When Donavan Worley walks into the Tar Heel Middle School gym for the first game of the year, it won’t just be another coaching stop. For the Whiteville native, it’s the start of a new chapter — one where he’s committed to building both a winning tradition and a strong community around Tar Heel athletics. Worley, a graduate of UNC Pembroke with a Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Health and Physical Education, has been on the sidelines and in the classroom for years. He sta

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

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

It’s not every day you find a world-traveling professional athlete living in Bladen County—but that’s been home for Thomas De Thaey and his family over the past few years. And while his basketball journey has taken him across the globe, he’s now beginning to look toward what the next chapter might hold right here at home. Originally from Belgium, De Thaey came to the United States in 2011 to play college basketball for NC State under head coach Mark Gottfried. He was p

Brent Jackson, a proud graduate of West Bladen, has been named the school’s new Athletic Director. Jackson steps into the role after previously serving in the same capacity at Tar Heel Middle School, where he built strong relationships with student-athletes and staff. Now, he’s ready to take on a new challenge—this time at the high school level. “The thing I am looking forward to the most is working with students at the high school level, specifically coaching boys socc

West Bladen High School celebrated the accomplishments of its student-athletes during the 2024–2025 school year with its annual awards ceremony, recognizing dedication, effort, and excellence across every sport. From hard-hitting football moments to playoff runs, the Knights made their mark on the season and the conference.

East Bladen High School capped off another year of athletic competition by honoring the hard work, dedication, and achievements of its student-athletes at the annual sports awards ceremony. From the grit of Friday night lights to the precision of tennis volleys and the relentless pace of track meets, Eagles across all sports were recognized for their standout performances and contributions throughout the 2024–2025 school year.

One of East Bladen’s most decorated student-athletes is taking her talents to the collegiate level. Laila Smith, a multi-sport standout and key contributor in both basketball and track, has officially signed with Barton College, where she will compete in both basketball and track & field. Smith’s impact on the court was undeniable over her four years on the East Bladen varsity basketball team. From the moment she stepped on the floor as a freshman, she played like someone

​Kewone Maynor has always let his game speak for itself. A quiet leader with a relentless motor, the East Bladen stand The former three-sport All-Conference athlete from East Bladen High School has officially committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Alabama A&M University. The announcement came via his personal social media, where Lewis expressed his gratitude to God, family, coaches, and the A&M staff for believing in him. “The real work starts now,” h

From Elizabethtown to the NCAA Division I stage, Zamar Lewis’s journey is a testament to growth, grit, and faith. The former three-sport All-Conference athlete from East Bladen High School has officially committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Alabama A&M University. The announcement came via his personal social media, where Lewis expressed his gratitude to God, family, coaches, and the A&M staff for believing in him. “The real work starts now,” he wr

There’s an undeniable energy in the air as Bladen County prepares to host not one, but two high school baseball playoff games this week. We are also awaiting the brackets for Girl's Soccer to be released on May 9th. East Bladen is projected to the #4 seed at this point. Be on the lookout for that article coming up.

As spring sports head into their final stretch, playoff dreams are alive and well across Bladen County. From comeback seasons on the baseball and softball fields to a dom With wins over Overhills, South Columbus, and South View, the Knights improved to 14-4 overall and remain lock The win bumps West Bladen to 11-4 overall and 6-2 in conference play, where they now share the top spot with Midway and Clinton. With no SAC-6 conference tournament, the NCHSAA’s RPI system w

NeNe Ward, one of East Bladen High School’s most decorated athletes in recent memory, is taking her game to the next level. The dynamic guard has signed with Wake Technical Community College to continue her basketball career, closing the chapter on a remarkable high school journey that left a lasting mark on Bladen County sports. Ward started all four years for the East Bladen girls basketball team and finished with over 1,500 career points. She made a name for herself

West Bladen senior Hezekiah “Heze” Adams has officially committed to Livingstone College to continue his football career at the next level.

Zamar Lewis. Fayetteville, NC - ​Former East Bladen High School standout Zamar Lewis is making a significant impact on the baseball...

East Bladen and West Bladen preparing for their Regional Semifinals on Friday. Find out about the teams that they play.

Bladen County, NC - The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) is making a major shift in how schools are classified,...

East Bladen and West Bladen preparing for their Regional Semifinals on Friday. Find out about the teams that they play.

left: Laila Smith (East Bladen) right: Hezekiah Adams (West Bladen). Photos credits: Ken Arm Photo East Bladen Lady Eagles Women’s...