Sports

STANHOPE -- Southern Nash's rapid ascent to the top of the Big East Conference was the main storyline of the league's 2024 volleyball campaign -- but there were plenty of other highlights.
Southern, coached by Melanie Mercer, scored a clean sweep of the Big East, winning the conference's regular season and tournament championships.
The on-the-rise Ladybirds would go 20-3 overall and reach the second round of the Class 3-A State Playoffs to cap off their historic year.

KERNERSVILLE -- It's not difficult to find the Northern Nash High School boys cross country team on the day that the Class 3-A State Championships are held.
Just head to Ivey Redmon Park in Kernersville (Forsyth County), and you'll find the Fighting Knights there.
That's just about as much of a guarantee as you'll find in Nash County prep athletics.

CHAPEL HILL -- The high school football playoffs are returning to Nash County in a big way this weekend, with all four of the county's public schools each selected as a host for their first-round matchups.
Friday's opening round slate will consist of Northern Nash hosting J.H. Rose, Southern Nash facing Harnett Central and Rocky Mount taking on Richlands in the Class 3-A bracket while Nash Central will host West Craven in the Class 2-A playoffs.

NASH COUNTY -- Here are the pairings for Friday's first-round action in the NCHSAA Class 2-A and 3-A State Football Playoffs: