North Lincoln opened the 2026 N.C. High School Athletic Association 5A state championship series with an 11‑1 victory over Seaforth on Tuesday night, taking a commanding lead in the best‑of‑three matchup.
The Knights, who captured the 3A title a year ago and are chasing consecutive championships, displayed a balanced attack that combined a potent bat lineup with a stingy defense that held Seaforth scoreless through the first three and a half innings.
Key Performances
Cole Nemire paced the offense with a timely hit, while Beckett Rinkus and Bryson Summey added RBIs that stretched the lead. The Knights' defense, anchored by a flawless infield, limited Seaforth's opportunities, turning grounders into double plays.
Seaforth, the lowest‑seeded team ever to reach the championship game, showed resilience, finally breaking through in the sixth inning with a single run, but the Knights answered back with a five‑run burst in the fourth to keep the pressure on.
Looking Ahead
The game concluded after six and a half innings with North Lincoln up 11‑1, setting the stage for Game 2 in Burlington on Thursday, May 28 at 2 p.m., with a potential Game 3 later that night if needed.
Both coaches praised the intensity of the contest, noting that the Knights' depth and the Commodores' gritty spirit promise an exciting finish to the series.