With just under four minutes to play, the Rocky Mount Gryphon boys basketball team had managed to push out a five-point lead at 59-54 over Nash Central and had the ball in their Tuesday evening NEW 6 tilt.
But an ill-advised quick 3-pointer that missed turned into a 3-point basket for Nash Central. Then five straight turnovers and a lone free throw and the Gryphons still only trailed 61-60. The Gryphons were doomed as they had four straight turnovers before a final futile trey missed as Nash Central stayed unbeaten in conference play taking down the Gryphons 69-60.
Tashawn Mabry had 27 points to lead the Gryphons, but what they needed more of was some outside shooting to take the pressure off the inside game lead by senior Philip Wilkins. Once the ball went inside, the Bulldogs were triple-teaming the ball. Three-point shots were few made and far between.
The Gryphons now find themselves in a need to win their game Friday night when they host Northern Nash, a team that was riding high until two players failed to qualify to play second semester.
In the girls action, the Lady Gryphons find themselves riding high and all alone in first place after scorching the Lady Bulldogs. The best I remember, the score was 77-49.
The offense struggled for most of three quarters, but Pam Gainey's press defense took its toll on the Lady Bulldogs and once again the Lady Gryphons scored big numbers with defense.
Senior Dyonna Battle led the way with 21 points and freshman Tia Hudgins added 15. The Lady Gryphons (13-4) have gone through the first cycle of conference play and stand 5-0 in conference.
Admittance to Friday night's Northern Nash game at Rocky Mount will be first come, first served. There will be no advance sale of tickets. Three weeks ago at Northern, the gym was full by 6.15 and if that happens Friday night, they will start turning people away even if you have a Gryphon pass to get in the game. So you need to be there early.
Friday night, $1 from each ticket sold will go to the American Cancer Society as high schools around the state are taking part.
Did the PA tonight at the Nash Central-Rocky Mount games so I failed to see the Wolfpack's overtime win over Miami. Seems like they play better without my coaching anyway.
Do you realize that in college basketball this year they have been three teams that have been ranked No. 1 and all three are on Tobacco Road - Carolina, Wake and Duke?
UConn sits awaiting as Duke travels to Wake Wednesday night. If Wake wins. UConn will be No. 1 next week if it can win twice this week.
I think between Duke, Carolina and Wake, neither of them will have more than four losses by ACC tournament time.
Wouldn't be something if all three got No. 1 seeds at NCAA tournament time!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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