West Bladen Wraps Up Historic Volleyball Season, Eyes Playoff Push

BLADENBORO, NC — It’s been a season to remember for the West Bladen Lady Knights volleyball team.

On Thursday night, they wrapped up regular season play at home against conference powerhouse South Brunswick, a match that ended in a 3–0 loss, but hardly overshadowed what this team accomplished in 2025.

The Lady Knights finished the regular season with a 14–3 overall record and 8–2 mark in the 3A/4A/5A Southeastern Conference.

That success has them sitting at #23 in the 3A RPI rankings, with projections showing a potential #9 seed in the 3A East Playoffs, which would mean a home matchup against #24 Pender in the first round.

It’s the program’s best season since at least 2007, according to MaxPreps archives, a testament to a group that blended senior leadership with emerging talent, steady teamwork, and relentless energy on the court.

Tough Battle with South Brunswick

South Brunswick claimed the win in straight sets…25–20, 25–11, and 25–23…in what proved to be a scrappy match filled with long rallies and flashes of brilliance from the Knights.

Senior Kimberly Dowless led the attack with 8 kills, while Jaylyn Clark matched that total and added 2 blocks with several strong swings from the middle.

Makenna Thurman chipped in 5 kills and an ace, and Tahlela Bethea tallied a block and a kill in limited chances.

Setter Greer Pope paced the offense with 17 assists, along with an ace and 2 kills, while Emmy Bryant anchored the defense with 14 digs and 2 assists.

Kali Allen contributed an ace, a tip kill, and 2 digs, and Helaina Conklin, Brenna Hester, Shanna Lewis, Karlee Gause, and Natalie Sykes each added key plays across the rotation, from kills and digs to timely assists.

Brenna Hester also finished with 3 digs and a kill, and Sykes recorded 2 assists and several strong attacks to close out her home career.

A Senior Class to Celebrate

West Bladen honored its eight seniors, Kali Allen, Tahlela Bethea, Emmy Bryant, Jaylyn Clark, Helaina Conklin, Brenna Hester, Natalie Sykes, and Makenna Thurman, in a heartfelt ceremony before the match.

The group has been the heart and soul of this year’s turnaround and will leave behind one of the most successful seasons in program history.

JV Knights Finish Strong Season of Their Own

The Junior Varsity Lady Knights closed their season with a competitive two-set loss to South Brunswick, falling 25–21 and 25–21.

The effort capped an 8–5 season, filled with growth and promise for the future.

Bristol Allen served 2 aces, with 3 kills and 2 attacks, while Berkleigh Guy distributed the ball effectively with 19 assists, along with 3 kills, 5 attacks, and a dig.

Kynslie Kinlaw added 2 kills, 6 attacks, 1 block, 1 dig, and a team-high 23 assists.

Chloe Walters contributed 7 digs and 3 assists, and Hadley Dove finished with 2 kills, 3 attacks, and a dig. Vera Valentiner provided power at the net with 2 aces, 2 kills, and a block, while Hailii Andrews tallied a kill and assist.

Addison Wilcox, Amiya McCarty-Macfield, and Maycee Kinlaw also added important defensive plays throughout the match.

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West Bladen Wraps Up Historic Volleyball Season, Eyes Playoff Push