Preseason NPP Top 25: No. 25 Kinston

25. Kinston (N.C.)
Last year: 29-3
Coach: Wells Gulledge
Top players: G Reggie Bullock (6-7, Sr.); G Dory Hines (6-2, Sr.); F Dallas Best (6-6, Sr.); G Josh Benoit (6-1, Sr.)
Top games: Dec. 17-22 at Iolani Classic (Honolulu); Dec. 26-30 at Glaxo-Smith-Kline Classic (Raleigh, N.C.); Jan. 17 vs. Kentwood (Wash.) at HoopHall Classic (Springfield, Mass.)
Notable: The Vikings will be a handful for opponents with their outstanding ability to make plays in transition. Four starters return as the team seeks its second state championship in three seasons. The leader is Bullock, a North Carolina recruit who averaged 24 points, six rebounds, three assists, and 1.5 blocks last season.
Quotable: “This team has the chance to be a great defensive man-to-man team.” – Gulledge, who has won 83 percent of his games at Kinston.