Goldsboro punches ticket to 3A State Championship with win over Northwood

Goldsboro punches ticket to 3A State Championship with win over Northwood

GREENVILLE — Goldsboro is headed to Winston-Salem.

Behind a strong performance from Aziyah Boyer and a game-changing stretch from freshman Kennedy Barbour, the Cougars defeated Northwood 54-44 in the NCHSAA 3A East Regional Final Friday night at Minges Coliseum on the campus of East Carolina University.

Goldsboro (27-2) advances to the 3A State Championship game next week at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. The opponent and game date will be announced by the NCHSAA.

Northwood finished its season 21-6.

Goldsboro set the tone early, jumping out to a 16-9 lead after the first quarter and taking a 26-20 advantage into halftime. But the turning point came early in the third quarter when Barbour delivered a surge that broke the game open.

The freshman scored 10 consecutive points for Goldsboro during a key stretch in the third quarter, helping the Cougars seize momentum and push their lead into double digits. Barbour, who typically plays between 10 and 20 minutes per game depending on the matchup, provided a major spark off the bench when Goldsboro needed it most.

She finished the night with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting, giving the Cougars a critical scoring boost.

Boyer led Goldsboro with 20 points and nine rebounds, shooting 8-of-14 from the field while controlling the paint throughout the game.

Guard Imari Buckom filled the stat sheet with six points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

Goldsboro’s defensive trio of Buckom, Nieirah Smith, and Alissa Brown created constant pressure. Brown recorded six assists and six steals, while Smith added six points, five rebounds, five assists, and a steal.

Goldsboro dominated inside, outscoring Northwood 32-18 in the paint, and finished with 39 rebounds.

Northwood was led by Neah Henry with 16 points, while Alyia Roberts and Noelle Whitaker each scored eight points.

The Chargers struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 20.4 percent (11-of-54) from the field and 1-of-14 from three-point range.

Goldsboro shot 40 percent (18-of-45) and converted 18-of-27 free throws.

After Northwood managed just three points in the third quarter, the Cougars maintained control the rest of the way to secure the 10-point victory.

Goldsboro will now turn its attention to Winston-Salem, where the Cougars will play for a 3A state championship next week.