TOO Much J Brown

It might have been billed as the game of the century but they have now play four times in 60 days so it might better be the game of the week as Northern Nash and Rocky Mount renewed their weekly tug of war called Big East girls basketball.

Northern shot out at the beginning of the game as if they were the New York Giant defense and mid court was a first down and they didn't plan on Rocky Mount getting many first downs tonight.  The Lady Gryphons found themselves down by double digits before they got a first down or as it seemed crossed mid court.  Rocky Mount was piling up fouls and turnovers so fast that Jimmy Johns missed a delivery.

Sometimes luck falls your way even when you don't ask for it.  Pam Gainey about out of player in the second quarter and down by 14 went to a zone defense first of all to protect the important players but to help stabilize a very  rather flustered  Gryphon team. It worked not only helped the Gryphons get both feet planted on the floor but it took all of Northern's MO away.

Because of foul trouble the Gryphons found Kelsy Daniels and she played the game of her life helping keep the Gryphons a float until J took over.  Daniels scored seven points had several blocks  and another four rebounds but all the while Northern had built a 14 point lead.

It seemed as if the Gryphon comeback was one point at the time at they made 28 out of 34 free throws  lead by J'Kyra Brown who was doubled teamed all over the floor and found the only way to score was drive to the hole and go the the free line where she dumped 17 out of 18.  She managed 30 on the night  and over time was all J.

Northern had their chance to salt the game away but only made 13 of their  23 free shots.  Rocky Mount  survived the last 25 seconds as Northern held the ball to win but failed to make a good attempt. The Gryphons outscored Northern 7-3 in overtime.

Northern can't fault Jasmine Griffin as she collect 14 points on the inside and Alexus Hill had 15 in and outside. Northern has lost six games in the last two seasons and five have come at the hands of the Gryphons.

Final Rocky Mount 59 Northern Nash 55

The Rocky Mount boys took on Southern Nash  in the night cap and Rocky Mount ran into a gritty determined Firebird team that gave it their best shot but in the end the 21-3 Gryphons were too much for the Firebirds to handle and the Gryphons both boys and girls take the regular season and Tournament titles for the second straight season.

Terrill Hilliard was named MVP for the boys and I guess you figured J'Kyra Brown was MVP for the girls.  Hilliard scored 19 after having 17 Wednesday.  Rocky Mount  beat Southern 76-61.  Everyone is in a waiting game now until 6pm Saturday night when this new Pod system brackets  in basketball hits the internet.