On the eve of their team's appearance in a high school baseball tournament, five Northeastern High School players are facing misdemeanor charges after police say they were caught with marijuana in a former middle school building Thursday.

According to Elizabeth City police, the five players, who are ages 16-18, broke into the former Elizabeth City Middle School at 306 North Road Street about 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

When police arrived, they found the five teens inside the building, which has been vacant since last year. Police also apparently found less than half an ounce of marijuana in the teens' possession.

According to a police report, the teens caused some damage to the school gym by throwing chairs across its floor.

The five teens, each of whom is believed to be a member of the NHS varsity baseball team, have been charged with breaking and entering, and possessing half an ounce or less of marijuana.

The five players include:

• Devlin Hankinson, 18, of 206 Binnacle Court, Elizabeth City;

• Buford Eugene Fowler III, 17, of 105 Lighthouse Drive, Elizabeth City;

• William Norrell, 16, of 1000 Riverside Ave., Elizabeth City;

• Corey Ramos, 18, of 2511 West Main St. Extended; and

• Justin Meads, 16, of 1841 Nixonton Road, Elizabeth City.

All five suspects are scheduled to make a first appearance in Pasquotank District Court on July 24.

Northeastern High School Principal Don Sisson had no comment Friday about the arrests.

"It's not something I can discuss with you," he said.

Tony Stewart, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank superintendent, said the law precludes him from commenting.

"I'm not at liberty to make any comment about a student," he said.

The NHS baseball team was scheduled to play in a tournament in Duplin County tonight. Team officials could not be reached for comment on the players' status for the tournament.