Midway’s Senior Night was filled with appreciation, emotion and gratitude for the players who have helped build the Raiders program. But on the scoreboard, it belonged to the visiting Goldsboro Cougars, who claimed all four contests in a clean sweep. Goldsboro defeated Midway 40-29 in the JV girls matchup, 52-45 in the JV boys game, 66-28 over the varsity girls and 79-36 against the varsity boys.
While the losses were difficult, Midway’s coaches consistently pointed to progress, resilience and the long-term growth of their programs as conference tournament play gets underway.
JV girls
The JV Lady Raiders dropped a competitive 40-29 decision, but head coach Susan Brown sees something much bigger taking shape beneath the surface.
“I’m very excited about it because they’re very aggressive,” Brown said. “I have two girls that play varsity and JV that are just basketball players. Their heart is there.”
Brown highlighted Demaya Armstrong, Caroline Holland, and freshman Isabella Bullard as examples of young players who live and breathe basketball. Bullard, a freshman center, typically focuses on JV but was set to contribute both ways on tournament night.
“The aggressiveness is really where I want to head with the varsity,” Brown explained. “The JV loves it. They thrive on it.”
She believes their youth is a driving force behind that edge.
“They’re young, and they want to prove themselves,” she said. “We practice together, so they see that it’s not out of their reach to be a starter on varsity. They see that every day, and they work hard for it.”
That shared practice structure is intentional. Brown said blending JV and varsity creates continuity and strengthens the pipeline of talent.
“It definitely does,” she said. “They feel part of the program. They feel part of the family.”
There are challenges, she admitted, as younger players are not always ready to push varsity the way seasoned athletes can. But she is encouraged by what is coming.
“I know we had an awesome middle school season,” Brown said. “I’ve watched them, and I’m very excited about what’s being sent to me. I see a couple of freshmen who’ll be here next year with me. I’m really excited.”
JV boys
The JV boys delivered Midway’s closest game of the night, falling 52-45 in a contest that showcased grit and determination.
Head coach Jody Ellis said his group surprised some people with how hard they competed.
“We came out really scrappy,” Ellis said. “That Goldsboro team was good, very athletic, but my boys hung with them. I think we kind of shocked them a little bit. They probably thought we were going to lay down, but they had some fighting.”
Ellis believes that fight speaks volumes about the character of a roster filled largely with freshmen.
“It says a lot for their character and how they’re going to be next year,” he said. “Just getting them experience and being able to bounce back — that’s the big thing.”
Interestingly, Ellis noted that his team tends to elevate its play against stronger competition.
“We play really good against the good teams,” he said with a slight smile. “It was funny, they mentioned that in the locker room. They said, ‘We always play good against good teams.’ I told them, you’ve got to do that every game.”
Reflecting on the season, Ellis emphasized development over record.
“They’ve improved. I’ve not had anybody that’s gotten worse, and that’s always a good thing,” he said. “Even the ones who don’t get a lot of playing time, you can see in practice they’re getting better.”
Though the JV does not participate in a conference tournament, Ellis made it clear the purpose remains the same.
“You want to win, but you can’t win every game,” he said. “As long as you’re getting better, that’s what matters. When they get to varsity, they’ll be able to compete and help the team.”
Varsity girls
The varsity Lady Raiders fell 66-28, but Brown was quick to point out that Friday represented growth compared to their earlier meeting with Goldsboro.
“Our whole goal was improvement from the last time we played Goldsboro,” she said. “We scored 18 more points than we did the first time. We weren’t afraid to shoot. We saw the opportunities. We did what we practiced.”
Turnovers were cut in half, and Brown said her players competed with confidence.
“Everybody rose to the challenge,” she added. “We played them with confidence, which is what I wanted.”
As the Lady Raiders turn their attention to conference tournament play, Brown is balancing confidence with caution, especially facing a familiar opponent.
“We’re not going in cocky because you never know,” she said. “Sometimes that third time is a struggle.”
She also noted the change of environment, moving from Midway’s home gym to James Kenan, can affect shooting rhythm.
“If we can get something going early, I think the confidence will take over,” Brown said.
One of her biggest strengths entering postseason play is depth.
“I’m playing my whole bench for different purposes,” she said. “They’ve found their role.”
That balance between a fast-paced first unit and a steadier second group has stabilized the team.
“My second group controls the turnovers and the pace better,” Brown said. “It makes a difference.”
Senior Night was especially meaningful to Brown, who took time to reflect on her graduating players.
“I’m just so proud of them for staying with the program and hopefully building the foundation,” she said. “They’re such a big part of that. They’re great leaders, just awesome girls inside and out. I’m lucky enough to call them my friends.”
Varsity boys
The varsity boys closed the night with a 79-36 loss, but head coach Jermaine McNeil focused first on his seniors.
“My seniors played real good, and I wish we could have got that win for them,” McNeil said. “I thank my seniors for coming out and trying out this year. I’m very proud of them.”
He praised their daily effort and leadership.
“They came to practice every day, worked real hard. They were just young men and listened to everything that I said this year,” McNeil said.
With a strong junior class that includes players such as Harry, Harrison Johnson, Tanner Williams and Wesley, McNeil believes the tone has been set for next season.
“They set a good example,” he said. “Yes, sir.”
The Raiders now look ahead to tournament play, opening against Princeton at a neutral site.
“We feel real good about going in,” McNeil said. “We battled against them. We won at home and lost at their place, so it’s a mutual court today.”
When asked what adjustments are needed after Friday’s result, McNeil kept it simple.
“You always learn from mistakes,” he said. “We want to try to play harder than we did Friday.”
Before closing, he returned to his seniors one more time.
“I appreciate every last one of them,” McNeil said. “I wish I could bring them back another year, but you know how that goes. I love every last one of them, and I appreciate them.”
Senior Night did not produce the wins Midway hoped for, but the evening reflected something just as important — a program in progress. From aggressive underclassmen learning the system, to JV boys developing resilience, to varsity seniors laying groundwork for those behind them, the Raiders now shift their focus to the postseason.
The scoreboard may have belonged to Goldsboro, but the foundation for Midway’s future continues to be built.