By Junious Smith III

It might be the dog days of summer, but there are still local sports to watch.

If you’re like me, you’re probably counting down until August when football season is back in effect. This is usually the dead period when it comes to sports and it has certainly plagued my mind, trying to bide time until Midnight Madness.

(There’s also volleyball, boys’ soccer, cross-country, girls’ tennis and field hockey on the itinerary in the fall, but you get the gist.)

Wednesday, I tried catching an American Legion game in Bunn as Kinston Post 43 was scheduled to take on Louisburg Post 105. In the first meeting, Kinston trailed 12-0, got within one run, and although the team eventually faltered 18-12, reeled off eight straight wins from there. Although the game was postponed, it nearly became a chance to report on a squad full of hometown talent — that is also 10-2.

It helps to have a good team to cover, but it’s even better when it’s full of players from the area — everyone on the roster went to Arendell Parrott Academy, Greene Central, North Lenoir or South Lenoir and all but four are in college or headed there next season. This is an opportunity to cheer most of the team on before the 2019-20 school year, and the games are conveniently played at the Ronnie Battle Baseball Complex at Kinston High School.

On top of Kinston Post 43’s baseball success, the softball team (with a majority of the squad hailing from North Lenoir or South Lenoir) debuted Tuesday and won its first two games. Softball will be played at Barnet Park and the inaugural home game is scheduled for June 27 against Jacksonville 265 at 7 p.m.

The point I’m trying to make is there are solid options to get a good prep sports fix in before the upcoming school year, even though I know many of the players are heading to college. Not only will it fill your local sports void, the teams are good and the faces are familiar. Support a good cause — the future of our area.  

Also, I’m setting a timer to Midnight Madness. August needs to hurry up.