive, NC - The East Bladen Lady Eagles are heading back to the 1A Eastern Regional Final after a dominant 68-45 win over North Duplin.

This marks their ninth trip to the regional final since 2006 and their second straight appearance in the Final Four.

From the opening tip, East Bladen set the tone, using a balanced attack and defensive intensity to control the game.

Seniors NeNe Ward and Laila Smith produced yet again for East Bladen, combining for 43 of the team’s 68 points. Ward led all scorers with 25 points, showing her ability to produce even against North Duplin’s box-and-one defense.

Smith added 18 points before fouling out in the third quarter, but her presence was felt early as she controlled the boards and finished strong inside.

“They played a box-and-one, and [NeNe] still produced,” said East Bladen head coach Patty Evers. “NeNe played incredible.”

The Lady Eagles got additional contributions from across the roster. Ariel Cromartie finished with 8 points, hitting key shots to keep momentum on East Bladen’s side.

Niyah Wooten also added 8 points while making an impact on the boards. Cabria Baldwin chipped in 5 points, while Aaliyah Monroe and Tatum Allen each added points in the win.

“Everyone played their role,” Evers said. “Niyah Wooten and Laila Smith did a great job on the boards tonight and knocked down shots.”

Despite Smith fouling out, East Bladen’s backcourt held strong. Baldwin and Cromartie took over ball-handling duties and ensured the Eagles didn’t lose control.

“Cabria and Ariel helped handle the ball when Laila fouled out,” Evers added. “Our players off the bench did a great job.”

The significance of this victory extends beyond the scoreboard.

With a rich program history—including 14 conference titles in 24 years and 18 seasons of 20+ wins in the last 21 seasons—East Bladen continues to prove itself as an underrated and consistent program in North Carolina high school basketball.

“I am so excited for these girls getting a return trip to the Final Four,” Evers said.

With their experienced seniors leading the way, East Bladen now turns its attention to top-seeded Perquimans in the Eastern Regional Final on Tuesday.

The schedule for the Regional Finals should be released at some point on Saturday. I will provide details when avaiable.

With a trip to the state championship on the line, the Lady Eagles will look to keep their postseason run alive.

East Bladen 20 20 16 12 - 68

Wilson Prep 10 11 12 12 - 45

East Bladen (68) - Nene Ward 25, Nevaeh Brown, Aaliyah Monroe 3, Ariel Cromartie 8, Cabria Baldwin 5, Tyliah Freeman, Tatum Allen 1, Taylor Dowless, Laila Smith 18, Niyah Wooten 8.

North Duplin (45) - Abby Higginboth 4, Abby Rose 9, Lilly Fulgham 2, Maggie Brown 11, Tateyanna Faison 17, Abigail Norris, Eva Quinknilla 2, Michelle Jaco, Tristyn Blast, Deniyah Pearsall, Camden Cox, Sophia Davis, Natalie Carreon.