LAURINBURG —Scotland County is more than just a football town.

This past weekend, Scotland County native Xavier Bines hosted the fifth annual alumni basketball game, with this being its first year held at Scotland High School.

The event offered a fun, sporting experience that brought people from all over to enjoy a game of basketball and reconnect with old friends.

It featured teams from different counties, Richmond, Marlboro, Scotland and Roberson, along with local AAU teams, the GB Ballers and Oilers Academy.

“This event meant a lot to me,” Bines said. “I graduated from Scotland High, and what better place than to bring it here? With these results, we hope to keep this going.”

“Reconnecting was the goal. I’ve seen people I haven’t seen in years. This is bigger than basketball; it was to bring people together and have a good time. That’s what people need to know about Scotland County: we are family-oriented and together.”

Laura Bailey, the principal at Scotland High School, recognized the event as a way to help uplift Scotland High and bring positivity moving forward.

“This event has been going on for years, and when asked to host it, it was a no-brainer. Anything we need to do to promote our school in a positive environment is great.”

So much for being considered a football town; the energy inside of the gym was palpable. Fans cheered loudly as the talent on the hardwood was remarkable, and at halftime, the cheerleaders received a standing ovation after a captivating performance.

This was truly a memorable day for Scotland County, bringing together family, alumni and friends on a day that was bigger than basketball.

LAURINBURG — A Scotland County man faces multiple felony drug and firearm charges following the execution of a search warrant last week, according to the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office.

On Dec. 19, the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the Washington Park area of Laurinburg, located on the 200 block of E. Covington St., said Lt. E. Haywood Jr., a narcotics investigator with the sheriff’s office.

Haywood said the search warrant was the culmination of a two-year investigation into alleged illegal narcotics distribution.

As a result of the operation, Dablenski “Hog” McNair, a Scotland County resident, was arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses.

McNair is charged with felony trafficking in cocaine after investigators allegedly seized approximately 752 grams of suspected cocaine. Authorities estimated the street value of the drugs at between $48,000 and $62,000.

Additional charges include felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine; fentanyl/carfentanil; marijuana; Schedule III controlled substances (Suboxone/buprenorphine naloxone); and two counts of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II controlled substances (hydrocodone).

McNair also faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, maintaining a dwelling for the sale or delivery of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Haywood said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

In a statement, the sheriff’s office emphasized concerns surrounding fentanyl and carfentanil, noting the drugs’ high potency and the risks associated with their use. Law enforcement officials urged individuals struggling with addiction to seek help and warned that fentanyl is often mixed with other illegal substances without users’ knowledge.

Someone wrote: “The elderly man was taking a long time looking at the children’s backpacks in the store. He told me, ‘It’s my granddaughter’s birthday. I hope she likes my gift.’ At the checkout, he clutched a pink backpack with a cartoon design. The elderly man looked excited. Later, in a restaurant, I saw him again with a little girl and her parents. When the child opened her gift, she said, ‘I don’t like this character! And I hate pink!’ Her parents made her apologize, but she still complained. My heart broke for her grandpa. That hurtful look in his eyes.”

Community, complaining strikes at the very heart of God. It’s an indictment against the character of God, and it doesn’t appreciate what He chooses to do with our lives. In this season of giving, we lose sight of the greatest giver there ever was and the fact that He only gives good gifts to His children (James 1). The word “complain” means “the expression of dissatisfaction about something; to find fault.” And we do this to God? I have a question this morning: Can anybody find fault with God? Is there anything wrong with Him? And how does it make God feel when we don’t show appreciation for what He has given us — better yet, when we complain?

I remember a Christmas years ago when I was transitioning into my adolescent years. I had been receiving toys for Christmas, and that particular year I was excited about getting my usual toys. My mom saw I was leaving childhood and moving into my teenage years. On Christmas morning, I got up excited, expecting my usual toys, but to my surprise my mother bought me a watch. She saw something I did not see — I was no longer a child but was becoming a big boy. Like the young girl I mentioned earlier, I was so disappointed, and I showed it in my expression.

Now, my mother and father had eight children. We lost my father at an early age. My mother raised eight children and made sure we had a roof over our heads and never missed a meal. We had something every Christmas. Without thinking, I showed my disappointment. Later, it hurt me so badly that I thought I had hurt her by my ungratefulness. I made a promise to God that if He let my mother live another year, regardless of what she bought me, I would act happy. God blessed her to see another year, and I acted totally different.

Community, perhaps all of us have been bitten by the spirit of ungratefulness from someone we gave a gift to at Christmas or some other time. We bent over backward, sacrificed, and thought we were getting the perfect gift. Without thinking, the expression on their face — being inconsiderate — they said something that broke your heart. Or maybe, like me, your reaction disappointed somebody. Community, it is so easy to complain. Living in a fallen world, it’s something negative all the time. How do we think God feels when we complain about something He has given us? How? I know how I feel, or would feel, when I do something good for somebody — or even my children — and they act ungrateful.

Some of you have already felt the sting of ungratefulness from someone you love, like a friend or somebody you did a favor for — co-signed on a loan, put a car in your name, let them move in with you and gave them a place to stay, let them drive your car, held the door open for them — and they act ungrateful. And if you get a child or grandchild a gift, make sure you get them exactly what they want. If they want Reebok, don’t get them some Nikes! They’ll hurt your feelings and make you cry!

The children of Israel didn’t think. They let their emotions cloud their judgment and common sense. Here we are with the same playbook. God is blessing, and the people are complaining (Num. 11:1-2). I want to say in this season that God is not pleased when we complain; it shows a lack of trust in God. Apparently, Israel had traveled for only three days when the complaints started.

Community, whenever we complain, we make it all about us. Complainers can’t see any further than themselves. “I don’t like this.” “Why is this happening to me?” “Why don’t I have a big bank account, a better job, better health, better children, better parents?” “Why is my nose so big?” “I got Botox in my lips because I don’t like the way they look.” It’s too cold, too hot, not hot enough. Complaining is contagious!

If you’re around complaining people long enough, they will have you complaining! And my thing is this: What fault did they find in Him? He had never failed them yet. He promised to deliver them, and He did. Manna — food — fell directly from heaven. He worked miracles just for them. The strong arm of the Lord brought them out. They should have been jumping up and down, singing, “What a mighty God we serve!” “Every praise is to our God.” Why didn’t they love Him? Why did they complain against Him? God Himself asked Israel the question in Micah 6:3: “O my people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me!”

Community, I’ve examined Him. God’s been faithful. I find no fault with Him. All our good days outweigh our bad days. This Christmas, let us all say, “Thank you, Lord. I won’t complain.” Merry Christmas!

LAURINBURG — Habitat for Humanity of Scotland County recently held a special car raffle featuring a limited number of 50 tickets, made possible by the donation of a vehicle from Bob Weagraff and his wife.

The raffle winner was Terry Easterling of Laurinburg. Easterling, who travels frequently for work, had been struggling with an unreliable vehicle. She used her gas money to purchase one of the final raffle tickets and said she prayed for help before the drawing.

Habitat for Humanity of Scotland County said it hopes to continue supporting community members facing similar challenges by giving away a vehicle once per quarter.

Community members who have a vehicle they no longer need are encouraged to consider donating it to Habitat for Humanity, where it could provide reliable transportation for someone in need.

For more information or to donate a vehicle, contact Habitat for Humanity of Scotland County at 910-276-3337 or visit the Habitat ReStore at 12340 McColl Road in Laurinburg.

Asheboro, N.C. —What a way to close one chapter and kick off the next! The fifth-grade Unified Boys team ended the year with a dominant first-place championship victory, 65–14, setting an all-time team scoring high.

This incredible achievement is a true reflection of the hard work, discipline and dedication shown all year long during offseason workouts by Josiah Locklear, Dylan Lewis, Mason DeBerry, Mason Smith, Christian McNeil, Jayce Petty and Kamden Maidene. These young athletes have committed themselves to growth, teamwork and excellence, and it showed on the court in a big way.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are even more excited for what lies ahead—this group has set the standard, and the upcoming season is full of promise with these driven, talented boys leading the way. Their chemistry, sportsmanship and determination continue to grow with every game and practice.

Each player stepped up and played their role, proving that success comes from unity and trust in one another. The future is bright, and this team is just getting started.

LAURINBURG — Here is a Scotland Sports Update.

Boys basketball

The Scotland Boys basketball team defeated the Red Springs Devil on Thursday, 69-53, to improve their record to 5-3.

Michael McLean

Freshman running back Michael McLean was ranked third on the NC Sportspage Class of 2029. The selection included the top 20 freshmen to keep your eyes on during their high school tenure. The NC Sportspage recently awarded McLean Freshman of the Year.

LAURINBURG — Zaymon Gibson scored 27 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Fighting Scots(4-3) basketball team was defeated by the Lumberton Pirates, 81-51, on Wednesday.

It was the first time this season that only one Scotland player scored in double figures, and back-to-back weeks where they were beaten decisively.

“The score doesn’t reflect our effort,” head coach Jarvis Cobb said. “There were some positives to take away, we executed better and scored in the halfcourt compared to only in transition the last couple of games.”

Scotland shot 40% from the field and made 7 of 21 3-pointers in another disappointing loss.

“We have a young team; the seniors we have don’t have a lot of experience playing, but the standard is still the standard and we will be ready for Red Springs,” Cobb said.

The Scots will travel to Red Springs on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

GIBSON — The Gibson Train Depot was packed Thursday as residents gathered to watch the town’s newly elected leaders take their oaths of office and outline plans for the future.

Town Clerk Elizabeth Anderson administered the oath to Mayor Archie Herring and Commissioners Marjorie Whitlock and Randy Pearson. Former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Michael Morgan administered the oath to newcomer Commissioner Michael Swinney.

Swinney said he hopes to help restore Gibson to what he described as its “golden age.”

“There used to be tire [shops], gas stations and restaurants,” Swinney said. “I do think with prayer and us working together — it’s going to take some time — but I think we can pull it off.”

Swinney said progress will depend on addressing the town’s water and sewer challenges.

“The Lord is going to work all that out with some grant money,” he said.

Mayor Herring thanked residents for their support and said pursuing grant funding will be a priority for the board.

“We try to go after grant money, and that’s going to be our biggest focus over the next couple of years so we can work on our infrastructure,” Herring said.

Looking ahead, the town also plans to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary with monthly events at the Train Depot.

While celebrating the incoming officials, the board also recognized outgoing former Mayor and Commissioner Eric Stubbs for his service to the town.

“The town board, commissioners and staff appreciate all you have done to make our town a better place,” Herring said. “I can’t say enough about Eric. He’s one of the smartest individuals I’ve come across and has always bent over backward to help the town. You are truly going to be missed.”

The board also recognized Isabella Grice for leading the town’s past three veterans parades on horseback.

“We’re very appreciative of that,” Herring said. “Everyone looks forward to seeing you lead the parade down Main Street.”

In other business, commissioners unanimously appointed Greg Leech as mayor pro tem following a nomination by Whitlock. The board also appointed Myra Tyndall as the town’s finance officer.

Commissioners additionally approved borrowing $25,000 from town reserves to purchase a pump for the town lagoon. The funds will be repaid annually from the sewer fund to the general fund until the balance is paid in full.

LAURINBURG — A six-game sample — it’s time we assessed the Fighting Scots basketball team.

Head coach Jarvis Cobb is not shy when it comes to confrontation, but he has faced adversity early in his first year under the helm. Cobb has delivered the Fighting Scots their first 4-2 start at the six-game mark since 2022.

I sat down with Cobb and asked how he feels the season has progressed.

“Through these first six games, the only good thing is we won,” Cobb said. “We didn’t play well in any of those games, but we still found a way to win.”

“I have a resilient team; I’m not content by any means. However, with a 4-2 record, I am okay with where we are right now.”

If you’ve read previous articles, you’ve seen the challenges that have continued to hamper the Scots. Those concerns came crumbling down in their rematch against archrival Richmond on Friday night, as Scotland was handed its worst loss of the season, 70-30.

It was embarrassing on every level. The Scots were held to their lowest point total, and the defense was nonexistent. Players and coaches exited the floor with questions not only about themselves, but just how good this team really is.

“We don’t have the basketball IQ, and it’s going to take some time because we’re a young team. Our seniors didn’t have a lot of playing time last year, so this season is new to everyone,” Cobb said.

A new challenge awaits as the Scots travel to face their first conference opponent of the year, the 6-2 Lumberton Pirates, on Wednesday. Cobb’s theme this season has been that the Scots will respond when adversity hits. The timing couldn’t be more fitting for the Scots to rebound against their conference foe.

“I need to have the team ready to play. In the game against Richmond, our energy level dropped once Richmond went on a run. That usually hasn’t happened to us, but it happened and we must respond,” Cobb said.

“This game against Lumberton is going to take us doing our part and controlling what we can control. If we don’t, the results will be similar to Friday night.”

LAURINBURG — Two Scotland County residents were arrested following a four-month narcotics investigation that ended with the execution of a search warrant last week, according to the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. E. Haywood Jr., a narcotics investigator with the sheriff’s office, said the Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant Dec. 12 in the Hasty area of the county at 8011 Dillon Drive.

Haywood said the warrant marked the conclusion of a four-month investigation into illegal narcotics distribution.

Kenneth Ryan “Rowdy” Watts Jr., of Dillon Drive, and Camryn Carol Hudson, of Palmer Road, were arrested and charged with multiple felony drug offenses.

Watts was charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and Schedule III controlled substances, including Suboxone and codeine. He was also charged with possession of a stolen firearm, maintaining a dwelling for the sale or delivery of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Watts was placed under a $1.5 million secured bond.

Hudson was charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and Schedule III controlled substances, including Suboxone and codeine. She was also charged with maintaining a dwelling for the sale or delivery of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hudson was placed under a $1 million secured bond.

Both defendants are being held at the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. Their first court appearances are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 15, in Scotland County District Court.

Haywood said fentanyl remains a significant concern for law enforcement due to its potency and the risk it poses when mixed with other drugs without a user’s knowledge. He encouraged individuals struggling with substance abuse to seek help.

PEMBROKE — Once quiet and reserved, Andrew Cart arrived at UNC Pembroke focused on his studies and content to stay out of the spotlight — but over time, he found his voice, his confidence and his path. On Saturday, Craft crossed the commencement stage not only transformed by his college experience, but with a guaranteed position at global technology giant Microsoft, where he will begin his career at the company’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

Cart attributes UNCP with sharpening his critical-thinking skills and preparing him for opportunities beyond what he thought possible.

Cart’s achievement was one of many celebrated this weekend at UNCP, where a total of 849 degrees were awarded, including 387 conferred through the newly named William Howard Dean Graduate School. The ceremonies also marked a historic milestone for the university, as UNCP awarded its first-ever doctoral degrees on Friday night, with eight graduates earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in population health.

“Graduates, today marks an important moment in the history of UNC Pembroke and in the life of our graduate school,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings. “This evening, we are celebrating the graduation of UNC Pembroke’s first-ever doctoral students — a milestone that reflects the continued growth and academic strength of our graduate programs.”

Winter Commencement was filled with similar stories of success and transformation, including that of Paulina Captan, a first-generation college student who came to the United States from Ghana to pursue her dream of earning a degree.

A biology major with an emphasis in biotechnology, Captan credits UNCP’s faculty for shaping her academic confidence and opening doors to meaningful research. Working with Dr. Ben Bahr, she studied how blast exposure affects the brain, focusing on proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy — research that became deeply personal given her husband’s service as an Army veteran.

At times, the path was uncertain. After becoming pregnant in 2024, Captan considered stepping away from her studies, but encouragement, resources and flexibility from faculty helped her stay the course. Now preparing for a career in the biotech and pharmaceutical research industry, she hopes to one day start her own pharmaceutical company and give back to her community in Ghana.

“It feels unreal,” Captan said. “I came to the United States to achieve a college dream — and I did.”

That spirit of momentum was echoed again on Friday night in the story of Raymond Gilbert Jr., who crossed the stage to earn his MBA — a milestone he credits with reshaping both his professional path and his vision for what comes next.

“The MBA program at UNCP has truly transformed the trajectory of my life,” Gilbert said. He noted that the program equipped him with the skills to manage and grow a successful business while also strengthening his confidence to “lead with purpose and vision.”

Gilbert has been accepted into the EdD program in Organizational Learning and Leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The graduate school keynote, delivered by Dr. Matthew Hassett, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at UNCP, encouraged graduates to trust their abilities and combat imposter syndrome by looking at the evidence of their own perseverance. Dr. Hassett urged students to reframe self-doubt by asking better questions, reminding them that their accomplishments prove they belong and are prepared for what comes next.

He reflected on UNCP as a sacred and welcoming institution founded on resilience and inclusion, anchored in the message, “You Belong Here.”

North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Trey Allen combined humor and personal reflection in his keynote address to congratulate graduates on their accomplishments and highlight the life-changing impact of UNCP in North Carolina and beyond.

Drawing on the university’s new motto, “Go Beyond,” he reminded students that their success was made possible by faculty, staff, family and loved ones who went beyond for them — and challenged graduates to do the same for others. In a deeply personal moment, Allen reflected on the loss of his mother, underscoring that while careers and achievements matter, love and relationships matter most.

“The most important thing in life is love,” he told the graduates.

A 1997 UNCP graduate, Allen was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree during Saturday’s commencement ceremony — a recognition he described as among the most meaningful honors of his life, especially as it came from the institution that helped shape his own journey.

Sydney Brooks, who grew up a stone’s throw from campus, earned the highest academic honors and plans to pursue a career in public health, advocating for the benefits of exercise and wellness. She is still exploring her future — considering further education with a master’s degree and aiming to become a community health worker.

“Initially, I didn’t think I wanted to come to UNCP because it was small and so close to home,” Brooks said. “But once I started here, I realized, ‘Oh my goodness — the connections you can make, the sense of community — it’s so special. You can’t get that anywhere else.’ That sense of belonging encouraged me to stay and continue my education.”

After earning an associate degree in business, Ravon Jones quickly realized the field wasn’t right for her. Encouraged by her late father, Charles Robert Locklear — who loved history and urged her to attend UNCP — Ravon decided to pursue what she truly loved.

Determined to return and walk the stage again, Ravon shifted her focus to history, initially setting her sights on teaching. An internship at the Museum of the Southeast American Indian ultimately reshaped her path, inspiring her to pursue a career in museum collections.

Braxton Hunt, who earned a degree in exercise and sport science, felt accomplished and ready for the next step — whether pursuing more coaching or another opportunity in the fitness field. He also cherished his experience working in the admissions office.

When asked to sum up his UNCP journey, Hunt said, “I felt like I belonged here at UNCP. It felt like family.”

Gracie Montañez, a biomedical biology major from Raleigh, describes her time at UNCP as a bittersweet experience.

“I had such a good time at UNCP,” said Montañez, who graduated summa cum laude. “I made so many friends. I learned a great deal and became a different person over the last few years. It’s nice to have this sense of accomplishment, at the same time, it’s kind of scary because life is going to change in a huge way.”

Transitioning from working as an electrician to a personal trainer before college, Montañez never imagined she would pursue higher education. UNCP helped her build confidence as she prepares to apply to PA school.

Joseph Cimadamore III of Fayetteville discovered his passion for physics during a double-slit experiment at Sandhills Community College, sparking a fascination with the wave-particle duality of light and matter. At UNCP, he earned a degree in applied physics. He valued the highly personalized learning environment, where smaller class sizes and repeated interactions with professors — especially Dr. Steven Singletary — allowed him to build strong mentorships. He also served as team captain of the Rocket Team for three years, deepening his hands-on experience.

Looking ahead, Cimadamore is pursuing internships and research opportunities to strengthen his resume, aiming for a PhD in engineering and dreaming of working for a space agency — truly embodying UNCP’s motto to ‘Go Beyond’ as he reaches for the stars.

LAURINBURG —Fighting Scots senior defensive back Shylan Harrell has been selected to the Shrine Bowl.

Harrell finished his senior season with 47 total tackles while leading the team with three interceptions.

“I’m very blessed,” Harrell said. “It feels good to be given this opportunity to represent Scotland County.”

“He had a very good career for us and performed well this summer,” head coach Richard Bailey said. “It says a lot that the coaches remembered him, and when someone was unable to play, he was the next man up. He will represent us well.”

Harrell accumulated 133 total tackles during his high school career, one sack, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

LAURINBURG —The Fighting Scots football team will be without a key member of its coaching staff. Offensive Coordinator Matt Quinn was announced as the new head coach for Averett University on Dec.14.

“Averett University is a special place with great people and tremendous potential,” Quinn said. “I’m blessed to have the opportunity to lead this program and I am excited to build a team that our players, alumni and university can be proud of. My family and I are excited to join the Averett family.”

In his first year as coordinator, Quinn helped the Scots average 328.3 total yards and 35.8 points per game, the most since 2023 and developed one of the conference’s most explosive offenses.

“Excited for Matt Quinn to get this opportunity,” Scotland head coach Richard Bailey said. “He was a great asset to our program and will be hard to replace. We wish him nothing but the best.”

WASHINGTON — The final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Lumbee Fairness Act that would grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a significant majority on Wednesday afternoon.

The bill, which is largely a defense spending bill, passed 312-112. Republican members overwhelmingly supported the bill, with 197 voting for it and only 18 against, but it also had support from the majority of Democrats, which voted 115-94.

The bill will now go to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to vote on it next week. If it passes the Senate, it would be sent to President Donald Trump for to be signed into law. The president’s budget office stated Tuesday that if the bill reached the president in its current form, he would sign it into law.

The Lumbee Fairness Act was initially included as an amendment in the House version of the NDAA for the 2026 fiscal year, which passed on Sept. 10. The Senate version of the bill, passed on Oct. 10, did not include the Lumbee Fairness Act; however, bills must be merged into one version before becoming law, and as the Senate and House have merged their two versions, the Lumbee Fairness Act is included in the final bill.

“First, I want to thank God for his blessings on our people,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery. “I would also like to thank Speaker (Mike) Johnson and House leadership, along with Congressman (David) Rouzer, and Congressman (Mark) Harris and the rest of bipartisan North Carolina House Delegation that supported our bill. I want to thank President (Donald) Trump and his White House Team for ensuring that our bill stayed a priority during the NDAA negotiations. We now look forward to the next step, which is passage in the United States Senate.”

Lowery said he will continue to work with U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, North Carolina’s two members in the Senate, to get this bill across the finish line, a press release said.

“I want to thank the North Carolina Congressional delegation for their strong support,” said Lumbee Tribal Council Speaker Alex Baker. “Thank you to Tribal Chairman Lowery for his tireless efforts toward this historic moment. I also ask for our Tribal Citizens continued prayers as the legislation moves to the Senate and ultimately to the President.”

Versions of the Lumbee Fairness Act have been introduced numerous times, including in the last few terms of Congress, and have passed the U.S. House of Representatives — often by overwhelming majority — but have not been voted on in the U.S. Senate.

The current version of the Lumbee Fairness Act was introduced to the U.S. House on Jan. 16, just days after the new session of Congress began, sponsored by U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC7), whose district includes some eastern and northern areas of Robeson County, and cosponsored by most members of North Carolina’s House delegation, from both parties, including U.S. Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC8), whose district includes the majority of Robeson County.

Harris addressed the Lumbee’s quest for full federal recognition in a speech on the House floor Wednesday.

“For decades the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has sought full recognition, a goal which has eluded them despite their profound contributions to our state and nation,” Harris said in part. “I am deeply grateful to President Trump for his steadfast support of the Lumbee Tribe, from his campaign promises to his actions in office, and actually collaborating across both chambers to secure the full federal recognition and benefits the Lumbee rightfully deserve. Let us vote yes today and finally end this long fight, affirming the recognition they have earned and so richly merit.”

Of the 14 North Carolina members of the U.S. House, only Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC12) and Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC13) voted against the NDAA.

North Carolina’s U.S. Senators, Republicans Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, each cosponsored a Senate version of the Lumbee Fairness Act which was also reintroduced in January. Tillis has been an outspoken supporter of Lumbee recognition, seeking to get the bill passed before he leaves the Senate at the end of 2026. Tillis testified in favor of Lumbee recognition during a hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Nov. 5.

Rouzer said during a House floor speech in September that bills to grant the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition have been introduced over 30 times since 1956, and that 23 other tribes have earned recognition through congressional action since 1978.

Congress granted the Lumbee Tribe partial recognition with the Lumbee Act of 1956. But that legislation, which came during the Indian Termination Era as the federal government often sought to distance itself from Native American tribes, stated that the Lumbee could not receive the benefits of full federal recognition.

While there are generally two ways to obtain full federal recognition — through an act of Congress, or through the Office of Federal Acknowledgement, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior — Lowery has previously stated numerous times that only congressional action can overturn that legislation.

Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 23, just three days after taking office, stating support of recognition was the official position of his administration and directing the Department of the Interior to investigate ways to aide the tribe in that cause. A department report ultimately stated that congressional action was required to overturn the Lumbee Act of 1956 and grant the Lumbee full federal recognition.

If granted full federal recognition, the Lumbee Tribe “shall be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes,” the NDAA text says.

LAURINBURG — Sometimes, even with a 4-1 record, not everything is going smoothly. The Fighting Scots boys basketball team is now 3-0 on the road after defeating the St. Pauls Bulldogs on Wednesday, 68-60. Yet, are they as good as their record may appear?

Multiple times this season, Scotland has played down to their competition and it’s become a concerning pattern. In their two games against St. Pauls, the Scots allowed a winless Bulldogs team to take them down to the wire and nearly pulled off the upset. In those matches, Scotland won by three and eight points.

In the third week versus the Montgomery Central Timberwolves, Scotland allowed the Timberwolves to outscore them in the first half, which forced the Scots to rally in the second half for them to walk away with the win.

Head coach Jarvis Cobb addressed the team in the locker room following Wednesday’s victory, stating, “Too many times we are giving teams we should easily defeat a chance to beat us.”

“We came out with the win, and we did not play the way we wanted to,” Cobb said. “We gave them [St. Pauls] hope, but we fought back and that’s what it’s about.”

But it’s not all negative for this team; in their first loss of the season to Richmond, the Scots showed key areas that demanded attention, such as transition defense, rebounding and ball movement. Coming into their matchup against St. Pauls, those areas showed noticeable improvement.

“That was the point of emphasis coming into this game: rebounding, defense and cutting down on turnovers. If we can continue to do this, we will be a good team,” Cobb said.

Just five weeks into the season under a new head coach, fans still have time to assess how far this team will go. Yet these games provide a solid look at the team, which is 4-1 for the first time since 2022, averaged 67.8 points per game and allowed 63.8.

The teams they have faced have a combined record of 6-13. Richmond is the only team on their schedule that is undefeated, and Scotland will travel to Richmond in a rematch on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Lady Scots (0-5) basketball team dropped its fifth straight game on Wednesday, falling to the St. Pauls Bulldogs 41-31. Here are photos from the game.

LAURINBURG —The Lady Scots (0-4) basketball team dropped its fourth straight game on Tuesday, falling to the Richmond Raiders 64-9. Here are photos from the game.

LAURINBURG —The Fighting Scots (3-1) boys basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday, falling to the Richmond Raiders 82-73, in arguably their worst performance of the year. If the Scots hope to get back on track against St. Pauls Wednesday, several factors will need to improve.

Transition Defense

“The difference in the game was our transition defense; we were not hustling back,” head coach Jarvis Cobb said after Tuesday’s defeat.

What hurt Scotland early was in the first quarter; after taking a 15-8 lead in the opening moments, Richmond went on a 12-4 run, turning Scotland’s missed shots into fast-break points, to take a 20-19 lead going into the second quarter. At the start of the third, with the score 46-37, the Raiders continued to capitalize on Scotland’s misses. Scotland narrowed the gap to 53-50; however, whenever the Scots went on a run, Richmond responded repeatedly.

“We beat ourselves,” Cobb said. “It would have been a different outcome if we had sprinted back on defense. But we didn’t play the way I know we’re capable of, and we lost a game we should’ve won.”

Rebounding

Far too often, the Raiders were given chances at second-chance points. Richmond consistently out-physicaled Scotland on the boards. A key issue was Scotland’s small forward, sophomore Kam Price, led the team in rebounds with eight — but where were the frontcourt players: juniors Collin Hill and Javeer Pasley and senior Jesse Clifton? Hill and Pasley were tied for second in rebounds with seven, whereas Clifton only had five in Tuesday’s game.

Cobb believed this stat was a key contributor to the Scots’ defeat. “We gave up too many offensive possessions and rebounds, which broke our back and it was something we couldn’t recover from.”

Need for Another Ball Handler

It was evident that the Raiders’ main defensive focus was to trap guards sophomore Nazire’ Campbell and senior Zaymon Gibson and force others, not Campbell and Gibson, to orchestrate the offense. Scotland struggled; Campbell and Gibson combined for 12 turnovers, accounting for half of the team’s 24 turnovers. Given sophomore Maddox McNickle, junior Tomek McFadden and senior Lashawn Pittman are on the roster, one of them must step up if this offense aims to keep progressing. Who will it be?