West Bladen Baseball's Remarkable Season Ends in Narrow NCHSAA Playoff Loss

West Bladen Baseball team photo.

Bladenboro, NC - The West Bladen Knights saw their unforgettable season come to a close Tuesday night, falling 5-4 to St. Pauls in the first round of the NCHSAA 2A Baseball Playoffs.

The Knights have plenty to hold their heads high about — a 17-5 overall record, an 8-2 mark in SAC 6 play, and their first conference championship since the 2007-2008 season.

It was a game that lived up to the drama of postseason baseball. The Knights battled to the final out, and it was clear that the heart and grit of this team never faded, even as the final inning closed in.

At the plate, West Bladen saw strong performances from several players. Senior JT Hepler sparked the offense with two doubles, scoring once and reaching base an additional time on a walk. Fellow senior Garrett Dunham added a double and drew a walk as well, showing poise in his final appearance for the Knights. Weston Hilburn came through with a big night, notching two singles and driving in three of West Bladen’s four runs.

Cade Allen added a double, an RBI, and a walk, helping push the Knights into striking distance. Tyler Lewis reached base twice, tallying a single, a walk, and scoring a run. Seniors Allister Russ and Aiden Russ both found their way on base and came around to score — Allister doing so after taking a pitch and drawing a walk, and Aiden with a key walk in the middle innings.

On the mound, Brady Durden turned in a solid start in his final outing as a Knight, pitching 4.1 innings and giving up just one earned run on six hits while striking out four and issuing no walks. Hunter Hester came on in relief and kept the game close with 2.2 innings of scoreless work, giving up only two hits, one walk, and striking out three.

Though the scoreboard didn’t fall in West Bladen’s favor, the season as a whole is one that won’t soon be forgotten. The Knights earned the #1 seed in the 2A East for the first time in school history and proved themselves as one of the region’s top teams through their consistency, toughness, and leadership.

Head Coach Clint Allen and his staff — Jason Bryant, Nolan Bryant, and Trevor Lesane — guided the team during the season and investing in the players.

To the seniors — Garrett Dunham, Aiden Russ, Allister Russ, Brady Durden, Luke Pait, and Cade Allen — congratulations on careers well played, and thank you for your leadership!

And to the returning core — Tyler Lewis, Caison Brixey, Ryan Dove, Josh Dawson, Jackson Smith, Daniel Bryan, JT Hepler, Hunter Hester, Weston Hilburn, Jonah Bryan, and Ashton Davis — this season lit the path forward.

The future is bright, and the next chapter is already in motion.

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West Bladen Baseball's Remarkable Season Ends in Narrow NCHSAA Playoff Loss