Editor’s Note: The following story contains information provided to Goldsborodailynews.com by Eastern Wayne Middle School
The Eastern Wayne Middle School Warriors boys’ basketball team claimed the Wayne County Middle School championship for the second year in a row.
After a season filled with dedication, teamwork, and relentless effort, the team emerged victorious in a thrilling game on Feb. 26 at Rosewood Middle School. The Warriors defeated Dillard Middle School 48-33, with the gym packed with enthusiastic fans.
Eighth graders Jayden Cobb and KK Rodgers earned the All-Tournament Award, while Brycen Summers was named the All-Tournament MVP. Kamil Jones, an eighth grader from the girls’ team, also received the All-Tournament Award.
The team has been working hard together since the beginning of the school year, with after-school and weekend practices. Their dedication paid off as they finished the season undefeated.
This marks the second consecutive year the Warriors have claimed the Wayne County Middle School championship, under the leadership of Coaches Martaye Sembly and Jay Hargis.
Over the past two years, the team has only lost one game.
“It’s been an absolute honor to coach these guys,” said Hargis, who has been with the team for three years. “I’ve loved coaching all of our teams, but this group has really stuck with me. From pushing them to giving them a pep talk in every situation, I wouldn’t trade them for any other team! They’re a great bunch of young men—respectful, smart, and exceptional. I’m proud to be part of their journey. We made them believe! We’re Wayne County Champs with a perfect 15-0 season.”
Coach Sembly also shared his appreciation saying, “We truly value this team — they are the best group we’ve ever had the privilege to coach! They worked hard all season, maintained an A/B honor roll, stayed out of trouble, and embraced the tough love we gave them. We know they’ll continue excelling as both students and athletes. We made them believe!”
“It’s honestly a blessing,” said Summers. “A big thank you to God for letting us go back-to-back. “Most importantly, our coaches push us every day and hold us accountable. My favorite game was the championship game because it felt so good for us to be back in the championship. After winning, seeing everyone happy for us was a really big moment for me.”
Rodgers stated, “I would like to thank God and my coaches and teammates. Going back-to-back is big, but going undefeated is even bigger! This year’s team came a long way from the first day to the last. Our best game was our second game when we played against Norwayne Middle School. We, as a team, played great defense and talked everything through. We played as a team, and everything was easy through that game. For me, being a starter every year was really big for my teammates and me. We wouldn’t be here today without Coach Martaye Sembly and Jay Hargis. I am just really proud of this team.”
