Gryphons Prune Rose

The Rocky Mount Gryphons open up 2013 hosting Rose High an nearing the half Rocky Mount nursed a 24-22 lead but finished on a 6-0 to lead 30-22 at the break.  They came out of the locker room and started the second half on a15-2 run and that was all she wrote for Rose.  The Gryphons crush Rose 77-45.

Time after time Rose nearing the basket for a shot found the ball batted away while the ball was in flight by the Gryphon front line of Donte Battle, Jaquel Bryant, and Immanuel King.  The Gryphons out rebounded the Rampants 56-30 with Donte Battle hauling down 20 on the night and many were deflected shots that fell into his hands.  Jaquel Bryant snatched 11 boards but the Gryphons had six players with at least four rebounds including guard Michael Hines who had 7.

12 Gryphons scored in this one lead by Donte Battle with 16, Jaquel Bryant with 15, M J Gainey 10, Michael Hines 7, Mason Hines 7, Kenaz Cooper 6, Austin Warner 4, J T Smith 3, Immanuel King 3, Tony Batts 2, Armad Harrell 2, Thomas Cooper 2.  Cornell Powell Lead the Rampants 20

Gryphons had 26 turnovers compared to only 14 for Rose but the Gryphon tall trees  didn't allowed much within ten feet of the basket and the Gryphon guards with M J Gainey outside shooting and the others driving to the basket  the Gryphons were simply too tall and too quick for Rose.

The Gryphons are at home again Friday night to begin conference play and at half time of the girls game Rocky Mount High will have a Memorial Service for the late Charles Alston.  The Gryphons are now 11-1 on this basketball season.

The girls game can be summed up rather quickly.  Too much defense by the Gryphons for Rose.  Rose had more turnovers 56 than points 18.  Rose had more rebounds than points 19.  J'Kyra Brown had more points than Rose 32.  Carmen Richardson 14 points and Kelsey Daniels 12 had more points between the two than Rose.

Now the bad News, Rocky Mount made one outside shot all night.  Just about every point came on lay ups after a Rose turnover  or drives to the basket.  This team has to find shooters other than J'Kyra Brown who can score ten feet or more from the basket.

Now the good news.  This team can play defense.  Rose scored 6 points in the first, 2 in the second, 6 in the third and 4 in the fourth.  Rose had at least 10 turnovers or more every quarter including the fourth with the subs in the game.  The Ladys are now 8-4 on the season after and rather easy 71-18 thumping of Rose.

Tonight at Northern Nash the top two girls teams in 3-A basketball according to the polls collided and the Lady Knights of Northern Nash just might be #1 in the state next week barring a slip up Friday in conference plays as they beat Chapel Hill by 9.

Remember a couple of weeks ago ECU gave Carolina a run for their money in basketball losing by six.  Tonight those Fighting Camels of Campbell beat ECU in Greenville 85-81 in over time.  I just thought I would mention that score.