Defense Leads Gryphon Comeback

The Rocky Mount Gryphons found themselves down 38-28 early in the third quarter but it wasn't a ten point spree that lead to victory in the Eastern Regional Semi finals but some good old fashion defense and the Gryphons live to play another day beating the defending state Champions 65-62 in front of about 5,000 fans in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.

A 15-14 lead disappeared quickly as the second quarter began and by half time a smooth Northern Guilford squad had built a 35-26 lead. Most of the second quarter points came off of easy lay ups either on fast breaks or break down on the Gryphon defense to give them an open shot under the basket.

But, tonight was a night when the referees left their whistles home and they let both teams play. Four minutes to go in the third quarter there had only been three fouls called the whole game and when Rocky Mount went to the free throw line with 3.09 to go in the third quarter it was the free throws of the game. By quarters end the Gryphons had trimmed the lead to 49-44.

Two stretches in the fourth quarter that made the difference. Milking a 60-56 lead Northern slowing things down and the Gryphons caused four straight trips Northern Guilford failed to get a shot off. But, for every stop the Gryphons made they needed to score and with about four minutes to go in the game Tashaawn Mabry touched the ball every trip down court and Tashawn played like the All State performer he is. Mabrey made seven out of eight free throws as he started driving to the basket and finally by the fourth quarter the referees had been provided whistles which they started using. After only calling three fouls the first 20 minutes they made 16 the last twelve. The Gryphons were 10 for 12 for the game while Northern was 8 out of 11.

Once again tonight the intense Gryphon pressure wilted Northern in the four quarter and the trio of guards were lead by Bill Young who took his turn at being too quick for Guilford. Detrail Jenkins had a double double 12 point and 12 rebounds.

The bottom line tonight, team defense pulls this one out and Rocky Mount will play North East Guilford a 83-82 overtime winner over once beaten South Central. Northeast Guilford is now 19-10 on the year and are the only road block left for the Gryphon nation to play in Chapel Hill on March 13th.

******If you haven't heard the 3-A Eastern finals have been moved to 1.00pm Saturday. This is due to the 2-A Semi final game which has been pushed to Friday at 5.30 over Tuesday night of the snow out. In order to give the winner of the 2-A a little more rest the 3-A/2-A games are flip flopping. Gryphon PLAY AT 1.00pm.

You can be proud to be a GRYPHON tonight !