Kinston girls fall in program-first state semifinal appearance

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WTVY) - The Kinston Bulldogs fell to Winterboro 61-22 Monday in the AHSAA Class 1A Girls Basketball Semifinals, ending their season short of the state title game — but the program still made history in the process.

Head coach Andy Norris told the team after the game that, regardless of the loss, they had created a legacy for the program. The Bulldogs became the first team in program history to reach the Regional Finals, advance to the State Finals in Birmingham, and win more than 26 games in a season.

Kinston shot 6-for-50 from the field and 3-for-20 from three-point range in the final four loss to Winterboro. Half of the Bulldogs’ points came from the free-throw line, where they went 7-for-8.

“I knew they (Winterboro) were gonna be fast and be able to jump,” Norris said. “They were longer than any team that we’ve played all year. So that was a concern. I thought we had to do a better job of moving the ball. And in the first half, we didn’t move the ball well at all, which we’ve done all season. But I think it was a little bit different animal we were going up against today.”

Second-leading scorer and overall leading scorer Allyx Williamson, who played the entire season recovering from hip surgery, will now need to undergo another procedure.

“I’m not gonna lie and say that my hip doesn’t still hurt — the injury’s not still there,” Williamson said. “But I’m learning to play with it. It’s kind of part of life. I’m just hoping that I can come back strong enough next season to help benefit my team.”

Norris said his emotions after the game were tied largely to the program’s five seniors.

“I can’t say enough good about them,” Norris said. “They come to work every day. They’re a great group. Love every one of them. We have five seniors. That’s why I’m emotional — because best group of kids you’ll find.”

Norris also reflected on the support from the Kinston community throughout the season.

“You want to give that to them so bad,” Norris said. “Our community is literally one like no other. To be able to stand down there on the court and look up in the stands and see them all cheering for you and know that they believe in you.”

Despite the season ending, the Bulldog Nation was vocal in the stands Monday.

Most members of the girls basketball team are quickly making their way back home, as they are scheduled to play in a softball game Tuesday.

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