Junior Lady Jackets crush Richmond Hill, claim conference title

Wayne County’s eighth-grade softball team won the 2026 Coastal Empire Middle School Conference championship. Members of the team include, from left, Makenzie Sakuta, Carson Yarborough, Madelyn Spell, Gracelynn Long, Addie Davis, Paisley Hollingsworth, Brooklyn Griffin, Kara Mallard, Adalyn Dowdy, Mattie Kate White, Karianne Peek, Cheslee Morales, Jada Harvey and Emory Wilkerson. Not pictured are coaches Jason O’Steen, Rob Royal, Shawn Peek and athletic director Shelia Brockington.
Wayne County’s eighth-grade softball team won the 2026 Coastal Empire Middle School Conference championship. Members of the team include, from left, Makenzie Sakuta, Carson Yarborough, Madelyn Spell, Gracelynn Long, Addie Davis, Paisley Hollingsworth, Brooklyn Griffin, Kara Mallard, Adalyn Dowdy, Mattie Kate White, Karianne Peek, Cheslee Morales, Jada Harvey and Emory Wilkerson. Not pictured are coaches Jason O’Steen, Rob Royal, Shawn Peek and athletic director Shelia Brockington.

STAFF REPORT

 

Wayne County’s eighth-grade softball team saved its best performance for the biggest game of the season.

Fueled by a dominant pitching performance from Carson Yarborough, a power-pac…