Golfers wanting to start the new year off by playing in a tournament have a couple of choices. Vineyard Golf at White Lake and Land O Lakes in Whiteville have events scheduled Jan. 1.

The third annual Blind Squirrel Winter Classic is set for a 10 a.m. shotgun start at Vineyard Golf located off U.S. 701 between Elizabethtown and White Lake. Entry fee for the four-person Captain’s Choice tournament is $320 per team. For information, contact Matthew Davis at 910-876-7373.

Land O Lakes Golf Club will host its annual Collard Open tournament Jan. 1 with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. It’s a two-player Captain’s Choice event limited to 50 teams. Fee is $45 for members and $55 for guests. Drawings for prizes include a free membership.The course is located at 2950 Bill Hooks Road. For information, call the course at 910-642-5757.

Vineyard Golf also has scheduled a Superintendent’s Revenge event Jan. 10 with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Entry fee is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. Superintendent Alan Smith plans to get creative for the tournament with tees in unexpected places, greens cups moved and course obstacles that will make it more challenging. For information, call the course at 910-247-6132.

Here is the Bladen County sports schedule for Dec. 8-13. The schedule is subject to change.

Master sports schedule | Standings

MONDAY, DEC. 8

No games scheduled

TUESDAY, DEC. 9

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

West Bladen at East Bladen, JV girls 4 p.m.; JV boys 5:15 p.m., Varsity girls, 6 p.m., Varsity boys 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

East Bladen at South Columbus, JV girls 4 p.m.; JV boys 5:15 p.m., Varsity girls 6 p.m., Varsity boys 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Basketball

Emereau Bladen at Harrells Christian, Girls 4 p.m., Boys 5:15 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

East Bladen at Whiteville, JV girls 4 p.m.; JV boys 5:15 p.m., Varsity girls 6 p.m., Varsity boys 7:30 p.m.

West Bladen at Farmville, JV boys 4:30 p.m., Varsity girls 6 p.m., Varsity boys 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

No games scheduled

KILL DEVIL HILLS — Sophomores Damien Robinson and Rashad Shaw combined for nine 3-point baskets and 42 points Saturday to lead Landstown High of Virginia Beach to an 87-58 victory over West Bladen in the Good Guys vs. Cancer Showcase at First Flight High School.

Coach Travis Pait’s Knights (4-2) will visit East Bladen on Tuesday night. Landstown is 3-0.

Robinson threw in four 3-pointers and a game-high 24 points. Shaw rang up five 3-pointers and 18 points.

Senior Jackson Pait connected on four 3-point shots and led West Bladen with 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Tylik McCall bombed in a trio of 3-pointers and totaled 16 points. Kendell Lessane snared seven rebounds.

After Landstown went up 4-0, McCall and Pait answered with 3-point baskets from the left wing. McCall drained another 3-ball for a 9-4 Knight lead, then drove for a lay-up and tacked on a free throw.

Shaw and Law rallied the Eagles to a 19-12 lead, but Pait popped in a 15-footer, and Adams-Peterson hurled in a turnaround 3-ball from the corner that beat the quarter buzzer and pulled West to within 21-17.

After a Pait free throw, Adams-Peterson and Pait swished 3-balls from the top of the key before Lesane buried a corner 3-ball that kept the Knights within 30-27. McCall fired in a 3-ball to narrow the gap to 34-30.

Pait drilled in a 3-pointer, and Lessane worked the lane for a bucket, but Shaw’s 3-ball stretched the Eagle halftime lead to 44-35.

Lesane knocked in another corner 3-ball, and Bryant pulled up for a 12-footer then banged in a follow shot. McCall popped in a 12-footer, but five points from Law and four from Robinson pushed the Landstown lead to 57-44.

A trio of 3-balls from Robinson keyed a 30-14 final period for the Eagles.

Six-foot-six Justin Walker’s 11 rebounds helped the Eagles enjoy a 37-32 edge on the boards. Landstown made 14 of 20 free throws, while West was 4 for 7 at the line.

LANDSTOWN (84) — Damien Robinson 24, Josiah Law 13, Jeremiah Fajota 5, Chase Johnson 15, Rashad Shaw 18, Maurice Manigoe 6, Ciyeh Sudan 1, Angelo Escobar 3, Alan Walker 2.

WEST BLADEN (58) — Jackson Pait 17, Demarion Bryant 6, Sayvion Covington, Tylik McCall 16, Kendell Lessane 2, Keonta Hill, Jaquan Lesane 6, Jamari Adams-Peterson 9, Carnell Lewis, Keon Whittington, Ethan Bourhill, Ahmbrie Cooper, Cyncere Jessup, Blake Britt, Justin Spaulding 2.

Several East Bladen High School athletes were named to All-Carolina Conference teams for the fall sports seasons.

FOOTBALL

The Eagles went 9-4 and advanced to the fourth round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A playoffs. Named to the all-conference team were Dashon Campbell, Julius Battle, Jaden Lewis and GeReal Maye. Receiving honorable mention were Keyshawn Kemp, Jaxon Hair and Bradley Townsend.

Campbell ran for 1,224 yards and 18 touchdowns. Battle was first on the team with 34 solo tackles and six tackles for loss and second with 73 total tackles. Lewis ran for 1,427 yards and 17 touchdowns. Kemp completed 28 of 59 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns and also ran for six touchdowns. Maye had 32 total tackles and also was a key member of the offensive line that helped the Eagles average 289.5 rushing yards per game and score 47 touchdowns..

BOYS’ SOCCER

The boys’ soccer team went 14-7-4 and placed second in the Carolina Conference regular season and tournament. The Eagles played in the second round of the state 2A playoffs. Recognized as all-conference members were Ishaq Algozy, Davion Lewis, Jayce Hatcher, Tyler Eason, Fox Sutton. Honorable mentions were Easton Bostic, Ethan Metz, Landyn Scott and Damion Sanchez.

Algozy scored 33 goals, including six hat tricks, and assisted on 31 goals to lead the East Bladen offense. Hatcher was second in goals with 19 and had 526 steals as a midfielder. Lewis anchored the defense from his centerback position, assisted on 15 goals and had 526 steals. Eason, a midfielder, scored three times and assisted on another goal. Sutton made 163 saves in goal and had a 2.2 goals against average.

Three of the Eagles’ players and two coaches were recognized by the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association. Algozy and Lewis were named to the NCSCA 2A All-State team and Eric Sandoval was named the 2A Assistant Coach of the Year. Jayce Hatcher was named to the NCSCA 2A All-Region team for the third season. Jay Raynor was named the Regional Coach of the Year.

VOLLEYBALL

The volleyball team placed Tatum Allen and Mileigh Martin on the All-Carolina squad while Aubrei Nixon was honorable mention.

Martin had team-highs in service aces (42), serve percentage (97.3) and digs (72). Allen had 40 service aces and an 84.5 serve percentage.

FOOTBALL CHEERLEADING

Representing East Bladen on the all-conference cheerleading squad were Taylor Wheeless and Macey Potter. Honorable mention went to Alyssa Chavis.

ROCKY POINT — Heide Trask raced to an early lead and never trailed in beating East Bladen 53-44 on Friday night in a non-conference girls’ high school basketball game.

It was the first time the Titans had defeated East Bladen in 18 games. The Eagles were 17-0 in the series dating to 2011, according to MaxPreps. It also was the first loss this season for East Bladen (4-1).

East Bladen played without senior Ariel Cromartie, who injured her left shoulder Tuesday against North Brunswick.

Master sports schedule | Standings

Trask scored 11 of the first 13 points and led 16-6 at the end of the first quarter. East Bladen’s points came on six free throws.

The Eagles’ first field goal came with 6:42 remaining in the second quarter when Sana’a Singletary scored and added a free throw that cut the Trask lead to 22-9. The Titans led 33-16 at half.

East Bladen cut it to 41-31 on a pair of free throws by Niyah Wooten with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter. The Eagles scored the final nine points to account for the final nine-point margin.

Aaliyah Monroe led East Bladen with 16 points, Wooten had 11 and Singletary added 10.

Sophia Gough scored 17 for Trask (3-4).

• In the boys’ game, Matthias Sonne and Demond Moore combined for 36 points as Trask (4-1) won 67-47 and kept the Eagles winless. Tevin McLean scored 14 points and Keyshawn Kemp added 12 for East Bladen (0-4).

Kemp scored the first basket of the game that gave East Bladen its only lead. The teams were tied at 5-all following a three-point play by Kemp two minutes in before the Titans got baskets from Moore and Sonne followed by a free throw by Trey Paffenroth that pulled Trask ahead for good at 10-5.

The Titans led 32-21 at half and 50-30 at the end of the third quarter.

• In the junior varsity girls’ game, Jenniyah Jones scored 11 points as East Bladen rolled to a 45-18 win over Trask. Seven players scored for the Eagles (2-2).

• In the junior varsity boys’ game, Bradley Ashlock and Ellis Stalty combined for 23 points to propel Trask to a 45-32 victory. Lakota Schmale scored 11 for the Eagles (0-4).

GIRLS: HEIDE TRASK 53, EAST BLADEN 44

East Bladen (44) — Aaliyah Monroe 16, Ellen Battle 6, T.T. Richardson, Tyliah Freeman 1, Julia Flowers, Sana’a Singletary 10, Niyah Wooten 11, Grayce Edwards.

Trask (53) — Sophia Gough 17, Alanah Watkins 12, Carley Davis 4, Laila Ballard 8, Scarlett Dickson 10, Alanah Newkirk 2.

BOYS: HEIDE TRASK 67, EAST BLADEN 47

East Bladen (47) — Keyshawn Kemp 12, Tevin McLean 14, Khalil McKoy 3, John Monroe, Sheldon Melvin 1, Benjamin Lent, Landyn Scott 9, C.J. Jacobs, Conner Hill, Za’Quan Gray 6, Dashon Campbell, Yoni Gonzales, Braylon Johnson 2, Tucker Smith, Jaden Lewis.

Trask (67) — Matthias Sonne 21, Trey Paffenroth 9, K.J. Murphy 2, Faqeen Harmon 6, Jackson Parker 9, Demond Moore 15, Quincy Moore 5.

JV GIRLS: EAST BLADEN 45, HEIDE TRASK 18

East Bladen (45) — Kayla Hall 6, Kayelynn Chambers 9, Zariyah Riddy 7, Angelina Jones 8, Jenniyah Jones 11, Kylee Spaulding 1, Paris Jenkins, Lila Young 3.

Trask (18) — Alexis W. 2, Makynli G. 2, Madeline H. 1, Johanna N. 5, Dakota J. 2, Shelby B. 6.

JV BOYS: HEIDE TRASK 45, EAST BLADEN 32

East Bladen (32) — Damian Maynor, Zahmarion Pone 3, Ishaq Algozy, John High, Prince Powell, Joel Lewis 8, Fox Sutton, Dashan Henderson 4, Lakota Schmale 11, Prince McKoy 4, Darnell Rouse 2, Tyrone Freeman.

Trask (45) — Bradley Ashlock 12, Ellis Stalty 11, Biron Basdyn 2, Quanerious M. 4, Sequincey Lewis 4, Eli Payne 3, Amari Williams 9.

KILL DEVIL HILLS — West Bladen rode a 17-4 closing run to an 84-76 victory over Currituck County on Thursday in the Good Guys vs. Cancer Showcase at First Flight High School.

Coach Travis Pait’s Knights improved to 4-1 and will play Landstown of Virginia Beach on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in the Showcase.

Master sports schedule | Standings

Jackson Pait ignited the West comeback with a 3-point basket at the 4:37 mark. Tylik McCall’s assist led to a tying lay-up by Jamari Adams-Peterson.

McCall sank two free throws to put West ahead to stay with 3:17 on the clock. Pait stole the ball, and McCall worked the baseline for a lay-up. Demarion Bryant stole the ball and sprinted for a lay-up and a 78-72 West lead.

Pait pulled up for a 14-footer with 2:11 left, and after a Currituck turnover, McCall popped out of the West weave for a lay-up and an 82-76 edge. A steal by Keonta Hill resulted in a McCall assist that produced a lay-up for Adams-Peterson.

Kendell Lessane posted a double-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Pait topped the West Bladen scoring with 22 points and added four assists, three rebounds and two steals. McCall finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots.

Lessane’s lay-up gave West Bladen a 37-35 halftime lead.

Jamie Dance scored nine points that keyed a 15-0 surge early in the third quarter that pushed Currituck ahead 50-38.

West Bladen cut the deficit to seven, 64-57, at the end of the third quarter.

The Currituck County Knights (1-1) were led by Dance with 27 points, 6-3 senior Tristan Peterson with 20 points and Holden Pickering with 10 points.

WEST BLADEN (84) — Jackson Pait 22, Demarion Bryant 6, Sayvion Covington, Tylik McCall 19, Kendell Lessane 21, Keonta Hill 2, Jaquan Lesane 2, Jamari Adams-Peterson 7, Carnell Lewis 2, Cyncere Jessup, Blake Britt 3, Justin Spaulding.

CURRITUCK COUNTY (76) — Hunter Hilton 6, Ricky Skinner 9, Holden Pickering 10, Jamie Dance 27, Luka Britt 2, Zion Banks 2, Tristan Peterson 20.

BLADENBORO — The West Bladen Middle football team celebrated eighth grade night with an exhilarating 38-30 win against Whiteville Central to close the season.

The Knights (3-2) were in their first year of combining players from Bladenboro Middle and Tar Heel School for football.

Master sports schedule | Standings

BOYS’ BASKETBALL: CAPE FEAR ACADEMY 26, EMEREAU: BLADEN 21

In Wilmington, the Aviators’ second half rally fell short against Cape Fear Academy. Emereau: Bladen (1-2) trailed 18-11 at half, but cut the deficit to 19-17 at the end of the third quarter.

Emereau: Bladen (21) — Eli Dicicco 2, Noah Ray 4, Jayden Bordeaux 8, Colt Lewis, Cayden Smith 7, Grayson Leggett, Ryker Britt, Mason Sasser, Cooper Patrick.

Cape Fear Academy (26) — Wayland Beam 5, Aidan Carmichael 1, George Holeman 11, Davis Cherry 5, Henry Miller 2.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: CAPE FEAR ACADEMY 24, EMEREAU: BLADEN 23

In Wilmington, the Aviators (1-2) came up a point short in their contest at Cape Fear Academy. Keri Burgess led Emereau: Bladen with 13 points. The Aviators trailed 15-11 at the end of the third quarter.

Emereau: Bladen (23) — Khloe Campbell, Holly McMillan 2, Keri Burgess 13, Harper Allen, 5, Zoe Hall 3, Laikyn Rogerson, Rylie Dowless, Carley Parish, Aleina Wilkins, Heidi Sasser, Laila Ward.

Cape Fear Academy (24) — Harper 18, Kenna 4, Emma 2.

It was a bit of a struggle at times for the East Bladen girls’ basketball team until Sana’a Singletary took over.

The sophomore center scored 11 of her game-high 21 points in the third quarter Tuesday night in leading the Eagles to a 41-28 victory over North Brunswick in a non-conference game played on Patty Evers Court.

Singletary’s third-quarter performance helped East Bladen (4-0) turn a 17-15 halftime lead into a 35-22 advantage.

Master sports schedule | Standings

“It was a rough, slow start,” East Bladen coach Patty Evers said. “We couldn’t find ways to score. We needed to get Sana’a going.”

She did, indeed, get going.

Singletary scored the first two baskets in the third quarter, added a three-point play midway through the period, then scored the final four points of the quarter for the Eagles that gave East Bladen a 35-19 lead. North Brunswick’s Taylor King made a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that made it 35-22.

“She did an excellent job,” Evers said of Singletary. “She’s only a sophomore. There’s a lot of room to grow.

“I’m very proud of Niyah Wooten. She held her composure. She was the only senior on the floor after Ariel (Cromartie) got hurt,” Ever said. “We had to fight through adversity once again and I’m proud of the girls. They did a good job.”

Cromartie, the Eagles’ point guard and leading scorer at 15.7 points per game entering Tuesday, injured her left shoulder with 2:57 remaining in the second quarter and did not return. Cromartie was hurt on a scramble for the ball when she landed on her left shoulder, then a North Brunswick player landed on top of her. Cromartie’s injury was to be evaluated Wednesday, Evers said.

“We held our composure to play neck and neck with them at the half and then early in the third quarter, we went ahead, took a significant lead and then we just held on in the fourth quarter, made some key free throws,” Evers said. “We played good defense there in the last five minutes of the game to keep them away from the basket.”

East Bladen never trailed in beating the Scorpions for the second time this season. The Eagles won 53-40 on Nov. 20.

North Brunswick (0-5) rallied from a 13-7 first quarter deficit to pull within 17-15 at half on a basket by Adrianna Gomez.

East Bladen outscored the Scorpions 18-7 in the third quarter.

NORTH BRUNSWICK (28) — Adrianna Gomez 13, Dari’elle Young 5, Laya Wizman 3, Taylor King 7.

EAST BLADEN (41) — Aaliyah Monroe 13, Ellen Battle, Ariel Cromartie 2, T.T. Richardson, Tyliah Freeman 2, Julia Flowers, Sana’a Singletary 21, Niyah Wooten 2, Grayce Edwards.

BLADENBORO — Senior Tylik McCall pumped in a game-high 17 points and West Bladen’s smothering defense carried the Knights to a 66-30 non-conference boys’ basketball victory over East Columbus on Tuesday night.

The Knights (3-1) will travel to Kill Devil Hills on Thursday for a 4 p.m. game against Currituck in the Good Guys vs Cancer Showcase at First Flight High School.

Master sports schedule | Standings

“We played horribly last week against a very good team (Hoggard),” said Knight Coach Travis Pait. “Practices were not good until yesterday when we had an amazing practice and that carried over into tonight. I challenged them to play hard and every one of them did.”

Jamari Adams-Peterson swished a corner 3-point shot for an early 3-2 West lead, but after Demarion Bryant’s free throw, Tyron Keaton’s lay-up gave the Gators a 7-4 lead.

The Knight defense shut out the Gators for the next 7:27 during a 22-0 run that opened up a 26-7 West lead. Carnell Lewis ignited the spurt with a runner and McCall drained a 3-pointer off Keonta Hill’s assist. Hill put back a rebound for an 11-7 lead.

Jackson Pait flipped in a 10-footer and Cyncere Jessup turned a Lewis assist into a lay-up. McCall buried another 3-ball and Pait banked in a running 8-footer for a 20-7 lead at the quarter break.

McCall popped in a turnaround 8-footer, and Bryant tossed in a 4-footer. Jessup scored a transition lay-up before K.J. Thurman snapped the Gator drought with a short bank shot.

Junior Kendell Lessane nailed a 3-point shot for West. Pait sank two free throws and Adams-Peterson netted one for a 32-14 lead. McCall bombed in 3-balls from the right corner and left wing and Blake Britt drilled in a 3-pointer from the left wing for a 41-16 halftime lead.

McCall collected six rebounds, three assists and three steals for West Bladen. Pait finished with nine points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

The Knights limited the Gators to 26 percent shooting, forced 22 turnovers and were credited with 20 steals in the game. West also held a 43-28 edge in rebounds.

East Columbus (30) — K.J. Thurman 8, Adrion Jenrette 5, Zay Hines 2, Tyron Keaton 4, Jaimeer Hudson 9, Rudy Jernigan 2.

West Bladen (66) — Jackson Pait 9, Demarion Bryant 3, Sayvion Covington, Tylik McCall 17, Kendell Lessane 5, Keonta Hill 6, Jaquan Lesane 7, Jamari Adams-Peterson 6, Carnell Lewis 2, Keon Whittington, Ethan Bourhill, Ahmbrie Cooper 1, Cyncere Jessup 4, Blake Britt 6, Justin Spaulding.

Jack Baker scored 22 points Tuesday night in leading North Brunswick to a 68-31 win against East Bladen in a non-conference boys’ high school basketball game played on Patty Evers Court.

Keyshawn Kemp scored eight points and Tevin McLean added seven for the Eagles (0-3). Football players Khalil McKoy, Dashon Campbell, Braylon Johnson and Kemp joined the team Tuesday after East Bladen was eliminated from the state 2A playoffs Friday by Tarboro.

Master sports schedule | Standings

The Eagles, who lost at North Brunswick 59-16 to open the season Nov. 20, hung with the Scorpions for the first half. Baker’s 14 points helped North Brunswick to a 29-20 lead at the break. North Brunswick dominated the second half, outscoring the Eagles 39-11.

North Brunswick (68) — M.J. Smith 8, Zorion Patterson 6, Zymier Thomas 2, Isaiah Goodman 5, Gabe Camacho 6, Jamarius Parker 2, Frankie King 3, Kane Jenrette 12, Juelz Waterson 2, Jack Baker 22.

East Bladen (31) — Keyshawn Kemp 8, Tevin McLean 7, Khalil McKoy, John Monroe, Benjamin Lent, Landyn Scott 3, C.J. Jacobs 1, Conner Hill, Za’Quan Gray 6, Dashon Campbell, Sheldon Melvin 6, Braylon Johnson, Tucker Smith, Yoni Gonzales.

VARSITY GIRLS: EAST COLUMBUS 59, WEST BLADEN 39

West Bladen seniors Kali Allen and Natalee Sykes combined for 29 points as the Knights shocked East Columbus early before the Gators rallied for a non-conference victory inside Ken F. Cross Gymnasium.

Allen banked in a 3-point shot to start the game, and Sykes drained a pair of 3-pointers from the left wing as the Knights (1-3) grabbed a 9-0 lead.

Malia Graham scored 10 of her 21 points for East Columbus in the first half. Graham and McKenzie Spivey combined for 16 points as East pulled away in the third period.

East Columbus (59) — Aleigh Godwin 4, Skylah Collins 6, Neveah Brown 4, McKenzie Spivey 15, Malia Graham 21, Malaya Webb 2, Angel Webb 3, Ryleigh Owens 4.

West Bladen (39) — Hadley Dove, Amiya McCarty 5, Haley Taylor, Abigail Dew, Saniya Martin, Harmony Richardson, Kali Allen 17, Natalee Sykes 12, Tah’lela Bethea 5.

JV BOYS: WEST BLADEN 45, EAST COLUMBUS 31

Isaiah Minus and Shyron Thompson combined for 23 points to lead West Bladen to a non-conference victory over East Columbus.

Jace Lesane drilled in a 3-point shot, and Minus, Thompson, Levi Velasco Garcia, Mark’kus Bass and Rylan Bordeaux tossed in a basket each as the Knights (2-1) raced to a 13-4 lead.

East Columbus (31) — Khari Bowen 10, Kymari Lloyd 5, Aubrey Long 4, Tydricks Bellamy 2, Kendrick Thurman 2, Xavier King 3, Kamari Spaulding 3, Maddox Freeman 2.

West Bladen (45) — Levi Velasco Garcia 2, Drake Gause, Jace Lesane 5, Isaiah Minus 13, Nehemiah Cordova 2, Ussiah Gause, Gaston Russ, Sincere McKinley 9, Isaiah Lloyd, Mark’kus Bass 2, Shyron Thompson 10, Sterling Davis, Jarvis McMillian, Jeremiah Bryan, Rylan Bordeaux 2.

JV GIRLS: WEST BLADEN 29, EAST COLUMBUS 27

Hadley Dove poured in 16 points to lead unbeaten West Bladen to a non-conference victory over East Columbus.

Trailing 19-17 at the end of the third quarter, Dove sparked a 12-8 closing run for the Knights (3-0) with four baskets. Kynzlee Wood and Lauryn Lesane rang up a basket each as West pulled out the victory.

East Columbus (27) — Yvonne Johnson 4, Grace Williamson 4, Aureya Young 8, Angel Webb 11.

West Bladen (29) — Abigail Dew, Damonyque Blackwell, Lauryn Lesane 4, Kynzlee Wood 2, Logan Powers 3, Zir’rihana White 2, Hadley Dove 16, Serenity Council 2.

JV BOYS: NORTH BRUNSWICK 44, EAST BLADEN 40

North Brunswick raced to a 12-5 lead after the first quarter and held off repeated rallies by East Bladen for a non-conference victory.

Lakota Schmale, who was playing in his first game following the end of football season, led the Eagles (0-3) with 18 points. Joel Lewis added 11.

North Brunswick (44) — Carter Carpenter 7, Devon Vernon, Trey Simpson 2, Caleb Henry, Khalil Perkins 8, Jaylen High 13, Kavon Fryer 8, D.J. Cobb 2, Jaden James 4.

East Bladen (40) — Damian Maynor, John High, Omar Powell, Joel Lewis 11, Ishaq Algozy, Fox Sutton 2, Prince Powell, Dashan Henderson, Tyrone Freeman, Darnell Rouse 4, Lokota Schmale 18, Zahmarion Pone 5.

JV GIRLS: NORTH BRUNSWICK 25, EAST BLADEN 13

North Brunswick controlled play in the second half in beating East Bladen in a non-conference contest.

The Eagles (1-2) held a 5-0 lead after the first quarter on a 3-point field goal by Kayla Hall and a bucket by Angelina Jones and led 9-5 at half on baskets by Hall and Jenniyah Jones. North Brunswick outscored East Bladen 20-4 in the second half.

North Brunswick (25) — Christian White 2, Aryanna Moore 6, Rayjanae Byrd 1, Alanan Robinson 2, Taylor King 5, Alana Witherspoon 7, Kiley House 2.

East Bladen (13) — Kayla Hall 5, Kayelynn Chambers, Zariyah Riddy, Angelina Jones 4, Jenniyah Jones 2, Kylee Spaulding, Paris Jenkins, Lila Young.

TUESDAY, DEC. 2

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

Varsity boys: West Bladen 66, East Columbus 30 (Game story)

Varsity boys: North Brunswick 68, East Bladen 31

Varsity girls: East Bladen 41, North Brunswick 28 (Game story)

Varsity girls: East Columbus 59, West Bladen 39

JV boys: West Bladen 45, East Columbus 31

JV boys: North Brunswick 44, East Bladen 40

JV girls: West Bladen 29, East Columbus 27

JV girls: North Brunswick 25, East Bladen 13

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3

No games scheduled

THURSDAY, DEC. 4

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

West Bladen varsity boys vs. Currituck in Good Guys vs. Cancer, First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills, 4 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Football

Whiteville at West Bladen, 6 p.m.

Basketball

Emereau Bladen at Cape Fear Academy, Girls 4 p.m., Boys 5:15 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

East Bladen at Heide Trask, JV girls 4 p.m.; JV boys 5:15 p.m., Varsity girls 5:30 p.m.; Varsity boys 7:30 p.m.

DUBLIN - Bladen Community College (BCC) proudly highlighted its brand-new culinary kitchen at the historic Booker T. Washington Center, hosting three culinary-focused events that brought together local high school students, BCC culinary students and industry professionals.

The newly unveiled kitchen served as the perfect backdrop to showcase the college’s expanding culinary programming and its commitment to hands-on, career-ready education.

West Bladen High School Students Explore the New Culinary Space

Early in the week, culinary students from West Bladen High School stepped into BCC’s modern, fully equipped commercial kitchen for the first time.

Their visit offered a true “behind-the-line” experience, allowing students to participate in hands-on cooking activities while learning about professional culinary tools, techniques and kitchen operations.

Students collaborated with BCC culinary staff and gained deeper insight into the expectations of culinary education and the foodservice industry. The visit provided an engaging introduction to the type of real-world experiences available to future BCC Culinary Program students.

BCC Culinary Students Complete Three-Course Meal Evaluations

The center of activity this week was the BCC Culinary Program’s three-course meal evaluation—an intensive capstone-style assessment showcasing the skills students have developed throughout their coursework.

Four culinary teams were challenged to design, prepare and present a complete three-course dining experience. Meals were required to be delivered to evaluators at precise times, emphasizing time management, professionalism and real-world kitchen pacing.

The evaluation highlighted student mastery in: Menu design and flavor balance, Professional cooking methods, Portion control and plating artistry and culinary creativity and technical skill.

Chef Hannah Martin led the event, joined by special guest evaluators Chef Willie Meeks and Chef Greg Davis, who provided industry-level feedback and encouragement. The evaluation not only demonstrated student growth but also reinforced the program’s alignment with contemporary culinary standards.

East Bladen High School Students Get a First Look at Culinary Opportunities

Students from East Bladen High School also visited the new culinary facility, where they explored the space and learned about BCC’s growing Culinary Program.

The visit gave students a firsthand look at the hands-on learning environment, modern equipment, and professional training opportunities available to them after graduation. Their enthusiasm underscored a growing community interest in culinary arts and the workforce pathways supported by BCC.

These three events mark an exciting milestone for Bladen Community College as it expands its commitment to workforce development through high-quality, experiential culinary education. The new kitchen at the Booker T. Washington site is designed to support both current students and future generations of aspiring chefs across the region.

Interested in Joining the Culinary Program?

Bladen Community College welcomes students who are passionate about food, creativity and the culinary arts. To learn more or apply, please contact the Admissions Office at 910.879.5500 or visit BladenCC.edu.

WHITE OAK - Harmony Hall Village is excited to announce its Annual Holiday Open House, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 from noon - 4:00 p.m.

This cherished community event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to come and celebrate the holiday season.

Guests will have the unique opportunity to stroll through the beautifully decorated grounds of Harmony Hall, which features the original 1760s colonial home and other historic buildings that showcase the rich history of Bladen County.

After nearly a decade of repairs and restoration, the home of Colonel James Richardson has been refurnished and will be open for visitors to explore. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to share fascinating stories and insights about this significant property and its exhibits.

Families will find a variety of activities designed for children, along with the chance to enjoy delicious treats and crafts from local vendors. In addition, the America 250 Bladen County Freedom Art Contest entries will be on display.

A highlight of this year’s open house is a special ticketed event: ‘Tasting the Teas of the Boston Tea Party’ held in the charming Wanda Campbell Cottage.

Tickets for this exclusive experience will contribute to the maintenance and preservation of the Village and its exhibits, ensuring that this historical gem remains a vibrant part of our community.

The link for seating tickets on Saturday and Sunday can be found of the ‘Harmony Hall Village – White Oak’ Facebook Page.

Location:

Harmony Hall Village is conveniently located off River Road in White Oak, North Carolina and has free parking. The Village is open for visitors every Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m., with additional hours available by appointment. While entrance to the open house is free, donations are gladly accepted to support programs and upkeep.

For more information about the Holiday Open House and other activities at Harmony Hall Village, please contact us at [email protected].

Join us for a festive weekend filled with history, fun, and holiday cheer! We look forward to celebrating with you!

Did you ever try making an apple pie and it was either too watery or too dry?

That could be that the apples were not cooked in advance. Cooking the apples in a frying pan is the only way that I make my apple pies. And this deconstructed version is the best that I have found so far.

How can my 10,000 taste buds even attempt to describe this delectable dessert…Apple Pie (more than that!), Apple Crisp (closer!), Caramel Apple (I’m thinking yes!), Chewy Oatmeal Cookie (you betcha!).

Try it and I guarantee this will not only be a holiday-special but goes great with any Sunday Dinner (or lunch or brunch or breakfast)!

Here is your shopping list:

1 deep-dish frozen pie crust

Confectioner sugar

For the filling:

1. 8 Gala Apples (peeled and sliced into equal pieces)

2. 1 C brown sugar

3. ½ C white sugar (or my new find “Date Sugar”)

4. 1 heaping Tbsp cinnamon

5. 1 Tsp nutmeg

6. 2 tsp salt

7. 2 Tbsp flour

8. Zest of ½ Lemon

9. Juice of ½ Lemon

10. 2 Tbsp butter

Topping:

1. 2 C rolled oats

2. ½ C brown sugar

3. ½ tbsp cinnamon

4. ¼ lb. of cold butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a large bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients and mix until well combined. Let it sit for 10 minutes. This is when you can prepare the crumble topping…

In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, cinnamon and ½ c brown sugar. Take the ¼ pound of cold butter and cut into very small cubes. Mix all together with your hands while crumbling the butter into the mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined. Set aside.

In a large frying pan, take the 2 tbsp of butter and melt over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for about 10 minutes (make sure to constantly stir. This will make a caramel syrup. Add the 2 tbsp of flour, the lemon juice and zest.

Cook over low-medium for an additional 10 minutes. Once it thickens up put into a large bowl. Remove the frozen pie crust from the freezer. Add the slightly cooled apples. Take the oatmeal crumble and crumble all over the top of the pie.

Bake for 25 minutes. Broil it for the last two minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Take a sieve and sift some confectioners sugar over the top of the pie.

Here is the important part! Take a small spoon and dig into the crumble topping to expose some of the apple mixture.

If you like a crunchy texture of apple pie, then serve either warm or room temperature. If you like that chewy oatmeal cookie texture, then serve chilled. Either way, a nice dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream is a great accompaniment.

This week’s fun fact: No single person invented applied, but the first written recipe can be traced back appearing in a 1381 cookbook “The Forme of Cury” and European settlors brought it with them to America. From there the recipe evolved and there are many variations. This Deconstructed Apple Crumb Pie is my favorite!

WHITE LAKE - Cathy Kinlaw was the special speaker at the November Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce breakfast held Nov. 18 at 8 a.m. at Ski Burger.

Kinlaw provided a very colorful slide presentation and gave an informative talk about the recent happenings of the White Lake Friends, Inc.

The first item on her agenda was the introduction of her group and their mission statement which is to: “Restore, Protect and Conserve” the natural resources of their Carolina Bay. She followed that with a list of those they partner with, which included: Town of White Lake, Cape Fear ARCH Conservation Collaborative, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Department of Environmental Quality, NC Division of Parks and Recreation, Lower Cape Fear Wildlife Federation, NCSU Agricultural Department and Vet School, NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, NC Great State Trails Coalition.

Kinlaw then listed the busy schedule of active projects from the group which included: boating regulations, bat education, Venus Fly Trap education, turtle rescue event, Turtle Trot Fun Run, Chamber Christmas tree exhibit, Clean Sweep Cleanup Day, White Lake Water Festival and CCW Harvest Festival, Town of White Lake PSAs and Public Brochures, Uplift Video Productions and the multiuse path completion.

Some of the future plans on the horizon include: summer camps for kids, adding a historical records keeper, grants and fundraising, ecosystem education, seminars on local flora and fauna and workshops about Carolina Bays.

DUBLIN - The following announcement was posted in the Winter Seasons and in the Bladen Journal. For some reason, an old announcement came in while we were gathering information about upcoming events and this will not be held this year.

The original post:

BCC Home for the Holidays Also in Dublin this year, our community college is hosting the “Home for The Holidays” celebration where local talent and students will provide a night of fellowship and a good Old fashioned holiday spectacular. The event will take place at Bladen Community College Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

Once again - this event will not be held and we apologize for any inconvenience this caused.

“Success operates in active moments and not in idleness.” – Oscar Bimpong

To “take something at face value” means to accept it as true or genuine without questioning it or looking for hidden meanings. It is to believe what is presented at its most apparent level, though it may not be the complete truth. Funny how we take things at “face value” from people who never show their faces.

I don’t know if it’s stupidity as much as we are a people who want to believe something so bad or so wonderful or so tragic or so heartwarming that we go to great lengths to not only make ourselves believe, but go forth on a crusade to make others believe as well.

Those who choose to con and lie to the public with or without malice have had a great ally in technology that was not created for them, but as a parasite they have sucked all the good out of the purpose and have used it for evil.

Artificial intelligence or “AI” which can and will be used to further the productivity of man has attracted some bottom feeders who have come out from under rocks and from within dark crevices to try to further a personal and wicked craving for mischief.

AI was NOT created to alleviate the boredom of the degenerates.

We have seen an influx of this unprofitable activity all over social media. Bears that attack children, birds that carry away the family pet and aliens that come face to face with the unsuspecting farmer in the field. They all start with the serene scenes to suck people in and then end in a flurry of terror.

In 2020 it was spliced film and lies. Now it has resorted to taking notable people speaking unthinkable things as AI has been honed to make things look authentic.

Whenever someone says to me, “Hey, have you heard the latest about so and so?” I always ask first where they heard it, was it from a credible news source. People have generally become lazy and don’t have the time or motivation to VERIFY things.

Did you hear Kevin Costner died today? Did you hear JFK Jr. is still alive? Did you hear Russia nuked Poland? When we find the truth, we get mad at the person who told us, when in actuality, we should be finding the one who generated the lies and expose them.

Perhaps an App to let you know immediately if it is reality or artificial. Artificial Insanity.

And if two people believe it, then it certainly must be true. There is strength in numbers, but unfortunately not always truth. No matter how many people are on that bandwagon.

There is an alarming blast of error that is being publicized in this day and hour. Stories that can make you angry. Tales that can make you believe in happily-ever-after. Injustices that can bring tears to your eyes. From riots incited by candidates in conspiracy theories to miracle working wrinkle cream.

Before you run out and get your gun or run to the window waiting for your fairy godmother, and even before you reach for that next tissue, be sure you check the issue. Some people are manufacturing stories to see if anyone will believe. They are pathological liars that have added technology to their illness. It may be that they simply have too much time on their hands and too much tomfoolery in their hearts.

The trouble with that is, enough people start believing and jumping into the crusade to champion your lie, you may begin to believe it yourself. You’ll start thinking that perhaps it wasn’t a lie after all and that just maybe you were a prophet uncovering the truth to the universe.

Spoiler alert. Much of the internet is full of things that are simply not true. There were candidates in this past election that were paying for writers and videographers to publish lies on the internet to damage their opponents. They continue to do so. Reader beware.

The scenario goes something like this. “A supporter of candidate Lie-burger was found and convicted of dog fighting and cruelty to animals. (Cut to an unrelated video of a dog beaten in an unrelated incident.) When reached for comment, the candidate had none. Click ‘like’ and ‘share’ if you think that it is wrong for candidates to support animal cruelty.”

From that point on, it is hard to erase some lie that got out of hand. You find signs in the protests… “dog killer.” And there are actually people who know better, but perpetuate the lies just because it suits their political or protesting schedule.

And 10 thousand people begin clicking and sharing and swearing as if they had Turrets syndrome. They may in fact have some sort of “click and share” disease – and the main symptom is that they DON’T HAVE A LIFE.

Thank God for people who check with verification services before wildly clicking as if they are having a seizure. Even at that, some of the once-honest verification services have been purchased by those with extra money to burn. Oh, and anyone who thinks the self-proclaimed fact checkers on the internet are reputable, send us an address from the new swampland you recently purchased in Florida.

We have become a people on the edge of the “wild, wild webst.” No rules, no boundaries, no verification – but a lot of carpal tunnel from mouse abuse. Real journalists verify stories. Or at least, they used to. Much of the internet is not a verifiable or reliable news source.

Things are passed from the dark minds of people living in their parent’s basement, covered in food crumbs and hiding behind the anonymity of the veil that has become cyberspace. Daring to go where no man has gone before. To quote a line from the movie ELF, “You sit on a throne of lies.”

And those in the “ratings game” love it because it sells. People want to believe without having to work to verify. For years, we have been a generation led by a news media that has been, for the most part, forthright and held accountable. Until now.

The internet is NOT your nightly news broadcast and to get a good cross section, you have to view more than one source. Like the ones that have been recently caught lying by what they say or what they don’t say. Now we know, as children we loved the innocence of believing everything without having to spend the time and effort on verification. We just threw mud pies because it was fun and there was no accountability for our actions because we were still hiding behind the excuse of our youth.

It’s time to grow up. Put the wet soil down, quit slinging the filth and grow a set of scruples. The truth may not always be fun or exciting or tear-jerking or explosive. Your ordinary life may not “wow” the masses, but your character will.

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – Paul.

We are in a dark place and spinning out of control, even in the midst of all that has been created to make things better, easier and labor saving. We are labor-saving ourselves out of the jobs our children and grandchildren would have been perfect for. The jobs that would have given them the satisfaction of accomplishment, learning and self-worth. Bottom line: Labor saving devices of the last century has caused more time on our hands and in our minds. Idleness… never a good thing.

“Busy mouths grow on idle heads.” – Agona Apell

Here is the Bladen County sports schedule for Dec. 1-6. The schedule is subject to change.

MONDAY, DEC. 1

No games scheduled

TUESDAY, DEC. 2

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

East Columbus at West Bladen, JV girls 4 p.m., JV boys 5 p.m., Varsity girls 6 p.m., Varsity boys 7:30 p.m.

North Brunswick at East Bladen, JV girls 4 p.m.; JV boys 5:15 p.m., Varsity girls, 6 p.m., Varsity boys 7:30 p.m.

Master sports schedule | Standings

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3

No games scheduled

THURSDAY, DEC. 4

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

West Bladen varsity boys vs. Currituck in Good Guys vs. Cancer, First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills, 4 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Football

Whiteville at West Bladen, 6 p.m.

Basketball

Emereau Bladen at Cape Fear Academy, Girls 4 p.m., Boys 5:15 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

East Bladen at Heide Trask, JV girls 4 p.m.; JV boys 5:15 p.m., Varsity girls 5:30 p.m.; Varsity boys 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 6

HIGH SCHOOL

Basketball

West Bladen varsity boys vs. Landstown (Va.) in Good Guys vs. Cancer, First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills, 12:30 p.m.

TARBORO – East Bladen’s playoff run came to an end Friday against a perennial power that has played in nine consecutive state championship games and played after Thanksgiving for the past 18 fall seasons.

Kamerin McDowell-Moore, Jhalen Pharr-McNair and Caiden Everette each scored two touchdowns as Tarboro routed the Eagles 54-7 in the fourth round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A football playoffs.

The Vikings (13-0), who won the 2024 1A state title, are scheduled to host Warren County (11-2) next Friday for a berth in the state 2A championship game. Warren County defeated Edenton Holmes 40-14 on Friday.

East Bladen ended its season 9-4, which was the most wins since the 2018 team went 9-3.

The Eagles were the No. 4 seed in the East region, drew a first-round playoff bye and posted victories against Union and Manteo to reach the fourth round. East Bladen was the final team from the Carolina Conference to be eliminated from the playoffs.

East Bladen’s lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a 47 yard run by sophomore Jaden Lewis.

Friday’s loss was the fourth time that Tarboro has beaten East Bladen in the playoffs since 2009. It was, by far, the most lopsided. The Vikings won 20-13 in 2023, 33-7 in 2010 and 28-22 in 2009.

The fifth playoff meeting between the schools got out of hand quickly on a bone-chilling night at Viking Stadium.

McDowell-Moore scored on two long runs in the first quarter as Tarboro jumped out to a 14-0 lead. His first score of 56 yards capped a four-play, 80-yard drive that followed an East Bladen punt. His second TD of 62 yards came on the first play after an interception by Everette.

Any hope of an East Bladen comeback ended as Tarboro scored four touchdowns in the second quarter for a 42-0 halftime lead. The Vikings scored on a 60 yard punt return by Pharr-McNair, a 48 yard run by Everette on the first play following an East Bladen fumble, a 60 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyler Powell to McDowell-Moore and a 7 yard run by Everette.

The second half was played with a running clock since the margin was greater than 34 points at half.

Tarboro’s final scores came in the third quarter on a 46 yard run by Pharr-McNair and a 65 yard interception return by Jaden Jenkins.

Lewis led the East Bladen offense with 72 yards rushing on 17 carries. Dashon Campbell added 68 yards on 12 carries.

Tarboro ran only 16 plays from scrimmage. The Vikings scored five rushing touchdowns, a pass, punt return and interception return.