The Gryphons DO It

Tonight Rocky Mount High school made the trek to Hunt and while away the girls pulled off the upset and knocked Northern Nash from the ranks of the undefeated 51-47 in overtime while the boys beat Hunt for the second time this year at Hunt 69-54 and in doing so grab the #1 seed from the Big East in the State Playoffs.

It took more than thirty two minutes to decide the girls championship as Northern's biggest lead of the night was 6 twice and Rocky Mount never lead by more than three until the final minute of over time.  Both teams defense caused the other problems all night as Rocky Mount mishandle the ball 25 times and Northern had 19 miscues.  The ball was flying all over the place but if you didn't see this one you missed a game. It was tied 25-25 at the half and 44 all at the end of the fourth.

J'Kyra Brown playing her best game since she was injured two and a half weeks ago poured in 27 points and guard Carmen Richardson pulled down 10 of Rocky Mount's 31 rebounds and also had 9 points..  Alexus Hill lead Northern with 15 with help from Shakyia Mercer 10, Quineshia Lynch 8, and Camille Branch 8.

This just might be the best game Rocky Mount has played all year never letting a turnover devour  their goal of Knocking Northern  off with their first defeat.  Rocky Mount record goes to 16-9 while Northern falls to 21-1.  Despite the loss Northern still will get the #1 seed representing  the Big East and Rocky Mount will be #2 and at 16-9 just might not get a home game in the playoffs.

J'Kyra Brown was named the Tournament MVP while teammates Kelsey Daniels and Carmen Richarson made all tournament.  Northern had Quineshia Lynch and Alexus Hill on the squad while Fike  had two players Jameka Ruffin and E J Proctor.  Rounding out the teams was Miya Styles and J'Lynn Westry from Nash Central.

Tonight M J Gainey wrapped up the MVP award at the half all he had to do was worry about the Gryphons holding on to their 15 point lead and they did .  MJ rained threes all over Hunt in the first half he was so hot that he even made a bank shot three from the near corner in scoring 21 points.   Justin Jefferson tried his best to keep Hunt in it in the first half but foul trouble derailed his effort  and with it all possible come backs for Hunt.

Rocky Mount biggest lead was 48-29 and twice Hunt cut it to 10 but every time Hunt got close Rocky Mount would get a couple of scores  and push away again.  Rocky Mount won the rebounding battle 26-24 but a big difference in the game was the turnovers as every Hunt turnover cost them in Gryphon Points.  On the night they had 17 while Rocky Mount had 11.  They only had 10 last night so if the Gryphons protect the ball in the playoffs this well no telling how far they can go in trying to repeat as State Champs.

Michael Hines  scored  15 and everyone of his points came off drives to the basket.  Just to keep Hunt from guarding the outside Gryphon shots Donte Battled chipped in 15,  Daniel Westbrook score 19 for Hunt who lost for only the fifth time all year.  Dwantae Sutton rebounded seven for the Warriors while Donte Battle lead Rocky Mount with six.

Joining Gainey on the all tournament team were Michael Hines and Donte Battle.  Hunt has Justin Jefferson and Travon Davis.  Making all tournament from Southern Nash was Desmond Jackson and Deion Lavendar while Nash Central had Nate Pittman and Jaquan Wilkins on the team.

All Big East teams who are in the playoffs will not begin play until Monday Feb 25th.  Seeding will be announced on the 23rd.