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Whiteville Claims Ninth State Baseball Championship

In a tightly contested final, Whiteville’s defense and clutch hitting secured a ninth NCHSAA 3A title, highlighted by MVP Layton McLean and coach Connor Grainger’s praise for the town’s unwavering support.

May 29, 2026

Cavaliers Gear Up for State Playoff Run

The St. Thomas More Cavaliers enter the state playoffs as the No. 2 seed, earning a first‑round bye that positions them favorably in the bracket. Head coach Tim Schultz, who has guided the program for six seasons, stresses a philosophy built on relentless defense and disciplined hitting, a formula that has taken the team to a 20‑6 regular‑season record. The Cavaliers captured the Metro Classic Conference title outright, finishing the schedule with a balanced attack and a pitching staff that has been among the league’s most stingy. Outfielder Luke Mrazek, pitcher Ethan Rudolph and senior shortstop Brayden Alivo headline a core group that blends experience with youthful vigor, each aware that the stakes extend beyond a single game. Rudolph arrives undefeated at 7‑0, his confidence bolstered by a track record that includes a shutout earlier this month, while Mrazek focuses on maintaining his swing’s sharpness for the postseason. Alivo carries the memory of a 2023 state‑championship loss in 11 innings to Denmark, a defeat that has become a rallying point for a squad determined to return to the title game and finish the job. With the championship on the horizon, the Cavaliers are poised to translate their regular‑season momentum into a deep playoff run, aiming to bring a title back to St. Thomas More.

May 29, 2026