The Rocky Mount Lady Gryphons in the fourth round and on the road against Northern Guilford who has lost once all season. The Northern Nash Knights at home in front of a jammed house taking on another Guilford County team from Eastern Guilford.
Both Rocky Mount and Northern Nash are eliminated from the state basketball playoffs the Gryphons losing 54-44 while the Knights lose 62-52.
The Knights have been clinging to the edge of the cliff the entire playoff run and through three quarters it looked as though they would survive to play another day. Ahead 41-38 at the third quarter marker the well ran dry in the fourth quarter. Eastern Guilford out scored the Knights 24-11 wiping out the Knights lead.
The Knights finish the season 25-4 which is the best record that they have had since dropping to 3A 12 years ago. There are times when the health of your team hinders their ability to play at their full ability. This Knight team gave us all they had in their tank and we are proud of your effort!
The Lady Gryphons lose in Guilford County. The Knights lose to a team from Guilford County. We are not alone as five teams from Guilford County played tonight in all levels of the playoffs and all five won.
Gryphons girls basketball player just today was named NCHSAA Performer of the week sponsored by Time Warner. Through last weekend Keyanna Spivey has averaged over 20 points per game during the three playoff games last week. A two sport winter athlete Spivey won the State indoor shot put championship a week ago.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Gryphons Baseball Begins With Shutout
The Rocky Mount Gryphons opened their 2017 baseball season at home hosting the Yellow Jackets of Roanoke Rapids. Pat Smith needs to find pitching to go along with NC State signee David Harrison. For one game at least he May have found one.
Freshman Ben Sieracki got the start went four innings allowed only two hits bunts with no one covering first. The top of the third was his only stress and it was from no cause from Sieracki. A leadoff error followed by a bunt with no one on first put runners on first and second with no outs. Another bunt fielders choice was out at third. Another bunt left open first base to load the bases. A ground ball to third and a force play at the plate for out number two and a strike out ended the only Yellow Jacket threat all day.
Sieracki went four innings giving up two hits walking only one striking out six. David Harrison pitched the final three innings going nine up and nine down striking out five.
Rocky Mount plated a single run in the second after one out Jake Philbeck singled to left and made it to third after the ball went though the legs of the fielder. The next batter Jamar Ellis floated a single that dropped in front of the left fielder but a super throw by the left fielder Tommy Bradley cut down Philbeck at the plate. The next batter Zack Keeter cracked a single who drove in Ellis who was on second on the throw that nailed Philbeck at home.
The Gryphons struck for their second run in the third after a single by Josh Pittman and a double by David Harrison. Isaiah Stewart deliver a sac fly to left to score Pittman. The Gryphons got 7 hits. Two by Pittman, double by Harrison, singles by Jake Philbeck, Zack Keeter, Jamar Ellis and Lane Butler.
The Gryphons win their opener 2-0
Now the basketball playoffs.
The Knights of Northern Nash have won three times at home by very close scores. They have won despite nagging injuries. The idea by not playing Darius Spradley in the Big East Tournament has paid off for Henry Drake. I hope all those nagging injuries have healed because now only the strong survive.
Eastern Guilford 27-3 and winners of 20 games in a row and sport a team that has ten players over six feet tall. EG averages 69 points per game while Northern counters at 71. This game has all the ingredients of a run and gun high scoring game.
Eastern Guilford 27-3 @ Northern Nash 25-3. Eastern Guilford is the third seed from the East while Northern Nash is the top seed. The home crowd was Great Saturday night and the Knight support team needs to be louder Tuesday.
The Lady Gryphons have enjoyed three homes games and in all three their second half defense has led to comfortable wins. Now on the road for the first time they will face a huge height disadvantage as the Nighthawks star player stands six feet five and they have seven players on the roster least as tall as the tallest Gryphons.
This will be a game of can the Gryphons pressing defense stop the Nighthawks even before they get near the foul line. If they can get it inside it will be a long night for the Gryphons. Rocky Mount must have their best defensive game of the year
Rocky Mount 22-3 @ Northern Guilford 28-1: The Nighthawks leading scorer is Elissa Cunane who banks in 20.4 points per night and hauls down 11.9 rebounds. She stands 6' 5". The only other double digit scorer comes from Kassie Robakiewicz at 11.4. They score 65 points a game and that averages that they have won every game by 29 points holding the other side to 36.
The Gryphons score 56 on average and rely on their defense holding their foes to 33. Keyanna Spivey at 5' 9" scores 21.1 and grabs 9.2 missed shots per game. Michelle Gainey scores at 10.2. Spivey must stay out of foul trouble and the Gryphons outside shooters must be hot. The defense must cause 20 turnover or more to stay in this game.
Freshman Ben Sieracki got the start went four innings allowed only two hits bunts with no one covering first. The top of the third was his only stress and it was from no cause from Sieracki. A leadoff error followed by a bunt with no one on first put runners on first and second with no outs. Another bunt fielders choice was out at third. Another bunt left open first base to load the bases. A ground ball to third and a force play at the plate for out number two and a strike out ended the only Yellow Jacket threat all day.
Sieracki went four innings giving up two hits walking only one striking out six. David Harrison pitched the final three innings going nine up and nine down striking out five.
Rocky Mount plated a single run in the second after one out Jake Philbeck singled to left and made it to third after the ball went though the legs of the fielder. The next batter Jamar Ellis floated a single that dropped in front of the left fielder but a super throw by the left fielder Tommy Bradley cut down Philbeck at the plate. The next batter Zack Keeter cracked a single who drove in Ellis who was on second on the throw that nailed Philbeck at home.
The Gryphons struck for their second run in the third after a single by Josh Pittman and a double by David Harrison. Isaiah Stewart deliver a sac fly to left to score Pittman. The Gryphons got 7 hits. Two by Pittman, double by Harrison, singles by Jake Philbeck, Zack Keeter, Jamar Ellis and Lane Butler.
The Gryphons win their opener 2-0
Now the basketball playoffs.
The Knights of Northern Nash have won three times at home by very close scores. They have won despite nagging injuries. The idea by not playing Darius Spradley in the Big East Tournament has paid off for Henry Drake. I hope all those nagging injuries have healed because now only the strong survive.
Eastern Guilford 27-3 and winners of 20 games in a row and sport a team that has ten players over six feet tall. EG averages 69 points per game while Northern counters at 71. This game has all the ingredients of a run and gun high scoring game.
Eastern Guilford 27-3 @ Northern Nash 25-3. Eastern Guilford is the third seed from the East while Northern Nash is the top seed. The home crowd was Great Saturday night and the Knight support team needs to be louder Tuesday.
The Lady Gryphons have enjoyed three homes games and in all three their second half defense has led to comfortable wins. Now on the road for the first time they will face a huge height disadvantage as the Nighthawks star player stands six feet five and they have seven players on the roster least as tall as the tallest Gryphons.
This will be a game of can the Gryphons pressing defense stop the Nighthawks even before they get near the foul line. If they can get it inside it will be a long night for the Gryphons. Rocky Mount must have their best defensive game of the year
Rocky Mount 22-3 @ Northern Guilford 28-1: The Nighthawks leading scorer is Elissa Cunane who banks in 20.4 points per night and hauls down 11.9 rebounds. She stands 6' 5". The only other double digit scorer comes from Kassie Robakiewicz at 11.4. They score 65 points a game and that averages that they have won every game by 29 points holding the other side to 36.
The Gryphons score 56 on average and rely on their defense holding their foes to 33. Keyanna Spivey at 5' 9" scores 21.1 and grabs 9.2 missed shots per game. Michelle Gainey scores at 10.2. Spivey must stay out of foul trouble and the Gryphons outside shooters must be hot. The defense must cause 20 turnover or more to stay in this game.
Springs Sports Start Today
High school baseball fans are in for a major change when the high school baseball season gets under way today. A much asked question over the years is how much should any one pitcher pitch in any one game and for that matter each week?
The answer for North Carolina High Schools is if a pitcher throws less than 30 pitches in a game he can pitch again tomorrow. If he throws from 31-45 he must rest for a full day. A good question to ask if your team plays Monday at 10am and a pitcher pitches 44 pitches and your team plays a 7pm game on Tuesday has he rested for a full day?
If a pitcher throws 46-60 pitches he must rest for two full days. 61-75 pitches three days. If your team has a pitcher capable of pitching a complete game seldom in a seven inning games does a pitcher pitch less than 75 pitches. The days of hearing a pitcher throw 125 pitches are over. The maximum any pitcher can throw are 105 pitches. I think what you will see is teams will hold their aces for the most important games regardless of what day they play because four days rest pretty much means pitch one time a week.
Every team will be required to report pitch counts of pitchers just like when they report scores. Every coach will have to have someone in the dugout to record every pitch inning by inning and turn that form in after every Game. The team you play next will be able to know before the game how many pitches your ace pitcher can throw against them.
There is also a rule where the pitcher in his windup has to have his front foot on the rubber and the second has to be straight behind the rubber when his windup starts. Many pitchers have their second foot beside the rubber so for many pitchers this will be a major adjustment.
So in order to prevent large pitch counts on pitchers it would be nice that umpires who are known for calling a strike only when the ball is right down the middle call strikes the way the rule books calls for. I have always been a pitchers umpire. I want to see batters go to the plate to hit not walk so let's call the edges strikes like it is suppose to be and let's swing the bat at strikes. Fewer pitches are thrown and the games are quicker when one team hasn't walked 14 runs in.
I can assure you the teams that like this rule will be the teams that have three or four good pitchers. Any team with one really good thrower and a bunch I hope we can get through this inning with him on the mound are in for trouble. Once teams hit the playoffs only those team that have bunches of pitchers will win the state championships. So as the second and third games of the week come around look for higher scores. Some teams may have to tell pitchers just to lop it up to the plate, don't walk anybody and use up pitch count. We will start seeing today how this rule works out.
One issue still ignored by this rule is this applies to high school baseball. Those of you parents who think that the only way to a college scholarship is travel ball and play on weekends during the high school season all you are doing is setting your kid up for Tommy John Surgery.
Games on tap today:
Tarboro @ Fike 7pm
Southern Wayne @ Hunt 4pm
Nash Central @ Smithfield Selma 7pm
Roanoke Rapids @ Rocky Mount 4:30
Tuesday games:
Roanoke Rapids @ Northern Nash 4:30
SouthWest Edgecombe @ Southern Nash 4:30
Wednesday:
Goldsboro @ Rocky Mount Prep 4:30
The answer for North Carolina High Schools is if a pitcher throws less than 30 pitches in a game he can pitch again tomorrow. If he throws from 31-45 he must rest for a full day. A good question to ask if your team plays Monday at 10am and a pitcher pitches 44 pitches and your team plays a 7pm game on Tuesday has he rested for a full day?
If a pitcher throws 46-60 pitches he must rest for two full days. 61-75 pitches three days. If your team has a pitcher capable of pitching a complete game seldom in a seven inning games does a pitcher pitch less than 75 pitches. The days of hearing a pitcher throw 125 pitches are over. The maximum any pitcher can throw are 105 pitches. I think what you will see is teams will hold their aces for the most important games regardless of what day they play because four days rest pretty much means pitch one time a week.
Every team will be required to report pitch counts of pitchers just like when they report scores. Every coach will have to have someone in the dugout to record every pitch inning by inning and turn that form in after every Game. The team you play next will be able to know before the game how many pitches your ace pitcher can throw against them.
There is also a rule where the pitcher in his windup has to have his front foot on the rubber and the second has to be straight behind the rubber when his windup starts. Many pitchers have their second foot beside the rubber so for many pitchers this will be a major adjustment.
So in order to prevent large pitch counts on pitchers it would be nice that umpires who are known for calling a strike only when the ball is right down the middle call strikes the way the rule books calls for. I have always been a pitchers umpire. I want to see batters go to the plate to hit not walk so let's call the edges strikes like it is suppose to be and let's swing the bat at strikes. Fewer pitches are thrown and the games are quicker when one team hasn't walked 14 runs in.
I can assure you the teams that like this rule will be the teams that have three or four good pitchers. Any team with one really good thrower and a bunch I hope we can get through this inning with him on the mound are in for trouble. Once teams hit the playoffs only those team that have bunches of pitchers will win the state championships. So as the second and third games of the week come around look for higher scores. Some teams may have to tell pitchers just to lop it up to the plate, don't walk anybody and use up pitch count. We will start seeing today how this rule works out.
One issue still ignored by this rule is this applies to high school baseball. Those of you parents who think that the only way to a college scholarship is travel ball and play on weekends during the high school season all you are doing is setting your kid up for Tommy John Surgery.
Games on tap today:
Tarboro @ Fike 7pm
Southern Wayne @ Hunt 4pm
Nash Central @ Smithfield Selma 7pm
Roanoke Rapids @ Rocky Mount 4:30
Tuesday games:
Roanoke Rapids @ Northern Nash 4:30
SouthWest Edgecombe @ Southern Nash 4:30
Wednesday:
Goldsboro @ Rocky Mount Prep 4:30
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Knights and Gryphons Advance
Three times within the Last decade the Lady Gryphons have played a fellow conference member five times in a season. Twice it has been Northern Nash
Just like this year the Gryphons played Northern in the Christmas Tournament just like they collided with Nash Central this year. They met in both conference meeting and met Northern for the conference tournament. Twice just like with the Bulldogs this year. One of those meetings with Northern was for the right to go to the semi finals in Fayetteville just like tonight except tonight's winner is heading to Northern Durham who crushed topsoil 61-25. The team heading to Greensboro will be the Lady Gryphons who handle Nash Central 56-39.
Keyanna Spivey scored 25 points and Michelle Gainey 15 in Scoring more than the entire Bulldog team.
Just maybe Terry Sanford's 16-11 record was very deceiving. The Knights of Northern Nash have not run over anybody in the playoffs so far and again tonight all Northern Knights fans can be glad Darius Spradley plays for the the green and gold.
Northern led by six at end of the first quarter. The second, third and almost all the fourth Terry Sanford inched closer and closer and then it happened again. Tied 56 all and the clock ticking down to under ten seconds Henry Drake knows there is only one person who needs the ball in his hands with the clock ticking down Darius Spradley. Spradley and the Knights are heading to round four as Terry Sanford fails to tie and another home game beating Terry Sanford 58-56.
Northern will take on the number three seed Eastern Guilford who shipped East Alamance 82-62. Round four is Tuesday.
It has not happened since 2012 when Rocky Mount boys and girls advanced to the Regional Semi finals so Northern boys and Gryphons girls help send two Big East teams to the Regionals.
The playoff ride is not good news for the Jaguars of Rocky Mount Prep. Their fourth meeting of the year goes to Riverside Martin for the third time but surely this is the most important one Riverside 66 RM Prep 62.
Just like this year the Gryphons played Northern in the Christmas Tournament just like they collided with Nash Central this year. They met in both conference meeting and met Northern for the conference tournament. Twice just like with the Bulldogs this year. One of those meetings with Northern was for the right to go to the semi finals in Fayetteville just like tonight except tonight's winner is heading to Northern Durham who crushed topsoil 61-25. The team heading to Greensboro will be the Lady Gryphons who handle Nash Central 56-39.
Keyanna Spivey scored 25 points and Michelle Gainey 15 in Scoring more than the entire Bulldog team.
Just maybe Terry Sanford's 16-11 record was very deceiving. The Knights of Northern Nash have not run over anybody in the playoffs so far and again tonight all Northern Knights fans can be glad Darius Spradley plays for the the green and gold.
Northern led by six at end of the first quarter. The second, third and almost all the fourth Terry Sanford inched closer and closer and then it happened again. Tied 56 all and the clock ticking down to under ten seconds Henry Drake knows there is only one person who needs the ball in his hands with the clock ticking down Darius Spradley. Spradley and the Knights are heading to round four as Terry Sanford fails to tie and another home game beating Terry Sanford 58-56.
Northern will take on the number three seed Eastern Guilford who shipped East Alamance 82-62. Round four is Tuesday.
It has not happened since 2012 when Rocky Mount boys and girls advanced to the Regional Semi finals so Northern boys and Gryphons girls help send two Big East teams to the Regionals.
The playoff ride is not good news for the Jaguars of Rocky Mount Prep. Their fourth meeting of the year goes to Riverside Martin for the third time but surely this is the most important one Riverside 66 RM Prep 62.
Show Down Time
Rocky Mount Lady Gryphons won the regular season Big East Title. Nash Central won the Big East Tournament title their first ever in their history season ending tournament title. The winner will play in the East Regional semi finals against either N E Guilford 27-1 Number one seed in the east or Topsoil 17-9 the 7th seed. Should NE Guilford win they host either Big East team. Should Topsoil win they would travel to Rocky Mount or host Nash Central.
The Match Up.
Nash Central 18-8 @ Rocky Mount 21-3 6 pm tonight
These two have played four times each winning twice. Nash Central won their first meeting in the Christmas Tournament 40-36. Michaela Nelms scored 17 for the Bulldogs while Keyanna Spivey had 10 for the Gryphons. The first conference meeting the Gryphon won in Rocky Mount 61-52 with Nelms scoring 20 and Spivey 23. The encounter in the Dog Pound the Gryphons won 51-36 as Nelms scored 12 and Spivey 24. Then last week in the conference tournament final the Bulldogs score a 52-49 win. Nelms finds the nets for 21 and Spivey 25.
Those four meetings the average score has been 49-45 Rocky Mount. Interestingly the Bulldogs are averaging 12 points above what Rocky Mount averages as they have held all teams to 33 per game. Nash Central must find a way to slow Keyanna Spivey below her 20.5 average against the Bulldogs. Rocky Mount has fared better when Michaela Helms was held below her average. 16 in the two Rocky Mount wins. 19 in the Bulldogs wins. Which one will accomplish what they have to do to win?
The Match Up Terry Sanford 16-11 @ Northern Nash 24-3 6pm tonight
The Bulldogs average 55 points per game while Northern scores at a 71 clip. First look it would seem that Terry Sanford will have to slow down the pace of this game. The other side of the ball the Bulldogs hold the opposition to 51 points while the Knights 55. If the stats don't lie then this will be a run and gun attempt by Northern and a walk up the court attempt by Terry Sanford.
Sanford has three double digit scorers in which the Knights will have to contend with. Telligence Johnson leads the team at 14 per contest followed by Player Stats 13.5 and Gabe Harbison 11.8. Stats is the top rebounder at 8.5. The heart and soul of the Knights is Darius Spradley who has been playing on a bad toe. The Knights will need him at his best plus not in any foul trouble.
The Match Up Riverside Martin 22-3 @ Rocky Mount Prep 22-5 7pm
Have met three times this season with Riverside winning twice. Prep won at home 69-68. Lost at Riverside 77-63 and just last weekend at NC Wesleyan lost in Tournament 67-58
Riverside is led by Markel Freeman 18 pts per game. His main help comes from Jordan Spruill 12.6 and Jadaki Bonds 13.1. Prep counters with Keyshawn Bryant 18 points. His main help comes from teammates Trevor Batchlor 10.6 and Jayden Draugh 10.1
Any of the four teams still alive from Nash County that win will officially be playing Tuesday in the Eastern Regional semi's. Three can make it we know one will and there is a chance that only one Will unless all involved play the greatest game ever.
The Match Up.
Nash Central 18-8 @ Rocky Mount 21-3 6 pm tonight
These two have played four times each winning twice. Nash Central won their first meeting in the Christmas Tournament 40-36. Michaela Nelms scored 17 for the Bulldogs while Keyanna Spivey had 10 for the Gryphons. The first conference meeting the Gryphon won in Rocky Mount 61-52 with Nelms scoring 20 and Spivey 23. The encounter in the Dog Pound the Gryphons won 51-36 as Nelms scored 12 and Spivey 24. Then last week in the conference tournament final the Bulldogs score a 52-49 win. Nelms finds the nets for 21 and Spivey 25.
Those four meetings the average score has been 49-45 Rocky Mount. Interestingly the Bulldogs are averaging 12 points above what Rocky Mount averages as they have held all teams to 33 per game. Nash Central must find a way to slow Keyanna Spivey below her 20.5 average against the Bulldogs. Rocky Mount has fared better when Michaela Helms was held below her average. 16 in the two Rocky Mount wins. 19 in the Bulldogs wins. Which one will accomplish what they have to do to win?
The Match Up Terry Sanford 16-11 @ Northern Nash 24-3 6pm tonight
The Bulldogs average 55 points per game while Northern scores at a 71 clip. First look it would seem that Terry Sanford will have to slow down the pace of this game. The other side of the ball the Bulldogs hold the opposition to 51 points while the Knights 55. If the stats don't lie then this will be a run and gun attempt by Northern and a walk up the court attempt by Terry Sanford.
Sanford has three double digit scorers in which the Knights will have to contend with. Telligence Johnson leads the team at 14 per contest followed by Player Stats 13.5 and Gabe Harbison 11.8. Stats is the top rebounder at 8.5. The heart and soul of the Knights is Darius Spradley who has been playing on a bad toe. The Knights will need him at his best plus not in any foul trouble.
The Match Up Riverside Martin 22-3 @ Rocky Mount Prep 22-5 7pm
Have met three times this season with Riverside winning twice. Prep won at home 69-68. Lost at Riverside 77-63 and just last weekend at NC Wesleyan lost in Tournament 67-58
Riverside is led by Markel Freeman 18 pts per game. His main help comes from Jordan Spruill 12.6 and Jadaki Bonds 13.1. Prep counters with Keyshawn Bryant 18 points. His main help comes from teammates Trevor Batchlor 10.6 and Jayden Draugh 10.1
Any of the four teams still alive from Nash County that win will officially be playing Tuesday in the Eastern Regional semi's. Three can make it we know one will and there is a chance that only one Will unless all involved play the greatest game ever.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Big Night For Big East
Nash Central @ Rocky Mount 6pm Saturday
Terry Sanford @ Northern Nash 6pm Saturday
Riverside Martin @ Rocky Mount Prep 7pm Saturday
We talked yesterday about the triple offensive threat that Northwood was going to present against the Lady Gryphons of Rocky Mount.
Rocky Mount jumped to a first quarter lead of 20-12. 30-23 was the halftime Gryphons lead. Then that Gryphons defense took over. Rocky Mount managed only 10 points in the 3rd and fourth quarters each. Between the half and the end of the game the Gryphons defense held Northwood to only 12 points and bring home a 50-35 win.
Including the second half of Tuesday's first round game the Lady Gryphons have held Westover and Northwood to 15 points in the second half of both games. Remember these are playoffs games where the teams have earned their way into the playoffs.
Keyanna Spivey if she's not Big East player of the year there should be an investigation led the way with 24 points and 15 rebounds. The Gryphons Earned a home game after a major upset.
The Lady Bulldogs of Nash Central traveled to Cameron to take on Union Pines.The ride back to Rocky Mount will be a loud joyous ride home as the Lady Bulldogs have pulled off and upset of a team with only two losses.
Like Rocky Mount Nash Central jumped out early leading by 10 16-6 after a quarter. Much like what their mascot name says they grabbed hold of the Union Pines team by the collar and didn't let go still leading by ten at the half. The lead melted to nine after three quarters but a spirited run by Union Pines could not make up the difference as the Bull Dogs out scored UP 17-14 in the fourth to spring the upset score of 54-42
This sets up a third round showdown between the top two teams in the Big East Rocky Mount and Nash Central. Don't know yet when this game will be played but be there early. These two have already played each other twice splitting winning two each. Rocky Mount won the only game at Rocky Mount 61-52.
Up in the Rocky Mount story I gave you my pick for player of the year for the girls. Now what about the boys? Northern Nash played conference foe Fike tonight after having controlled both games during the regular season. The Knights are banged up and tonight they got all they wanted from the Golden Demons.
This game was close all the way with neither side being able to take control. This is where you insert the player of the year. Fike tied the score with under a minute to play at 57 all. Darius Spragley said boys follow me. Sinking a jump shot with 22 seconds to play to give the Knights the lead then after a Fike missed shot sank two free throws to send Northern to round three after a 61-57 win. If Spradley is not Big East Player of the year call in the SBI.
It turns out to be a big night for Nash County basketball. Rocky Mount Prep has advanced after beating River Mill Academy 67-54
Northern will host Terry Sanford a 64-53 winner over Eastern Wayne. We will be posting both times of the Nash Central Rocky Mount girls game and Northern Terry Sanford as soon as they are known
Terry Sanford @ Northern Nash 6pm Saturday
Riverside Martin @ Rocky Mount Prep 7pm Saturday
We talked yesterday about the triple offensive threat that Northwood was going to present against the Lady Gryphons of Rocky Mount.
Rocky Mount jumped to a first quarter lead of 20-12. 30-23 was the halftime Gryphons lead. Then that Gryphons defense took over. Rocky Mount managed only 10 points in the 3rd and fourth quarters each. Between the half and the end of the game the Gryphons defense held Northwood to only 12 points and bring home a 50-35 win.
Including the second half of Tuesday's first round game the Lady Gryphons have held Westover and Northwood to 15 points in the second half of both games. Remember these are playoffs games where the teams have earned their way into the playoffs.
Keyanna Spivey if she's not Big East player of the year there should be an investigation led the way with 24 points and 15 rebounds. The Gryphons Earned a home game after a major upset.
The Lady Bulldogs of Nash Central traveled to Cameron to take on Union Pines.The ride back to Rocky Mount will be a loud joyous ride home as the Lady Bulldogs have pulled off and upset of a team with only two losses.
Like Rocky Mount Nash Central jumped out early leading by 10 16-6 after a quarter. Much like what their mascot name says they grabbed hold of the Union Pines team by the collar and didn't let go still leading by ten at the half. The lead melted to nine after three quarters but a spirited run by Union Pines could not make up the difference as the Bull Dogs out scored UP 17-14 in the fourth to spring the upset score of 54-42
This sets up a third round showdown between the top two teams in the Big East Rocky Mount and Nash Central. Don't know yet when this game will be played but be there early. These two have already played each other twice splitting winning two each. Rocky Mount won the only game at Rocky Mount 61-52.
Up in the Rocky Mount story I gave you my pick for player of the year for the girls. Now what about the boys? Northern Nash played conference foe Fike tonight after having controlled both games during the regular season. The Knights are banged up and tonight they got all they wanted from the Golden Demons.
This game was close all the way with neither side being able to take control. This is where you insert the player of the year. Fike tied the score with under a minute to play at 57 all. Darius Spragley said boys follow me. Sinking a jump shot with 22 seconds to play to give the Knights the lead then after a Fike missed shot sank two free throws to send Northern to round three after a 61-57 win. If Spradley is not Big East Player of the year call in the SBI.
It turns out to be a big night for Nash County basketball. Rocky Mount Prep has advanced after beating River Mill Academy 67-54
Northern will host Terry Sanford a 64-53 winner over Eastern Wayne. We will be posting both times of the Nash Central Rocky Mount girls game and Northern Terry Sanford as soon as they are known
Second Round Tonight
More than half the field that started the playoffs Tuesday night from this area are still alive. Not many teams with losing records left and certainly the competition level increases with every victory. Let's take a look at our local survivors that are playing tonight.
Northwood Girls 22-6@ Rocky Mount 20-3 6pm: Lady Gryphons win their 20th game with their victory over Westover. Northwood finished second in the Big Eight with a10-2 conference record trailing Orange 11-1. They average 50.4 points per game while on defense they hold down their foes to 39.75. The Gryphons score at a 57 per game pace while yielding only 33.
Northwood has a trio of scorers that the Lady Gryphons will have to contend with. Kadie Snipes averages 16.6 and is joined by Chandler Adams 15.2 and Kristian Eaves 15.1. These three players score 47 points a game while Rocky Mount only gives up 33 so something has to give. Keyanna Spivey 19 points 9 rebounds will be a load for Northwood to worry about.
Northwood beat JF Webb in the opening round 45-42 while the Gryphons swarmed Westover 70-9. The winner of this game will meet the winner of the Union Pines/ Nash Central meeting. If the Gryphons win they would travel to Union Pines Saturday and if Nash Central wins to come to Rocky Mount. Northwood wins they would travel to either winner of the Union Pines/ Nash Central game.
Fike 18-8 @ Northern Nash 23-3 7pm: Regardless of what sport it is it seems the Big East also winds up playing another Big East team somewhere in the playoffs. I guess that means we win a lot of playoff games and as the teams fall by the wayside we are beating the other leagues and that leaves Big East teams only to play. These two teams played twice during the season Northern winning both 89-74 at Fike and 84-65 at Northern.
Fike averages 66 per game while Northern scores at a 71 points a game pace. Fike is led by Samson Strickland scores 19 a game and yanks down 10.7 rebounds per contest. He gets help from Tyshaud Lucas 10 points and Ricky Fuller11.6 points per game. Northern is led by Darius Spragley 17.9 points and Undray Cherry 13.6. Raymond Bullock controls the boards at 8.2 per game.
The winner of this game is set to meet the winner of 8 seed Eastern Wayne 12-14 at home to Terry Sanford 15-11. If Northern wins they are home to either Saturday night. If Fike wins they go to either.
The big question in this game is the health of the Knights as it seems in the last couple of weeks that they have had the injury bug to hit them. They controlled both games against the Golden Demons during the season. Are the Knight's injuries enough to give Fike an opportunity?
Nash Central 17-8 @ Union Pines 24-3: This is a tough match up for the Lady Bulldogs. Union Pines averages 52 points per ball game while the Lady Dogs 49. Leading point producer for UP is Byona Shields at 16.1 and her main helper Hadiya Baiser 11.7 and rebounds at 7.9.
Nash Central will respond with Michaela Nelms 18.4. She also grabs 8.1 rebounds. Two others get double digits points in Myia Spivey 10.8 and Kayalia Mitchell 10.2
The winner of this game meets Rocky Mount/Northwood winner. If Union Pines wins they host either. If Nash Central wins they would go to Rocky Mount or visit Northwood.
Other games:
River Mill Academy 19-7 @ Rocky Mount Prep 21-5
Girls :
SouthWest Edgecombe 19-4 hosting North Johnston17-9
Northwood Girls 22-6@ Rocky Mount 20-3 6pm: Lady Gryphons win their 20th game with their victory over Westover. Northwood finished second in the Big Eight with a10-2 conference record trailing Orange 11-1. They average 50.4 points per game while on defense they hold down their foes to 39.75. The Gryphons score at a 57 per game pace while yielding only 33.
Northwood has a trio of scorers that the Lady Gryphons will have to contend with. Kadie Snipes averages 16.6 and is joined by Chandler Adams 15.2 and Kristian Eaves 15.1. These three players score 47 points a game while Rocky Mount only gives up 33 so something has to give. Keyanna Spivey 19 points 9 rebounds will be a load for Northwood to worry about.
Northwood beat JF Webb in the opening round 45-42 while the Gryphons swarmed Westover 70-9. The winner of this game will meet the winner of the Union Pines/ Nash Central meeting. If the Gryphons win they would travel to Union Pines Saturday and if Nash Central wins to come to Rocky Mount. Northwood wins they would travel to either winner of the Union Pines/ Nash Central game.
Fike 18-8 @ Northern Nash 23-3 7pm: Regardless of what sport it is it seems the Big East also winds up playing another Big East team somewhere in the playoffs. I guess that means we win a lot of playoff games and as the teams fall by the wayside we are beating the other leagues and that leaves Big East teams only to play. These two teams played twice during the season Northern winning both 89-74 at Fike and 84-65 at Northern.
Fike averages 66 per game while Northern scores at a 71 points a game pace. Fike is led by Samson Strickland scores 19 a game and yanks down 10.7 rebounds per contest. He gets help from Tyshaud Lucas 10 points and Ricky Fuller11.6 points per game. Northern is led by Darius Spragley 17.9 points and Undray Cherry 13.6. Raymond Bullock controls the boards at 8.2 per game.
The winner of this game is set to meet the winner of 8 seed Eastern Wayne 12-14 at home to Terry Sanford 15-11. If Northern wins they are home to either Saturday night. If Fike wins they go to either.
The big question in this game is the health of the Knights as it seems in the last couple of weeks that they have had the injury bug to hit them. They controlled both games against the Golden Demons during the season. Are the Knight's injuries enough to give Fike an opportunity?
Nash Central 17-8 @ Union Pines 24-3: This is a tough match up for the Lady Bulldogs. Union Pines averages 52 points per ball game while the Lady Dogs 49. Leading point producer for UP is Byona Shields at 16.1 and her main helper Hadiya Baiser 11.7 and rebounds at 7.9.
Nash Central will respond with Michaela Nelms 18.4. She also grabs 8.1 rebounds. Two others get double digits points in Myia Spivey 10.8 and Kayalia Mitchell 10.2
The winner of this game meets Rocky Mount/Northwood winner. If Union Pines wins they host either. If Nash Central wins they would go to Rocky Mount or visit Northwood.
Other games:
River Mill Academy 19-7 @ Rocky Mount Prep 21-5
Girls :
SouthWest Edgecombe 19-4 hosting North Johnston17-9
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Massacre At Rocky Mount
Many of you know I think the football playoffs are one game to long. Too many times the lower seed is blown out and the best thing that can happen for the best team is not get anyone hurt for next weeks game. Tonight Just maybe basketball has one game too many.
Westover comes from Fayetteville and won 11 games in the season. They will not win 12. The Lady Gryphons held Westover to six points on The first quarter. Rocky Mount had 29 at the end of the quarter and that is all they would need. The Wolverines would not score in the second or third quarter and only 3 in the fourth quarter.
Pam Gainey cleared the bench early and often. The Lady Gryphons had 22 steals and when the final horn sounded the Lady Gryphons beat West Over 70-9. The score is correct.
Nash Central girls hosted Western Alamance and The Lady Bulldogs had a tussle with the team from Alamance County. The fact is, it was anybody's game with two minutes to go and the Bulldogs advance. 50-45.
Coach Henry Drake's gamble last week sitting his star player in Big East Tournament paid off at home tonight as the Knights host North East Guilford. How healthy are the Knights for the two week playoff journey to Chapel Hill. Don't know but the Knights are healthy enough to survive and play another day. This one was close all the way but Northern is home again Thursday as they Beat NE Guilford 62-59.
Just maybe Nash Central as the number two seed from the Big East hosted Chapel Hill who was 10-4 in conference play that This was a tough match up for the Bulldogs. It was as the Bulldogs fall at home 44-40.
Other scores:
Girls
Northern Guilford 58 Hunt 50
SouthWest Edgecombe 71 West Bladen 47
East Columbus 53 Tarboro 48
Gray's Creek 58 Fike 50
Boys
Rocky Mount Prep 83 Princeton 65
Clinton 84 SouthWest Edgecombe 77
Fike 80 Walter Williams 72
Westover comes from Fayetteville and won 11 games in the season. They will not win 12. The Lady Gryphons held Westover to six points on The first quarter. Rocky Mount had 29 at the end of the quarter and that is all they would need. The Wolverines would not score in the second or third quarter and only 3 in the fourth quarter.
Pam Gainey cleared the bench early and often. The Lady Gryphons had 22 steals and when the final horn sounded the Lady Gryphons beat West Over 70-9. The score is correct.
Nash Central girls hosted Western Alamance and The Lady Bulldogs had a tussle with the team from Alamance County. The fact is, it was anybody's game with two minutes to go and the Bulldogs advance. 50-45.
Coach Henry Drake's gamble last week sitting his star player in Big East Tournament paid off at home tonight as the Knights host North East Guilford. How healthy are the Knights for the two week playoff journey to Chapel Hill. Don't know but the Knights are healthy enough to survive and play another day. This one was close all the way but Northern is home again Thursday as they Beat NE Guilford 62-59.
Just maybe Nash Central as the number two seed from the Big East hosted Chapel Hill who was 10-4 in conference play that This was a tough match up for the Bulldogs. It was as the Bulldogs fall at home 44-40.
Other scores:
Girls
Northern Guilford 58 Hunt 50
SouthWest Edgecombe 71 West Bladen 47
East Columbus 53 Tarboro 48
Gray's Creek 58 Fike 50
Boys
Rocky Mount Prep 83 Princeton 65
Clinton 84 SouthWest Edgecombe 77
Fike 80 Walter Williams 72
Pretenders Start Going Home
Tonight is the first night of the state playoffs in North Carolina High school basketball. Those with the impressive records mean nothing as all teams head through the six game playoff gauntlet and when all the said and done is complete there will only be one winner in every bracket from 1A to 4A in both boys and girls. Here's a look at everyone still alive from this area.
1A Boys:
Princton 11-15 @ Rocky Mount Prep 20-5 7pm
1A Girls:
Tarboro 11-11 @ East Columbus 20-4 6pm
2A Girls:
West Bladen 11-14 @ SouthWest Edgecombe 18-4 7pm
2A Boys:
SouthWest Edgecombe 9-12 @ Clinton 24-2 7:30
3A Girls:
Westover 11-12 @ Rocky Mount 19-3 6pm
Western Alamance 13-11 @ Nash Central 16-8 6pm Part of home doubleheader with the boys.
Grays Creek 14-9 @ Fike 17-7 6pm Part of Doubleheader with boys
Hunt 17-8 @ Northeast Guilford 20-6 6pm
3A Boys:
NE Guilford 11-14 @ Northern Nash 22-3 6pm
Chapel Hill 14-12 @ Nash Central 7:30 Part of double header with girls
Walt Williams 17-8 @ Fike 17-8 Part of doubleheader with girls
If you are a supporter of any of these teams especially if they have earned a home game you need to be in the house supporting your team. No one is guaranteed to be playing Thursday when you thought you would go support them
1A Boys:
Princton 11-15 @ Rocky Mount Prep 20-5 7pm
1A Girls:
Tarboro 11-11 @ East Columbus 20-4 6pm
2A Girls:
West Bladen 11-14 @ SouthWest Edgecombe 18-4 7pm
2A Boys:
SouthWest Edgecombe 9-12 @ Clinton 24-2 7:30
3A Girls:
Westover 11-12 @ Rocky Mount 19-3 6pm
Western Alamance 13-11 @ Nash Central 16-8 6pm Part of home doubleheader with the boys.
Grays Creek 14-9 @ Fike 17-7 6pm Part of Doubleheader with boys
Hunt 17-8 @ Northeast Guilford 20-6 6pm
3A Boys:
NE Guilford 11-14 @ Northern Nash 22-3 6pm
Chapel Hill 14-12 @ Nash Central 7:30 Part of double header with girls
Walt Williams 17-8 @ Fike 17-8 Part of doubleheader with girls
If you are a supporter of any of these teams especially if they have earned a home game you need to be in the house supporting your team. No one is guaranteed to be playing Thursday when you thought you would go support them
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Playoff Brackets
They are a day late but as expected the Big East got seven teams into the state playoffs which kick offs off Tuesday unless both teams agree to play Monday.
The Lady Gryphons draw the number five seed and will have a home game Tuesday night against Westover from Fayetteville. Coach Mike Gainey Athletic Director at Rocky Mount is shooting for. A 6pm tip. Westover will be bringing a 10-10 record up I-95.
Should victory be secured by the Lady Gryphons they are matched up with Northwood seeded 14th 18-2 against JF Webb 12-8
The Big East number two Nash Central gets and 11 seeding and a home game against Western Alamance 12-8. A win would give the Lady Bulldogs a second home game against either Union Pines 19-1 or Swansboro 11-9
Fike as the Big East number 3 seed also gets a home game as they host Grays Creek. Hunt is the only Big East girls team on the road traveling to NE Guilford.
The NCHSAA is using a new computer format and the guys from Northern Nash should like the new system. They draw the number one over all seed in the east and have a computer record of 20-0.
This year with only one game the Regional Final as the only game played in Fayetteville all the Knights need to do is win and they will receive four home games until the Regional Final. They host Tuesday NE Guilford 10-10. A victory Tuesday would throw the Knights into a game with the winner of Fike 17-3 or Grays Creek. That game will be at Fike.
Nash Central the Big East number two gets a nine seed and will host Chapel Hill 13-7. A first round match up would send the Bulldogs to Southern Lee if they beat Havelock or Havelock to Nash Central.
The Big East should love this new computer rankings as the Big East has only one road game in the opening round.
North Carolina Wesleyan Basketball season came to an end today at home as the Bishops beat Huntingdon 94-76. The Conference USA South scoring leader Adrian Moore sat out today's game due To a sprained ankle injury suffered during Saturday's game.
Not to worry however as the Bishops had plenty of help keeping Huntingdon winless in conference play this year. Freshman center AJ Frye poured in 27 points. Sophomore Robert Wilson pitched in 25 while Greg Joesph who got most of the Moore injury playing time added 15 and Justin Tankelewicz produced 12. The win guaranteed the Battling Bishops a winning season with the entire team returning next year.
The Lady Gryphons draw the number five seed and will have a home game Tuesday night against Westover from Fayetteville. Coach Mike Gainey Athletic Director at Rocky Mount is shooting for. A 6pm tip. Westover will be bringing a 10-10 record up I-95.
Should victory be secured by the Lady Gryphons they are matched up with Northwood seeded 14th 18-2 against JF Webb 12-8
The Big East number two Nash Central gets and 11 seeding and a home game against Western Alamance 12-8. A win would give the Lady Bulldogs a second home game against either Union Pines 19-1 or Swansboro 11-9
Fike as the Big East number 3 seed also gets a home game as they host Grays Creek. Hunt is the only Big East girls team on the road traveling to NE Guilford.
The NCHSAA is using a new computer format and the guys from Northern Nash should like the new system. They draw the number one over all seed in the east and have a computer record of 20-0.
This year with only one game the Regional Final as the only game played in Fayetteville all the Knights need to do is win and they will receive four home games until the Regional Final. They host Tuesday NE Guilford 10-10. A victory Tuesday would throw the Knights into a game with the winner of Fike 17-3 or Grays Creek. That game will be at Fike.
Nash Central the Big East number two gets a nine seed and will host Chapel Hill 13-7. A first round match up would send the Bulldogs to Southern Lee if they beat Havelock or Havelock to Nash Central.
The Big East should love this new computer rankings as the Big East has only one road game in the opening round.
North Carolina Wesleyan Basketball season came to an end today at home as the Bishops beat Huntingdon 94-76. The Conference USA South scoring leader Adrian Moore sat out today's game due To a sprained ankle injury suffered during Saturday's game.
Not to worry however as the Bishops had plenty of help keeping Huntingdon winless in conference play this year. Freshman center AJ Frye poured in 27 points. Sophomore Robert Wilson pitched in 25 while Greg Joesph who got most of the Moore injury playing time added 15 and Justin Tankelewicz produced 12. The win guaranteed the Battling Bishops a winning season with the entire team returning next year.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Computers Computers Computers
Saturday in most every sport during seedings day around 3pm the word comes for teams to take a look at the basketball seedings and if there is a mistake call Chapel Hill. Once 6 pm rolls around the NCHSAA issues the final seedings and let the playoffs begin.
Today nary a word at 3pm, then 4, then 5, then 6 nothing. Finally at 6:25 word that the computers are down and the seedings will not come out before Sunday afternoon. Oh well, what a modern world we live in. Never had this issue before the computer age.
Five wrestlers from Rocky Mount three and two from Southern Nash made it to the State Wrestling championships Friday and Saturday.
Wrestling in the 285 heavyweight division Southern Nash wrestler Kendrick Watson won two matches. Rocky Mount's Keyonte Williams wrestling at 132 pounds took two wins. At 113 Rocky Mount's Rahsun Lawrence got one victory. David Jacob 106 of Rocky Mount and Vyshaun Richards 170 of Southern Nash failed to win a point.
The North Carolina Wesleyan basketball seasons are on the verge of ending as a result of Saturday's action. The men needed to win both games this weekend but you need the first before you can win the second, especially when this game is against a team you can pass in the standings.
LaGrange comes to Rocky Mount sporting a 7-5 record while the Bishops 5-7. There is a chance if every card fell the right way the Bishops could get to 7-7 and a tie for fifth. It will not happen as the Panthers have to much shooting , rebounding and defense and swat the Bishops 84-64 and with the other results from other conference game the Bishops will not make this years conference tournament after having won the regular season last year and was the host of the tournament. The Bishops season ends Sunday at 1pm when they host Huntingdon who is winless in conference play.
By the time the guys game ended up in Rocky Mount the Lady Bishops were beginning play in the women's tournament in Ferrum Virginia playing William Peace the team they passed in the standing just last weekend for fourth place.
The first three quarters the Lady Bishops led by as many as 12 but by the end of the third the game was up for grabs in the final stanza and the final score is not enough to keep the Lady Bishops playing another day. WILLiam Peace 66 NCW 60.
Today nary a word at 3pm, then 4, then 5, then 6 nothing. Finally at 6:25 word that the computers are down and the seedings will not come out before Sunday afternoon. Oh well, what a modern world we live in. Never had this issue before the computer age.
Five wrestlers from Rocky Mount three and two from Southern Nash made it to the State Wrestling championships Friday and Saturday.
Wrestling in the 285 heavyweight division Southern Nash wrestler Kendrick Watson won two matches. Rocky Mount's Keyonte Williams wrestling at 132 pounds took two wins. At 113 Rocky Mount's Rahsun Lawrence got one victory. David Jacob 106 of Rocky Mount and Vyshaun Richards 170 of Southern Nash failed to win a point.
The North Carolina Wesleyan basketball seasons are on the verge of ending as a result of Saturday's action. The men needed to win both games this weekend but you need the first before you can win the second, especially when this game is against a team you can pass in the standings.
LaGrange comes to Rocky Mount sporting a 7-5 record while the Bishops 5-7. There is a chance if every card fell the right way the Bishops could get to 7-7 and a tie for fifth. It will not happen as the Panthers have to much shooting , rebounding and defense and swat the Bishops 84-64 and with the other results from other conference game the Bishops will not make this years conference tournament after having won the regular season last year and was the host of the tournament. The Bishops season ends Sunday at 1pm when they host Huntingdon who is winless in conference play.
By the time the guys game ended up in Rocky Mount the Lady Bishops were beginning play in the women's tournament in Ferrum Virginia playing William Peace the team they passed in the standing just last weekend for fourth place.
The first three quarters the Lady Bishops led by as many as 12 but by the end of the third the game was up for grabs in the final stanza and the final score is not enough to keep the Lady Bishops playing another day. WILLiam Peace 66 NCW 60.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Big East Results-All Nash Central
The Lady Bulldogs of Nash Central have won The Big East tournament beating the top seed Rocky Mount 52-49 snapping the Lady Gryphons 12 game winning streak.
This is only the third game all year That Rocky Mount has given up fifty points. They gave up 65 back in December to a 4-A school which was a loss. Their only other time to surrender fifty points was a Gryphons win 61-52 over Nash Central. So the Lady Bulldogs have scored 52 twice on the Gryphons. Rocky Mount will still be top seed from Big East and Nash Central second and both should draw home games when the state playoffs begin next week. Playoff seeding will be released sometime around 3 pm Saturday.
The Nash Central boys finish off a perfect night for Nash Central basketball as the Bulldogs take home the Big East Tournament title beating Rocky Mount 55-47. The Bulldogs will get the 2nd seed from the Big East and a real good chance of a girls/boys basketball playoff double header the opening night of the playoffs.
Rocky Mount quest to make the playoffs comes up one game short as pre playoff computer projections show that as Big East number 4 seed Rocky Mount's 11-13 will not get in. Projections show Rocky Mount, Nash Central, Fike and Hunt will get in for the girls while Northern Nash, Nash Central and Fike will get in for the boys
Saturday the NC Wesleyan basketball team has a home basketball game which is a must win if they are to make the year in tournament next week. Game time is 2pm.
The women open play in the women's tournament where they play William Peace at 4pm. Tournament is survive and advance or lose and go home.
Thursday an N C State treasure was lost. It had nothing to do with the firing of Mark Gottfried as basketball coach. The "Voice of the Wolfpack" in Reynolds Coliseum C A Dillon was the man behind the mic of every men's basketball game in Reynolds until the first two played in PNC Died.
If you have ever been in Reynolds and heard his voice he was part of the building. He started doing PA for the new coach in 1946 Everett Case because at the time Dillon was a student at State and Editor of the school newspaper "The Technician". The Grey Ghost Everett Case liked Dillon and ask him to do the PA in old Thompson gym. 1949 when Reynolds opened he was behind the mic for every Wolfpack game, every Dixie Classic and every NCAA playoff game played in the old barn. Almost 9 million people watch college basketball games in Reynolds over it's 50 year run and if you were there at any of them you heard C A. He missed two games in his fifty years in Reynolds. Once when he got married and the next 40 years later to attend his mother funeral. He was a fixture attached to the building.
Graduated and part of his family business Dillon Supply Company just down the street from campus Dillon had a voice made for the building. Having had season tickets to Wolfpack basketball games for many years I remember the day David Thompson crashed to the floor in an NCAA East Regional final game against Pittsburgh when everyone in the building thought David Thompson was dead. During the halftime he announced to the crowd that Thompson was ok and heading back to the gym from the hospital. I don't know if I ever heard the building any louder than the roar that Thompson was ok.
This is only the third game all year That Rocky Mount has given up fifty points. They gave up 65 back in December to a 4-A school which was a loss. Their only other time to surrender fifty points was a Gryphons win 61-52 over Nash Central. So the Lady Bulldogs have scored 52 twice on the Gryphons. Rocky Mount will still be top seed from Big East and Nash Central second and both should draw home games when the state playoffs begin next week. Playoff seeding will be released sometime around 3 pm Saturday.
The Nash Central boys finish off a perfect night for Nash Central basketball as the Bulldogs take home the Big East Tournament title beating Rocky Mount 55-47. The Bulldogs will get the 2nd seed from the Big East and a real good chance of a girls/boys basketball playoff double header the opening night of the playoffs.
Rocky Mount quest to make the playoffs comes up one game short as pre playoff computer projections show that as Big East number 4 seed Rocky Mount's 11-13 will not get in. Projections show Rocky Mount, Nash Central, Fike and Hunt will get in for the girls while Northern Nash, Nash Central and Fike will get in for the boys
Saturday the NC Wesleyan basketball team has a home basketball game which is a must win if they are to make the year in tournament next week. Game time is 2pm.
The women open play in the women's tournament where they play William Peace at 4pm. Tournament is survive and advance or lose and go home.
Thursday an N C State treasure was lost. It had nothing to do with the firing of Mark Gottfried as basketball coach. The "Voice of the Wolfpack" in Reynolds Coliseum C A Dillon was the man behind the mic of every men's basketball game in Reynolds until the first two played in PNC Died.
If you have ever been in Reynolds and heard his voice he was part of the building. He started doing PA for the new coach in 1946 Everett Case because at the time Dillon was a student at State and Editor of the school newspaper "The Technician". The Grey Ghost Everett Case liked Dillon and ask him to do the PA in old Thompson gym. 1949 when Reynolds opened he was behind the mic for every Wolfpack game, every Dixie Classic and every NCAA playoff game played in the old barn. Almost 9 million people watch college basketball games in Reynolds over it's 50 year run and if you were there at any of them you heard C A. He missed two games in his fifty years in Reynolds. Once when he got married and the next 40 years later to attend his mother funeral. He was a fixture attached to the building.
Graduated and part of his family business Dillon Supply Company just down the street from campus Dillon had a voice made for the building. Having had season tickets to Wolfpack basketball games for many years I remember the day David Thompson crashed to the floor in an NCAA East Regional final game against Pittsburgh when everyone in the building thought David Thompson was dead. During the halftime he announced to the crowd that Thompson was ok and heading back to the gym from the hospital. I don't know if I ever heard the building any louder than the roar that Thompson was ok.
- Dillon chose to retire after those first two games at PNC because it just wasn't the same as the old barn. My memories of games started back in either 1959 or 1960 attending the old Dixie Classic. when I think back his voice was part of the show. I miss that now in PNC. A banner with a microphone hangs in the rafters at Reynolds honoring C A Dillon. He was 91 years old.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Defense Does It Again
Tonight the top seeded Rocky Mount girls took to the court for the first time during the Big East Tournament. The strength of this team is it's defense. Hunt the fourth seed has played the Gryphons twice. Their first meeting at Hunt was tied 41 all heading into the fourth quarter but the Lady Gryphons held the Lady Warriors to seven points in the fourth quarter while scoring 26 themselves. The game in Rocky Mount Hunt never scored in double digits in any quarter and could muster but 28 points while Rocky Mount scored 48.
So if Hunt can win tonight they either score more or hold down the Gryphons. Which one what will it be? Rocky Mount hits double digits in every quarter while the Gryphons defense held Hunt to single digits through the first three quarter. Hunt got 11 in the fourth but 34 points is not nearly enough as the Gryphons post 52! Rocky Mount High sends both teams to The Big East finals Friday night.
So if you are Rocky Mount who would you rather play? Two games against Fike the Gryphons won by 27 and 41. During the Nash County Chrismas Tournament Nash Central beat Rocky Mount 40-36. The two conference games the Gryphons won by 15 and 9. It doesn't matter who they want they are getting Nash Central who knocks off Fike 43-39. Friday night is and all Nash County finals and it's all Nash Central and Rocky Mount in both games starting at 6pm.
Friday night in the championship game of the boys Big East finals Rocky Mount the number four seed will meet Nash Central the number two seed. I was interested to see coach Henry Drakes comments after the game in the Rocky Mount Telegram concerning a major problem that has reared it's ugly head for the Knights, injuries.
Coaches make decisions all the time based on information they know about their team and are very good at hiding weaknesses from other teams. Injuries are hard to hide. We might see a player playing and wonder why he doesn't seem to have the normal fire only to find out weeks later he was injured.
Coach Drake's comments tell us about how he views the world of high school basketball. He has two players injured and one did not play at all against Rocky Mount. His reasoning I rather win the state championship with a healthy team if possible than win the Big East tournament and then limp into the playoffs. It hardly ever happens any player hampered with any injury gets better until they rest the injury.
Reading between the lines I think and from what I have seen this year he is right, with a healthy team he has a shot to win the state championship. There is no guarantee that rest will heal the injuries in time but what is already secured the Knights will get two home games next week if they win the first and depending on out come from other games may get more from what their record to date has secured 22-3. The only team in the east bracket with a better record is Eastern Guilford 23-2 and they will be in a different sectional than Northern Nash
Rocky Mount struggling to get enough wins to qualify to get into the tournament are the beneficiaries of Drake's gamble to be able to beat Rocky Mount resting injured players. Drake also knew that resting your best player could lead to defeat since both games against Rocky Mount seven points were the total difference in both. The Gryphons basketball team is looking for wins due to the five playoff games in football. Interesting that two of the three leading scorers in the Northern Nash game were football players.
I like what coach Drake did. To me the big picture will be how you did starting next week not how many Big East tournament trophies you have in the trophy case. I know there are people upset that he took a loss to the Knights arch rival but you have to remember. They almost won anyway. This way they will be healthier next week
So if Hunt can win tonight they either score more or hold down the Gryphons. Which one what will it be? Rocky Mount hits double digits in every quarter while the Gryphons defense held Hunt to single digits through the first three quarter. Hunt got 11 in the fourth but 34 points is not nearly enough as the Gryphons post 52! Rocky Mount High sends both teams to The Big East finals Friday night.
So if you are Rocky Mount who would you rather play? Two games against Fike the Gryphons won by 27 and 41. During the Nash County Chrismas Tournament Nash Central beat Rocky Mount 40-36. The two conference games the Gryphons won by 15 and 9. It doesn't matter who they want they are getting Nash Central who knocks off Fike 43-39. Friday night is and all Nash County finals and it's all Nash Central and Rocky Mount in both games starting at 6pm.
Friday night in the championship game of the boys Big East finals Rocky Mount the number four seed will meet Nash Central the number two seed. I was interested to see coach Henry Drakes comments after the game in the Rocky Mount Telegram concerning a major problem that has reared it's ugly head for the Knights, injuries.
Coaches make decisions all the time based on information they know about their team and are very good at hiding weaknesses from other teams. Injuries are hard to hide. We might see a player playing and wonder why he doesn't seem to have the normal fire only to find out weeks later he was injured.
Coach Drake's comments tell us about how he views the world of high school basketball. He has two players injured and one did not play at all against Rocky Mount. His reasoning I rather win the state championship with a healthy team if possible than win the Big East tournament and then limp into the playoffs. It hardly ever happens any player hampered with any injury gets better until they rest the injury.
Reading between the lines I think and from what I have seen this year he is right, with a healthy team he has a shot to win the state championship. There is no guarantee that rest will heal the injuries in time but what is already secured the Knights will get two home games next week if they win the first and depending on out come from other games may get more from what their record to date has secured 22-3. The only team in the east bracket with a better record is Eastern Guilford 23-2 and they will be in a different sectional than Northern Nash
Rocky Mount struggling to get enough wins to qualify to get into the tournament are the beneficiaries of Drake's gamble to be able to beat Rocky Mount resting injured players. Drake also knew that resting your best player could lead to defeat since both games against Rocky Mount seven points were the total difference in both. The Gryphons basketball team is looking for wins due to the five playoff games in football. Interesting that two of the three leading scorers in the Northern Nash game were football players.
I like what coach Drake did. To me the big picture will be how you did starting next week not how many Big East tournament trophies you have in the trophy case. I know there are people upset that he took a loss to the Knights arch rival but you have to remember. They almost won anyway. This way they will be healthier next week
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Nelms Wins NCHSAA Performance Of The Week
Nash Central Michaela Nelms is this weeks winner of the NCHSAA Performance of the Week. During two basketball games against Hunt and Southern Nash she scored 44 points, pulled down 13 rebounds, made nine assists that lead to teammate buckets and had nine steals. While doing all of this she surpassed the 1,000 points mark in her high school career.
Saturday The senior was in Winston Salem where she ran in the State Indoor Track championships. She won the 300 Meter dash setting a new record for 3A schools. She then joined teammates and won the state Indoor Championships in the 4x200 and 4x400 relay events. Three gold metals on the track and 1000 point career on the basketball court. Just your average week in the life of Michaela Nelms.
Big East Basketball
There was one sure thing about the two meetings this season between Northern Nash and Rocky Mount. The two games Northern outscored the Gryphons by only seven points. However in the first quarter the Knights outscored the Gryphons by 17. 18-11 at RM and 10 24-14 at Northern. If the Gryphons have a chance they need a better start.
Tonight they won the first quarter 19-17. Northern won the second quarter to lead at the break 35-31. The back and forth affair was even at 48 heading into the fourth quarter. By the end of the fourth we are still tie and in overtime Rocky Mount's hopes of making the state playoffs by winning the Big East Tournament are still alive beating Northern Nash 72-65 outscoring Knights 13-6. Shyheim Battle led the Gryphons with 17.
Northern suffers just their third lost of the season at 22-3. Rocky Mount wins their 10th in 21 tries
It will be an all Nash County finals as Nash Central beat Fike 70-64 to secure their 16th victory of the season. The Bulldogs and Gryphons met three times during the season with the Bulldogs winning all three games.
On the road tonight at Methodist who is second in the conference the Battling Bishops lose 90-83 to drop to 5-7 and 9th place. The good news is the team ahead of them for 8th the Bishops play at home Saturday.
Saturday The senior was in Winston Salem where she ran in the State Indoor Track championships. She won the 300 Meter dash setting a new record for 3A schools. She then joined teammates and won the state Indoor Championships in the 4x200 and 4x400 relay events. Three gold metals on the track and 1000 point career on the basketball court. Just your average week in the life of Michaela Nelms.
Big East Basketball
There was one sure thing about the two meetings this season between Northern Nash and Rocky Mount. The two games Northern outscored the Gryphons by only seven points. However in the first quarter the Knights outscored the Gryphons by 17. 18-11 at RM and 10 24-14 at Northern. If the Gryphons have a chance they need a better start.
Tonight they won the first quarter 19-17. Northern won the second quarter to lead at the break 35-31. The back and forth affair was even at 48 heading into the fourth quarter. By the end of the fourth we are still tie and in overtime Rocky Mount's hopes of making the state playoffs by winning the Big East Tournament are still alive beating Northern Nash 72-65 outscoring Knights 13-6. Shyheim Battle led the Gryphons with 17.
Northern suffers just their third lost of the season at 22-3. Rocky Mount wins their 10th in 21 tries
It will be an all Nash County finals as Nash Central beat Fike 70-64 to secure their 16th victory of the season. The Bulldogs and Gryphons met three times during the season with the Bulldogs winning all three games.
On the road tonight at Methodist who is second in the conference the Battling Bishops lose 90-83 to drop to 5-7 and 9th place. The good news is the team ahead of them for 8th the Bishops play at home Saturday.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Girls Night Out
Girls took to the floor at Southern Nash High School in night two of the Big East basketball Tournament. Number three seed Nash Central took on Southern Nash after just beating Southern by 22 last Friday. The Lady Birds scored the most points that they have scored in any Game this year 44 points but it still was not enough losing 52-44. Nash Central meets Fike Thursday night at 7:30
Hunt beat Northern Nash 35-25 to earn a chance To meet the Lady Gryphons at 6pm Thursday. Projections for next week's playoffs have all four girls teams playing in the semi finals making the playoffs.
Wednesday night returns back to boys action when the top team in the Big East takes the floor at 6pm. Northern Nash 22-2 will take on rival Rocky Mount 9-11. Two wins for Northern would guarantee the top seed in the east in next weeks state playoffs. A loss might drop them as low as third depending on scores of other conference tournaments in the east.
Rocky Mount has no such luxury as they must win both games remaining in order to jump to second seed in conference. A loss in any game this week will knock them out of contention for the playoffs because of overall record.
The night cap will feature a Nash Central team who will play for the first time this week after receiving a bye for finishing second. Fike plays Wednesday after beating Southern Nash. These two played each other twice during the season with Nash Central winning both 58-53 at home and 67-53 at Fike.
This week Spring training camps for all of the major league teams are breaking out in Florida and Arizona. Brian Goodwin reports the Washington Nationals training camp Friday. This is of course his second camp with the big club but last season was hoping to make the roster.
All of the trades made by the Nationals during the off season looks as if Brian and Michael Taylor who started in centerfield for most of last season will be competing for the job of 4th outfielder. Taylor hit poorly last season which gave the Nationals the opportunity to bring up Trey Turner and place him in center field. That worked so well that Turner finished second in the Rookie of the year voting.
Goodwin was brought up from AAA after an injury and the second call up because his first two weeks went so well and on his return to Syracuse continued his good play. Looks as if he will be competing for either spot duty giving players days off in the outfield or just as a pitch hitter. All of that changes when injuries occur.
Hunt beat Northern Nash 35-25 to earn a chance To meet the Lady Gryphons at 6pm Thursday. Projections for next week's playoffs have all four girls teams playing in the semi finals making the playoffs.
Wednesday night returns back to boys action when the top team in the Big East takes the floor at 6pm. Northern Nash 22-2 will take on rival Rocky Mount 9-11. Two wins for Northern would guarantee the top seed in the east in next weeks state playoffs. A loss might drop them as low as third depending on scores of other conference tournaments in the east.
Rocky Mount has no such luxury as they must win both games remaining in order to jump to second seed in conference. A loss in any game this week will knock them out of contention for the playoffs because of overall record.
The night cap will feature a Nash Central team who will play for the first time this week after receiving a bye for finishing second. Fike plays Wednesday after beating Southern Nash. These two played each other twice during the season with Nash Central winning both 58-53 at home and 67-53 at Fike.
This week Spring training camps for all of the major league teams are breaking out in Florida and Arizona. Brian Goodwin reports the Washington Nationals training camp Friday. This is of course his second camp with the big club but last season was hoping to make the roster.
All of the trades made by the Nationals during the off season looks as if Brian and Michael Taylor who started in centerfield for most of last season will be competing for the job of 4th outfielder. Taylor hit poorly last season which gave the Nationals the opportunity to bring up Trey Turner and place him in center field. That worked so well that Turner finished second in the Rookie of the year voting.
Goodwin was brought up from AAA after an injury and the second call up because his first two weeks went so well and on his return to Syracuse continued his good play. Looks as if he will be competing for either spot duty giving players days off in the outfield or just as a pitch hitter. All of that changes when injuries occur.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Gryphons Advance
Rocky Mount was matched with Hunt in the 4/5 game the second game of the opening night of the Big East Tournament. Is it possible any two teams could be as equal as these two.
During the regular season Hunt won on a tip in at the buzzer to beat the Gryphons 52-51 at Hunt. In Rocky Mount the Gryphons win 67-64. The Big question is how close can it be on a neutral court?
Hunt led by one at the quarter, and the Gryphons by two at the half. The lead expanded to three by the end of three quarters and the Gryphons hold on beating the Warriors 68-66.
Rocky Mount advances to a Wednesday night showdown against Northern Nash. According to the latest projections Rocky Mount is on the outside looking in as their overall record is short of Making the playoffs. What better way to inject yourself back in the picture than beating the top team in the east Northern Nash.
One year after winning the Big East basketball tournament the host team to this year's Southern Nash season has come to an end. Losing almost the entire starting lineup to graduation the Firebirds went winless during the conference season and tonight hosting the third seed Fike Golden Demons.
These two had played two really close games during the regular season 69-56 Fike at Fike and 67-62 at Southern. I thought there was an outside chance the Firebirds just might get a win on their home court.
Down by 10 20-10 after the first quarter. The Firebirds could muster only five points while yielding 25 to be down 45-15 on their home court. The second half was a matter of Fike trying to stay healthy and the Golden Demons advance to Wednesday night's semi finals where they will play Nash Central. Fike 78 Southern Nash 51. Fike record goes to 17-7 while Southern Nash finishes it's season 5-20 losing their last 15 games.
Tuesday night belongs to the girls in Big East basketball. The 6pm game will feature Nash Central who tied for second with Fike but lost out on the tie breaker so they play as the 3rd seed and they will play 6th seed Southern Nash. These two finished the season against each other last Friday night with the Bulldogs winning by 22 at the Dog Pound. Southern is playing on their home court but as the lower seed is the visitor. The winner will meet the top seed Rocky Mount Thursday night at 6pm
The second game of the double header is the 4/5 game and Hunt will be in the white uniforms as the 4th seed while Northern Nash as the five seed. During the regular season Hunt won both encounters winning 48-37 at Northern and 57-38 at home. The winner will play Fike at 7:30 Thursday night. All the computer projections in order for Northern to make the state playoffs they must win the tournament. If they don't their overall record will not get them in.
This Saturday the Lady Battling Bishops begin play in Conference USA South basketball tournament. The Bishops finished conference play 8-6 and won the tie breaker with William Peace also 8-6 to get the number four seed from the south division. The Lady Bishops had to win their last four games in a row to jump to fourth.
The conference has 12 teams involved so since they are scheduled to play 5th seed William Peace on the home floor of the top team in the south division Ferrum. The Saturday winner will play Ferrum Sunday and should they win that will make the Semi finals which will not be played until the following weekend.
During the regular season NCW and William Peace split two games. The Bishops lost at home 69-52 while winning in Raleigh 80-76. The Bishops lost both games during the regular season to Ferrum by 63-51 at home 69-52 at Ferrum.
During the regular season Hunt won on a tip in at the buzzer to beat the Gryphons 52-51 at Hunt. In Rocky Mount the Gryphons win 67-64. The Big question is how close can it be on a neutral court?
Hunt led by one at the quarter, and the Gryphons by two at the half. The lead expanded to three by the end of three quarters and the Gryphons hold on beating the Warriors 68-66.
Rocky Mount advances to a Wednesday night showdown against Northern Nash. According to the latest projections Rocky Mount is on the outside looking in as their overall record is short of Making the playoffs. What better way to inject yourself back in the picture than beating the top team in the east Northern Nash.
One year after winning the Big East basketball tournament the host team to this year's Southern Nash season has come to an end. Losing almost the entire starting lineup to graduation the Firebirds went winless during the conference season and tonight hosting the third seed Fike Golden Demons.
These two had played two really close games during the regular season 69-56 Fike at Fike and 67-62 at Southern. I thought there was an outside chance the Firebirds just might get a win on their home court.
Down by 10 20-10 after the first quarter. The Firebirds could muster only five points while yielding 25 to be down 45-15 on their home court. The second half was a matter of Fike trying to stay healthy and the Golden Demons advance to Wednesday night's semi finals where they will play Nash Central. Fike 78 Southern Nash 51. Fike record goes to 17-7 while Southern Nash finishes it's season 5-20 losing their last 15 games.
Tuesday night belongs to the girls in Big East basketball. The 6pm game will feature Nash Central who tied for second with Fike but lost out on the tie breaker so they play as the 3rd seed and they will play 6th seed Southern Nash. These two finished the season against each other last Friday night with the Bulldogs winning by 22 at the Dog Pound. Southern is playing on their home court but as the lower seed is the visitor. The winner will meet the top seed Rocky Mount Thursday night at 6pm
The second game of the double header is the 4/5 game and Hunt will be in the white uniforms as the 4th seed while Northern Nash as the five seed. During the regular season Hunt won both encounters winning 48-37 at Northern and 57-38 at home. The winner will play Fike at 7:30 Thursday night. All the computer projections in order for Northern to make the state playoffs they must win the tournament. If they don't their overall record will not get them in.
This Saturday the Lady Battling Bishops begin play in Conference USA South basketball tournament. The Bishops finished conference play 8-6 and won the tie breaker with William Peace also 8-6 to get the number four seed from the south division. The Lady Bishops had to win their last four games in a row to jump to fourth.
The conference has 12 teams involved so since they are scheduled to play 5th seed William Peace on the home floor of the top team in the south division Ferrum. The Saturday winner will play Ferrum Sunday and should they win that will make the Semi finals which will not be played until the following weekend.
During the regular season NCW and William Peace split two games. The Bishops lost at home 69-52 while winning in Raleigh 80-76. The Bishops lost both games during the regular season to Ferrum by 63-51 at home 69-52 at Ferrum.
Regional Wrestling Results
Only one wrestler from Nash County brought home a regional title on Saturday as the East Regional were contested at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte. Rocky Mount junior Rahsun Lawrence win all four of his matches three by fall to win the regional title in the 113 pound weight class.
West Brunswick the host school won the Regional scoring 136 points. Fike led the way for the Big East finishing fourth with 113. Southern Nash and Rocky Mount tied for 13th scoring 62 points. NASH Central scored 17 and Northern Nash 16.5.
Here is a list of every wrestler from Nash County that scored at least a point during the all day action.
106: David Jacobs Rocky Mount 3rd place. 5-1 in matches
113: Mark Sanders Southern Nash 0ne win.....Jordon Sanders Northern Nash two wins. Rahsun Lawrence Rocky Mount Regional Champ.
120: Daniel Medina Southern Nash two wins.
126: Jason Bland Southern Nash one win
132: Keynote Williams Rocky Mount four wins finished fourth
138: Nick Serrona Southern Nash two wins
145: Trevor Hatch Rocky Mount two wins
152: Joshua Brice Southern Nash two wins
160: Zachary Coble Southern Nash three wins
170: Vyshaun Richardson Southern Nash 4-2 fourth place
182: Kevin Dardin Nash Central three wins,,,Jalen Spooner Northern Nash two wins and Rylan Hight one win
195: Alex Noble Nash Central two wins,,,,Jesus Reya Southern Nash one win
220: Dillon Joyner Northern Nash two wins
285: Kendrick Watson Southern Nash three wins second place.
The Big East basketball tournament starts tonight. Southern Nash boys 6th seed meets Fike at 6pm while Rocky Mount takes on Hunt in the night cap. Northern Nash boys have won 12 in a row. Rocky Mount girls have won 11 in a row. Southern Nash will be hosting. The Southern Nash boys have lost 14 games in a row. The girls 10 in a row but they have lost 34 straight conference games including tournament games. I wonder has there ever been a host school that neither team won a conference game during the year.
Today is the first day that spring sports can officially practice. Baseball games start February 27th.
West Brunswick the host school won the Regional scoring 136 points. Fike led the way for the Big East finishing fourth with 113. Southern Nash and Rocky Mount tied for 13th scoring 62 points. NASH Central scored 17 and Northern Nash 16.5.
Here is a list of every wrestler from Nash County that scored at least a point during the all day action.
106: David Jacobs Rocky Mount 3rd place. 5-1 in matches
113: Mark Sanders Southern Nash 0ne win.....Jordon Sanders Northern Nash two wins. Rahsun Lawrence Rocky Mount Regional Champ.
120: Daniel Medina Southern Nash two wins.
126: Jason Bland Southern Nash one win
132: Keynote Williams Rocky Mount four wins finished fourth
138: Nick Serrona Southern Nash two wins
145: Trevor Hatch Rocky Mount two wins
152: Joshua Brice Southern Nash two wins
160: Zachary Coble Southern Nash three wins
170: Vyshaun Richardson Southern Nash 4-2 fourth place
182: Kevin Dardin Nash Central three wins,,,Jalen Spooner Northern Nash two wins and Rylan Hight one win
195: Alex Noble Nash Central two wins,,,,Jesus Reya Southern Nash one win
220: Dillon Joyner Northern Nash two wins
285: Kendrick Watson Southern Nash three wins second place.
The Big East basketball tournament starts tonight. Southern Nash boys 6th seed meets Fike at 6pm while Rocky Mount takes on Hunt in the night cap. Northern Nash boys have won 12 in a row. Rocky Mount girls have won 11 in a row. Southern Nash will be hosting. The Southern Nash boys have lost 14 games in a row. The girls 10 in a row but they have lost 34 straight conference games including tournament games. I wonder has there ever been a host school that neither team won a conference game during the year.
Today is the first day that spring sports can officially practice. Baseball games start February 27th.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Lady Bulldogs Finish Third Indoor Track
Michaela Helms won one individual events and two relay teams in leading Nash Central to a third place finish in the team title with 44.5 points and Nelms herself scored 30 points.
Nelms won the 300 meter dash and was part of the winning 4x200 and 4 x 400 relay team wins. The teammates in The 4x200 were Myia Spivey, Teona Hill and T'Keyah Macklin. She was joined in the 4x400 by Macklin, Hill and Carisha Leonard.
Carisha Leonard won the 500 meter dash giving the Bulldogs four events that they won.
Rocky Mount scored 10 points when Keyanna Spivey won the Shot put by 3 inches.
Southern Nash boys finished 15th overall after Junior Nadir Thompson won the 300 meter dash and finished 3rd in the long jump that was worth all 16 Firebird points.
Rocky Mount Boys have a state champion in the Shot put when Sherrod Greene won the event by four inches. Greene's 10 points gave Rocky Mount 19th spot.
The Battling Bishops girls basketball team went to Greensboro on Saturday and beat one of the teams ahead of them in the standings 62-59 and by doing so earned a spot in next weeks USA South tournament. Greensboro falls to 9-4 while the Bishops jump to 7-6.. Timyra Staton led the way scoring 14 followed by Alexis Fitzgerald with 12. Today again on the road the Lady Bishops finish the season at William Peace who is ahead of the Bishops at 8-5.
The men were on the road at William Peace. A couple weeks back they played a high scoring game 104-98 and Saturday was not much different and Peace hits the century mark again winning 104-90. The lost knocks the Bishops back into 9th spot with three games to play.
The Bishops have a road game Wednesday and two home games next weekend to climb back into the top 8 spots and qualify for the Tournament. Adrian Moore hit for 30 points and 13 rebounds but it wasn't enough.
Wesleyan baseball started their season winning a doubleheader at home beating Virginia Wesleyan 8-4 in ten innings in what started out as a seven inning game and won the second game 6-5.
Nelms won the 300 meter dash and was part of the winning 4x200 and 4 x 400 relay team wins. The teammates in The 4x200 were Myia Spivey, Teona Hill and T'Keyah Macklin. She was joined in the 4x400 by Macklin, Hill and Carisha Leonard.
Carisha Leonard won the 500 meter dash giving the Bulldogs four events that they won.
Rocky Mount scored 10 points when Keyanna Spivey won the Shot put by 3 inches.
Southern Nash boys finished 15th overall after Junior Nadir Thompson won the 300 meter dash and finished 3rd in the long jump that was worth all 16 Firebird points.
Rocky Mount Boys have a state champion in the Shot put when Sherrod Greene won the event by four inches. Greene's 10 points gave Rocky Mount 19th spot.
The Battling Bishops girls basketball team went to Greensboro on Saturday and beat one of the teams ahead of them in the standings 62-59 and by doing so earned a spot in next weeks USA South tournament. Greensboro falls to 9-4 while the Bishops jump to 7-6.. Timyra Staton led the way scoring 14 followed by Alexis Fitzgerald with 12. Today again on the road the Lady Bishops finish the season at William Peace who is ahead of the Bishops at 8-5.
The men were on the road at William Peace. A couple weeks back they played a high scoring game 104-98 and Saturday was not much different and Peace hits the century mark again winning 104-90. The lost knocks the Bishops back into 9th spot with three games to play.
The Bishops have a road game Wednesday and two home games next weekend to climb back into the top 8 spots and qualify for the Tournament. Adrian Moore hit for 30 points and 13 rebounds but it wasn't enough.
Wesleyan baseball started their season winning a doubleheader at home beating Virginia Wesleyan 8-4 in ten innings in what started out as a seven inning game and won the second game 6-5.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Northern Boys -Gryphon Girls Are Perfect
There is nothing Rocky Mount boys would want more than beat Northern Nash in front of full house keeping the Knights from a perfect conference record. A victory would not improve their standing as they will finish in fourth regardless of victory or defeat on their home court tonight.
The Knights will jump out early and they will receive a charge from Rocky Mount but in the end the Knights hold on to a perfect conference season besting the Gryphons 73-67. Under the direction of Henry Drake in his second season he leads the Knights to the regular season title.
Nash Central boys claim second in the Big East getting a strong effort from the Firebirds but the home court is a good place tonight for the Bulldogs as they keep Southern Nash winless in conference play 66-62.
The biggest issue the Lady Gryphons have had this week already with then Top seed in next weeks tournament in the bag is can they get and an undefeated conference play continue to play the smothering defense that has allowed them 10 straight wins.
The answer is yes they can as Rocky Mount destroys the Lady Knights in front of another packed house in the series 60-13. The Lady Gryphons go 10-0 in Big East play and 18-2 on the season. Northern falls to 2-8 and and is entrenched in fifth spot in next weeks Big East Tournament at Southern Nash.
Nash Central Girls grabbed a share of second place beating Southern Nash 49-27. The important tie breaker will give either the the Lady Bulldogs or Golden Demons a night off next week while the other plays Southern Nash on Southern's home floor when the Big East Tournament kicks off.
Fike's Lady Golden Demons knew heading to Hunt for the final game of the regular season that they would have their hands full with Hunt. They also knew that their chance to get the second seed breaking the tie with Nash Central could not happen losing to Hunt. There was very little chance Nash Central would lose at home to Southern Nash. Fike grabs their share of second escaping Hunt 64-56.
Tuesday's lost knocked the Fike boys from any chance of getting the bye in next week's conference tournament but the Golden Demons rebound nicely beating the Hunt Warriors on their home court 71-67.
The Knights will jump out early and they will receive a charge from Rocky Mount but in the end the Knights hold on to a perfect conference season besting the Gryphons 73-67. Under the direction of Henry Drake in his second season he leads the Knights to the regular season title.
Nash Central boys claim second in the Big East getting a strong effort from the Firebirds but the home court is a good place tonight for the Bulldogs as they keep Southern Nash winless in conference play 66-62.
The biggest issue the Lady Gryphons have had this week already with then Top seed in next weeks tournament in the bag is can they get and an undefeated conference play continue to play the smothering defense that has allowed them 10 straight wins.
The answer is yes they can as Rocky Mount destroys the Lady Knights in front of another packed house in the series 60-13. The Lady Gryphons go 10-0 in Big East play and 18-2 on the season. Northern falls to 2-8 and and is entrenched in fifth spot in next weeks Big East Tournament at Southern Nash.
Nash Central Girls grabbed a share of second place beating Southern Nash 49-27. The important tie breaker will give either the the Lady Bulldogs or Golden Demons a night off next week while the other plays Southern Nash on Southern's home floor when the Big East Tournament kicks off.
Fike's Lady Golden Demons knew heading to Hunt for the final game of the regular season that they would have their hands full with Hunt. They also knew that their chance to get the second seed breaking the tie with Nash Central could not happen losing to Hunt. There was very little chance Nash Central would lose at home to Southern Nash. Fike grabs their share of second escaping Hunt 64-56.
Tuesday's lost knocked the Fike boys from any chance of getting the bye in next week's conference tournament but the Golden Demons rebound nicely beating the Hunt Warriors on their home court 71-67.
Finishing Touches
Tonight the 2016/2017 high school basketball regular season comes to and end and it is rival night finishes off the season as teams prepare for that last ditch effort to improve their playoff standings and for some next week brings and end to the season unless they find magic that they have lacked all year.
This computer world we live in there are preseason polls post season projections and projection don't mean a hill of beans if a team doesn't keep winning. Highschoolot.com has released their playoff projections and the Big East will get four teams in the playoffs. The Boys of course Northern Nash, Nash Central, Fike and Rocky Mount. The girls playoffs looks like Rocky Mount, Nash Central, Fike and Hunt. Any member left off this list will have to win the tournament next week to shake the seedings up.
The only two teams unbeaten in conference play will be in the same house Rocky Mount High school tonight but will not be playing each other. Rocky Mount girls 9-0 and 17-2 collide and this years Gryphon girls team has blossomed due to defense. They give up just 34 points per game while Northern Nash 2-8 8-15 score only 35 per game. Assuming Northern scores somewhere around 35 points can their defense slow Rocky Mount down to hold them to less than 35?
Northern Nash boys 9-0 21-2 have not lost in 2017. They have really peaked playing well in conference play. Rocky Mount 4-5 8-10 now has all their team together as the football players round into basketball shape. The Gryphons almost clipped Northern at Northern and of course this is a rival game so any thing can happen. Northern is the top scoring team in the league at almost 72 per game so this could be a high scoring game.
Nash Central Lady Bulldogs 6-3 tied for second and second gets a first round bye in next week's tournament host Southern Nash 0-9 3-17. Sure looks like the Lady Bulldogs should get to 7-3 and scoreboard watch in Wilson to see Fike's score at Hunt.
Nash Central 6-3 14-6 boys have a leg up on second right now and they host Southern Nash 0-9 5-18 who has played everybody close but no conference wins. Remember just last year they were in the Pent House as conference champs and how quickly life changes.
Fike Girls 6-3 16-6 still has every reason to claim second. Hunt 4-5 16-6 you wonder with their overall record why have they fallen to fourth having lost 5 of their last 7. This will be no gimme for the Lady Golden Deamons.
Fike boys 5-4 15-7 with their loss Tuesday has to have a lot to fall their way in order to claim any part of second. First they have to beat rival Hunt 2-7 6-16 on Hunt's home floor after having won by only two at Fike two weeks ago. Then they have to hope Southern Nash winless helps them out by beating Nash Central. Long shots at best.
Before the light of day on Saturday we will know where everyone stands and their schedule for next week.
This computer world we live in there are preseason polls post season projections and projection don't mean a hill of beans if a team doesn't keep winning. Highschoolot.com has released their playoff projections and the Big East will get four teams in the playoffs. The Boys of course Northern Nash, Nash Central, Fike and Rocky Mount. The girls playoffs looks like Rocky Mount, Nash Central, Fike and Hunt. Any member left off this list will have to win the tournament next week to shake the seedings up.
The only two teams unbeaten in conference play will be in the same house Rocky Mount High school tonight but will not be playing each other. Rocky Mount girls 9-0 and 17-2 collide and this years Gryphon girls team has blossomed due to defense. They give up just 34 points per game while Northern Nash 2-8 8-15 score only 35 per game. Assuming Northern scores somewhere around 35 points can their defense slow Rocky Mount down to hold them to less than 35?
Northern Nash boys 9-0 21-2 have not lost in 2017. They have really peaked playing well in conference play. Rocky Mount 4-5 8-10 now has all their team together as the football players round into basketball shape. The Gryphons almost clipped Northern at Northern and of course this is a rival game so any thing can happen. Northern is the top scoring team in the league at almost 72 per game so this could be a high scoring game.
Nash Central Lady Bulldogs 6-3 tied for second and second gets a first round bye in next week's tournament host Southern Nash 0-9 3-17. Sure looks like the Lady Bulldogs should get to 7-3 and scoreboard watch in Wilson to see Fike's score at Hunt.
Nash Central 6-3 14-6 boys have a leg up on second right now and they host Southern Nash 0-9 5-18 who has played everybody close but no conference wins. Remember just last year they were in the Pent House as conference champs and how quickly life changes.
Fike Girls 6-3 16-6 still has every reason to claim second. Hunt 4-5 16-6 you wonder with their overall record why have they fallen to fourth having lost 5 of their last 7. This will be no gimme for the Lady Golden Deamons.
Fike boys 5-4 15-7 with their loss Tuesday has to have a lot to fall their way in order to claim any part of second. First they have to beat rival Hunt 2-7 6-16 on Hunt's home floor after having won by only two at Fike two weeks ago. Then they have to hope Southern Nash winless helps them out by beating Nash Central. Long shots at best.
Before the light of day on Saturday we will know where everyone stands and their schedule for next week.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Indoor Track State Championships Saturday
Indoor track is a very peculiar situation in North Carolina. It is of course an indoor sport but there are only two indoor tracks in the entire state so any athlete that takes part in track and field during the winter does so at outdoor events.
There are no conference championships or regional champions so there is only one way to qualify for the state championship and that is by your best time of the year during winter meets. You would think and I think this is so that running events are slower, field events are not quite as far as will happen during the spring when everyone breaks out the shorts.
The only way to qualify for the State indoor state championship is that you have to meet a minimum time or distance in any meet that you take part in during the winter. If that time or distance meets the minimum then that athlete qualifies for the state meet which this year is being held at JDL Fast Track in Winston Salem. The 4A meet is Saturday morning and the 3A in the afternoon.
If you think the four county high school athletes who are track and field participants sit around and wait for the spring you are mistaken. Some right now are playing basketball and come Saturday 32 athletes or relay teams have qualified for the state championships for our four public high schools. Just imagine that if you do play two sports during the winter and in track and field you have done well enough to qualify for the state you know come spring when maybe all they will do is concentrate of track and field they will have better numbers. This area is full of quality athletes.
This past weekend the state team wrestling titles were won and in 2A Newton Conover won the title. Newton Conover this week forfeited the title after having used an ineligible wrestler. Conover beat Carrboro 32-28 but by NCHSAA rule the state title winner will remain blank in 2A. Seems unjust in many ways that Carrboro still finishes second.
This weekend begins the regional individual wrestling championships. The Big East, Coastal, Eastern Carolina, Mideastern and Two River wrestlers will be in the same regional together.
Yesterday North Carolina Wesleyan Basketball got big wins. The women playing at home and the final home game for seniors Alexis Fitzgerald and Nashville native Timyra Staton 16 points led the way in a 72-35 victory. The victory pushes the Lady Bishops into position to make the conference tournament next week?
The men were in Ferrum Virginia were they won 88-77. The win moves the men into 6th place and with four games to go before the season ending tournament if they hold on to 6th they will be in Justin Tankelewicz had 23, Chris Braswell 19, AJ Frye 19 and Adrian Moore 12. A total team effort.
If you read this blog on any consistent basis then you know I let you know everyone in my family that has anything to do with sports. Son in law Jerod Musante played soccer in college and since last summer has worked for the Carolina Railhawks and now Carolina FC. He is in charge of the youth soccer program.
Son Brooks in a couple of weeks heading back to the US Olympic Training Center where he and other coaches will receive all the training tools possible for a coach to have. Sounds like a trip abroad representing the USA is up coming.
There are no conference championships or regional champions so there is only one way to qualify for the state championship and that is by your best time of the year during winter meets. You would think and I think this is so that running events are slower, field events are not quite as far as will happen during the spring when everyone breaks out the shorts.
The only way to qualify for the State indoor state championship is that you have to meet a minimum time or distance in any meet that you take part in during the winter. If that time or distance meets the minimum then that athlete qualifies for the state meet which this year is being held at JDL Fast Track in Winston Salem. The 4A meet is Saturday morning and the 3A in the afternoon.
If you think the four county high school athletes who are track and field participants sit around and wait for the spring you are mistaken. Some right now are playing basketball and come Saturday 32 athletes or relay teams have qualified for the state championships for our four public high schools. Just imagine that if you do play two sports during the winter and in track and field you have done well enough to qualify for the state you know come spring when maybe all they will do is concentrate of track and field they will have better numbers. This area is full of quality athletes.
This past weekend the state team wrestling titles were won and in 2A Newton Conover won the title. Newton Conover this week forfeited the title after having used an ineligible wrestler. Conover beat Carrboro 32-28 but by NCHSAA rule the state title winner will remain blank in 2A. Seems unjust in many ways that Carrboro still finishes second.
This weekend begins the regional individual wrestling championships. The Big East, Coastal, Eastern Carolina, Mideastern and Two River wrestlers will be in the same regional together.
Yesterday North Carolina Wesleyan Basketball got big wins. The women playing at home and the final home game for seniors Alexis Fitzgerald and Nashville native Timyra Staton 16 points led the way in a 72-35 victory. The victory pushes the Lady Bishops into position to make the conference tournament next week?
The men were in Ferrum Virginia were they won 88-77. The win moves the men into 6th place and with four games to go before the season ending tournament if they hold on to 6th they will be in Justin Tankelewicz had 23, Chris Braswell 19, AJ Frye 19 and Adrian Moore 12. A total team effort.
If you read this blog on any consistent basis then you know I let you know everyone in my family that has anything to do with sports. Son in law Jerod Musante played soccer in college and since last summer has worked for the Carolina Railhawks and now Carolina FC. He is in charge of the youth soccer program.
Son Brooks in a couple of weeks heading back to the US Olympic Training Center where he and other coaches will receive all the training tools possible for a coach to have. Sounds like a trip abroad representing the USA is up coming.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Those On Top Stay On Top
Both Nash Central boys and girls teams and Fike boys and girls are all tied in Big East conference play in second place. Neither plays each other this week so all they can do and win the games in front of them tonight and Friday and see how the seedings fall for next weeks tournament.
Fike girls held up their end of the bargain tonight as they hosted Northern Nash and win 51-37. Fike ups their conference record to 6-3 while Northern slumps to 2-7.
The team with the worse matchup of the night the Fike boys host the top team the Knights of Northern Nash. If Fike wants any part of second they need to knock off the top dogs at home. It will not happen as the Knights win their ninth with out loss while Fike falls to 5-4 after losing at home 89-74.
Both Nash Central Bulldog teams need wins in the quest to finish second in the conference standings. There is now an opening for the boys with the Golden Demons loss to Northern Nash at home. The Hunt Warriors having one of those years that you like to forget can play a spoiler and they gave the Bulldogs a fight but come up short as Nash Central 6-3 boys take over second in the Big East with one game to go after a 59-53 win over Hunt 2-7.
Hunt's Lady Warriors with two victories this week over the two teams ahead of them in conference play just might sneak in and grab second but they cannot afford a lost in either game this week if their hopes are to happen. Nash Central 6-3 prevails 49-48 to stay tied with Fike and Friday is the end of the regular season. Hunt falls to 4-5.
When they played in Rocky Mount the Firebirds almost won their first conference game so tonight hosting Rocky Mount this is Southern Nash's real chance. The Gryphons will win their fourth game in nine tries and the Firebirds are still winless after a Rocky Mount victory 58-44.
The Lady Gryphons as expected had little trouble staying undefeated and for the Lady Birds of Southern Nash winless at Rocky Mount goes to 9-0 while Southern drops to 0-9 after 57-18 game.
Fike girls held up their end of the bargain tonight as they hosted Northern Nash and win 51-37. Fike ups their conference record to 6-3 while Northern slumps to 2-7.
The team with the worse matchup of the night the Fike boys host the top team the Knights of Northern Nash. If Fike wants any part of second they need to knock off the top dogs at home. It will not happen as the Knights win their ninth with out loss while Fike falls to 5-4 after losing at home 89-74.
Both Nash Central Bulldog teams need wins in the quest to finish second in the conference standings. There is now an opening for the boys with the Golden Demons loss to Northern Nash at home. The Hunt Warriors having one of those years that you like to forget can play a spoiler and they gave the Bulldogs a fight but come up short as Nash Central 6-3 boys take over second in the Big East with one game to go after a 59-53 win over Hunt 2-7.
Hunt's Lady Warriors with two victories this week over the two teams ahead of them in conference play just might sneak in and grab second but they cannot afford a lost in either game this week if their hopes are to happen. Nash Central 6-3 prevails 49-48 to stay tied with Fike and Friday is the end of the regular season. Hunt falls to 4-5.
When they played in Rocky Mount the Firebirds almost won their first conference game so tonight hosting Rocky Mount this is Southern Nash's real chance. The Gryphons will win their fourth game in nine tries and the Firebirds are still winless after a Rocky Mount victory 58-44.
The Lady Gryphons as expected had little trouble staying undefeated and for the Lady Birds of Southern Nash winless at Rocky Mount goes to 9-0 while Southern drops to 0-9 after 57-18 game.
Not Much Left To Prove
Big East basketball heads into the final week with first place already determined so not much to play for right? Are you kidding me? Northern is having their best season since the dropdown back to 3A 12 years ago. No team wants to lose any momentum that they have going so the chance for a perfect 10-0 must be their focus this week.
However the Knights are on the road twice heading to Fike who is tied for second an overall record can still get a high seed. Northern 20-2 8-0 at Fike 15-6 5-3 tonight. They finish at Rocky Mount.
Rocky Mount girls can go 10-0 and you would think they have the easiest possible schedule to win two this week. They travel to Southern Nash tonight 0-8 and Northern 2-6 Friday night. A lost to either or even playing poorly in either or both games might slow down what has been a dominating momentum this season.
Those teams that look at this week as vital on the boys side are Fike and Nash Central. Both are 5-3 and they will not meet this week. So both have to take care of business and wait.
Nash Central 13-6 5-3 have two home games and they need to hold serve. Tonight host Hunt and Friday invite Southern to the dog pound. Fike 15-6 5-3 host Northern Nash and play at Hunt Friday.
The bottom of the division has Rocky Mount 3-5 7-10 at Southern Nash tonight host Northern Friday. Hunt 3-5 6-15 starts the week tonight at Nash Central and host Fike Friday. If Southern 0-8 is to win a conference game this year their best chance is tonight hosting Rocky Mount they finish the season Friday at Nash Central but host the tournament next Week.
The two girls teams fighting for second oddly enough are The same as the boys Nash Central and Fike. You would think the Lady Dogs 5-3 have the advantage with two home contest tonight hosting Hunt and Friday Southern. Fike 5-3 host Northern tonight and finish on the road Friday at Hunt.
The back end of the division has a wide range. Hunt 4-4 realistically can still finish second starts tonight at Nash Central a Hunt victory at Nash Central and a win Friday hosting Fike and they really do have a shot. Northern Nash 2-6 at Fike tonight and finish at Rocky Mount. Southern 0-8 seeks to end a three year conference losing streak but they get Rocky Mount tonight and at Nash Central Friday.
However the Knights are on the road twice heading to Fike who is tied for second an overall record can still get a high seed. Northern 20-2 8-0 at Fike 15-6 5-3 tonight. They finish at Rocky Mount.
Rocky Mount girls can go 10-0 and you would think they have the easiest possible schedule to win two this week. They travel to Southern Nash tonight 0-8 and Northern 2-6 Friday night. A lost to either or even playing poorly in either or both games might slow down what has been a dominating momentum this season.
Those teams that look at this week as vital on the boys side are Fike and Nash Central. Both are 5-3 and they will not meet this week. So both have to take care of business and wait.
Nash Central 13-6 5-3 have two home games and they need to hold serve. Tonight host Hunt and Friday invite Southern to the dog pound. Fike 15-6 5-3 host Northern Nash and play at Hunt Friday.
The bottom of the division has Rocky Mount 3-5 7-10 at Southern Nash tonight host Northern Friday. Hunt 3-5 6-15 starts the week tonight at Nash Central and host Fike Friday. If Southern 0-8 is to win a conference game this year their best chance is tonight hosting Rocky Mount they finish the season Friday at Nash Central but host the tournament next Week.
The two girls teams fighting for second oddly enough are The same as the boys Nash Central and Fike. You would think the Lady Dogs 5-3 have the advantage with two home contest tonight hosting Hunt and Friday Southern. Fike 5-3 host Northern tonight and finish on the road Friday at Hunt.
The back end of the division has a wide range. Hunt 4-4 realistically can still finish second starts tonight at Nash Central a Hunt victory at Nash Central and a win Friday hosting Fike and they really do have a shot. Northern Nash 2-6 at Fike tonight and finish at Rocky Mount. Southern 0-8 seeks to end a three year conference losing streak but they get Rocky Mount tonight and at Nash Central Friday.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Just Thinking
Many teams in football love to win the coin toss and kick off hoping by the end of the half they score and then receive the second half kickoff without the other team getting the ball and you might score 14 points
Basketball scoring at the end of the half and getting the ball first in the second half really doesn't impact the game at all.
I think even Wolfpack basketball fans can see that this years basketball team is not very good. I think one of the biggest problems the team is having is they still think they are good. To me that is a bad combination when a team or person is in denial and will not accept reality.
When Smith is clicking you can see the other players standing around watching and when it is time to go play defense after you have stood around on the offensive end they stand around on defense.
Division II baseball began their season this weekend. NC Wesleyan baseball begins this Saturday and D1 baseball begins the 17th.
This area has Brian Goodwin playing for the Washington Nationals, Benton Moss in the minor league system of the Tampa Bay Rays. Collins Cuthrell who finished the baseball season last year in Kentucky trying to find a major league team is in graduate school at UNC Pembroke and on the baseball coaching staff joining Alex Pearce whom is coaching his second season.
Despite how much I hate New England Tom Brady put on a show the last 20 minutes of the Super Bowl. His arm has to be about to fall off having tossed it 62 times. Once again a pass play occurs that if the miracle catch doesn't happen the Patriots never win. The Edelman catch will become like the helmet catch as a play that will be shown millions of times in the future.
There is that old saying about experience and even though Matt Ryan won the MVP he made the bonehead play of the game when with about three minutes left in the game took a big time loss on a sack when the Falcon's were in field goal range to up their lead to 11.
Just think the missed extra point by New England after their first touchdown if it were made there would never have been overtime.
Basketball scoring at the end of the half and getting the ball first in the second half really doesn't impact the game at all.
I think even Wolfpack basketball fans can see that this years basketball team is not very good. I think one of the biggest problems the team is having is they still think they are good. To me that is a bad combination when a team or person is in denial and will not accept reality.
When Smith is clicking you can see the other players standing around watching and when it is time to go play defense after you have stood around on the offensive end they stand around on defense.
Division II baseball began their season this weekend. NC Wesleyan baseball begins this Saturday and D1 baseball begins the 17th.
This area has Brian Goodwin playing for the Washington Nationals, Benton Moss in the minor league system of the Tampa Bay Rays. Collins Cuthrell who finished the baseball season last year in Kentucky trying to find a major league team is in graduate school at UNC Pembroke and on the baseball coaching staff joining Alex Pearce whom is coaching his second season.
Despite how much I hate New England Tom Brady put on a show the last 20 minutes of the Super Bowl. His arm has to be about to fall off having tossed it 62 times. Once again a pass play occurs that if the miracle catch doesn't happen the Patriots never win. The Edelman catch will become like the helmet catch as a play that will be shown millions of times in the future.
There is that old saying about experience and even though Matt Ryan won the MVP he made the bonehead play of the game when with about three minutes left in the game took a big time loss on a sack when the Falcon's were in field goal range to up their lead to 11.
Just think the missed extra point by New England after their first touchdown if it were made there would never have been overtime.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
"Stayin Alive"
Today at NC Wesleyan the Battling Bishops in ninth place taking on Averitt who is just A half game out of first. What adds spice to this game is that the entire Cougar coaching staff has a Bishop back ground.
Head coach David Doino served seven years in the Bishops coaching staff leaving for Cougarland at the end of the 2014 season. Assistant coach Cornelius Snow graduated from Wesleyan after the 2013 year after playing four years of Bishop Basketball three years making all conference. David Gurganus another Bishop basketball player who graduated after the 2014 season.
Down on the end of the bench is student assistant Michael Brackett who is a 2012 graduate of Northern Nash. Brackett is a rather known name on the Wesleyan campus as dad John Brackett has coach softball for 25 years. Rocky Mount may Remember Michael as a Northern Nash guard during Northern's last game in the old Gryphon gym put up a ten foot rebound shot at the buzzer which was Rocky Mount's last lost during their 2012 state championship run.
The largest crowd of the season was on hand which saw a fast paced action. Bishops Adrian Moore saddled with three early fouls could scored four first half points but the Bishops managed a 33-29 half time lead.
Moore came out on fire in the second half and scored 11 quick points and in doing so became the 18th Bishop to hit a 1000 point for the Plymouth native.
The lead stayed consistently around 10 pointd and the Bishops bring home their fourth conference victory of the year beating Averitt 71-59. The Bishops don't pass anybody in the standing but are now in a tie for 8th.
Moore finished with 21 points, Justin Tankelewicz added 13. Moore led the Bishops with 10 rebounds.
The Bishops have five games left in this season the next three on the road. In order to make the season ending tournament the Bishops need to win least four.
The News is not as good for the Lady Bishops as they took on the Top team in the league Ferrum and lost 69-52. The season ends next Sunday and the Ladies have three games to play. They need to win all three and hope.
Head coach David Doino served seven years in the Bishops coaching staff leaving for Cougarland at the end of the 2014 season. Assistant coach Cornelius Snow graduated from Wesleyan after the 2013 year after playing four years of Bishop Basketball three years making all conference. David Gurganus another Bishop basketball player who graduated after the 2014 season.
Down on the end of the bench is student assistant Michael Brackett who is a 2012 graduate of Northern Nash. Brackett is a rather known name on the Wesleyan campus as dad John Brackett has coach softball for 25 years. Rocky Mount may Remember Michael as a Northern Nash guard during Northern's last game in the old Gryphon gym put up a ten foot rebound shot at the buzzer which was Rocky Mount's last lost during their 2012 state championship run.
The largest crowd of the season was on hand which saw a fast paced action. Bishops Adrian Moore saddled with three early fouls could scored four first half points but the Bishops managed a 33-29 half time lead.
Moore came out on fire in the second half and scored 11 quick points and in doing so became the 18th Bishop to hit a 1000 point for the Plymouth native.
The lead stayed consistently around 10 pointd and the Bishops bring home their fourth conference victory of the year beating Averitt 71-59. The Bishops don't pass anybody in the standing but are now in a tie for 8th.
Moore finished with 21 points, Justin Tankelewicz added 13. Moore led the Bishops with 10 rebounds.
The Bishops have five games left in this season the next three on the road. In order to make the season ending tournament the Bishops need to win least four.
The News is not as good for the Lady Bishops as they took on the Top team in the league Ferrum and lost 69-52. The season ends next Sunday and the Ladies have three games to play. They need to win all three and hope.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Lady Gryphons Clinch Regular Season
If there has ever been a year a team took the conference by the horns and threw everyone to the side this has turned out to be the year. Tonight the Lady Gryphons took the last team that could take the regular season title away from them and tossed them to the shame of having to finish the game with a running clock. Rocky Mount 76- Fike 35. Rocky Mount goes to 8-0 while Fike fell to 5-3.
The victory gives the Lady Gryphons the regular season title and the number one seed in the conference tournament as well as the top seeding representing the Big East when the playoffs start rolling
Nash Central got back into a tie with Fike after They beat Northern Nash 37-26. The Lady Bulldogs go to 5-3 whole the Lady Knights fall to 2-6
Rocky Mount is not in the habit of doing favors for their bitter rivals but Rocky Mount needs victories to improve their winning percentage with the upcoming playoffs. Tonight the Gryphons improve their record upsetting Fike 83-79. Rocky Mount ups their conference record to 3-5 while Fike falls to 5-3.
Northern Nash knew that they could eliminate Nash Central from any chance of taking away the regular season top seed from them by knocking off the Bulldogs and they did 62-43. What they didn't know is that victory would clinch The regular season as their good friends Rocky Mount would see to that.
It is the Knights 10th win in a row and 20th in the season but most importantly they are 8-0 in the Big East and both Nash Central
and Fike at 5-3 cannot take the top seed from the Knights.
Hunt boys stay even with Rocky Mount as they kept Southern Nash winless winning in Bailey 79-71.
Saturday is a day of opportunity for both of the basketball teams at NC Wesleyan. The men have a home game at 2pm. They stand 4-5 or ninth place and they play Averitt a team at 6-3 in the USA Conference standing is just a half game out of first. A big chance to gain ground on all those ahead of the Bishops. A lost and they could fall further away from any postseason.
The girls are on the road but they are in the same boat as the guys. They stand in fifth two games out of fourth and the last playoff spot in the eastern division. 4pm Saturday They are at Ferrum who leads the east. Same story here as it is either win or not making the playoffs.
The victory gives the Lady Gryphons the regular season title and the number one seed in the conference tournament as well as the top seeding representing the Big East when the playoffs start rolling
Nash Central got back into a tie with Fike after They beat Northern Nash 37-26. The Lady Bulldogs go to 5-3 whole the Lady Knights fall to 2-6
Rocky Mount is not in the habit of doing favors for their bitter rivals but Rocky Mount needs victories to improve their winning percentage with the upcoming playoffs. Tonight the Gryphons improve their record upsetting Fike 83-79. Rocky Mount ups their conference record to 3-5 while Fike falls to 5-3.
Northern Nash knew that they could eliminate Nash Central from any chance of taking away the regular season top seed from them by knocking off the Bulldogs and they did 62-43. What they didn't know is that victory would clinch The regular season as their good friends Rocky Mount would see to that.
It is the Knights 10th win in a row and 20th in the season but most importantly they are 8-0 in the Big East and both Nash Central
and Fike at 5-3 cannot take the top seed from the Knights.
Hunt boys stay even with Rocky Mount as they kept Southern Nash winless winning in Bailey 79-71.
Saturday is a day of opportunity for both of the basketball teams at NC Wesleyan. The men have a home game at 2pm. They stand 4-5 or ninth place and they play Averitt a team at 6-3 in the USA Conference standing is just a half game out of first. A big chance to gain ground on all those ahead of the Bishops. A lost and they could fall further away from any postseason.
The girls are on the road but they are in the same boat as the guys. They stand in fifth two games out of fourth and the last playoff spot in the eastern division. 4pm Saturday They are at Ferrum who leads the east. Same story here as it is either win or not making the playoffs.
Super Bowl 51
Two teams are playing in the Super Bowl that in August neither team seemed possible to make the Super Bowl. Almost a year past before the four game suspension came down banning Tom Brady for his part in deflate Gate.
Those who call Tom Brady the greatest quarterback in NFL history predicted doom and gloom for the Patriots during his four game vacation but in fact they went 3-1 and lost their number two quarter back and had to finish up the four games with their third team quarterback under center and went 3-1.
If they can go 3-1 without him why should they not dominate the worse division in football the AFC North with him back. Back under center for the last 12 games the Pat's go 11-1.
So with home field advantage the Pat's dominate their two playoff rivals and Tom Brady heads to his 7th Super Bowl. Looking back I wonder would Tom Brady be the Tom Brady we know today if the tuck rule had of been called a fumble which it really was?
Last year at this time the NFC South Champs the Carolina Panthers were headed to the Super Bowl. They had won their third straight division title. A dynasty was in the making as Can Newton finally had blossomed into the best player in the NFL. The Panthers with a good mix of young and old probably will become the next New England Patriots.
Free agent departures and early on the NFL allowed other teams to use Cam Newton for target practice and the Atlanta Falcons take advantage and are the second straight in a row NFC South team in the Super Bowl. Their quarterback just might win the MVP award and the Falcons are the top scoring team in football.
Who wins? Bill Bellicheat has the ability of taking away the other teams best player and for the Falcons that's Julio Jones. Do the Pats have any one who can cover him. If they can stop him what about the rest of the best offense in football. I don't think they can stop Jones but the next best stopper will be the quarterback. Don't give him time to throw to anybody.
I see this as a high scoring game. I see no reason that New England Patriots don't win this game. I don't know if it is my dislike for the Pats organization or my dislike of Mr Brady. I think the Falcons win 38-35. I also have the feeling just like last year with Cam. The Patriots defense will disrupt Matt Ryan enough that Brady and company Win. New England 38 Atlanta 28. I sure will hate it!
Those who call Tom Brady the greatest quarterback in NFL history predicted doom and gloom for the Patriots during his four game vacation but in fact they went 3-1 and lost their number two quarter back and had to finish up the four games with their third team quarterback under center and went 3-1.
If they can go 3-1 without him why should they not dominate the worse division in football the AFC North with him back. Back under center for the last 12 games the Pat's go 11-1.
So with home field advantage the Pat's dominate their two playoff rivals and Tom Brady heads to his 7th Super Bowl. Looking back I wonder would Tom Brady be the Tom Brady we know today if the tuck rule had of been called a fumble which it really was?
Last year at this time the NFC South Champs the Carolina Panthers were headed to the Super Bowl. They had won their third straight division title. A dynasty was in the making as Can Newton finally had blossomed into the best player in the NFL. The Panthers with a good mix of young and old probably will become the next New England Patriots.
Free agent departures and early on the NFL allowed other teams to use Cam Newton for target practice and the Atlanta Falcons take advantage and are the second straight in a row NFC South team in the Super Bowl. Their quarterback just might win the MVP award and the Falcons are the top scoring team in football.
Who wins? Bill Bellicheat has the ability of taking away the other teams best player and for the Falcons that's Julio Jones. Do the Pats have any one who can cover him. If they can stop him what about the rest of the best offense in football. I don't think they can stop Jones but the next best stopper will be the quarterback. Don't give him time to throw to anybody.
I see this as a high scoring game. I see no reason that New England Patriots don't win this game. I don't know if it is my dislike for the Pats organization or my dislike of Mr Brady. I think the Falcons win 38-35. I also have the feeling just like last year with Cam. The Patriots defense will disrupt Matt Ryan enough that Brady and company Win. New England 38 Atlanta 28. I sure will hate it!
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Buffett Of Big East Action
Cheerleading in recent years has become Big time Sport. Recently Northern Nash wins the Big East Cheerleading Championship by a score of 78.7 to Hunts 77.8. I don't know how you score cheerleading but I don't care what kind of system is used, .9 is close. Southern Nash finished third 74.4 followed by Rocky Mount 69.6, Fike 67 and Nash Central 36.7
Destini Morton of Rocky Mount was named Cheerleader of the Year. The All Conference team is Hailey Thomas, Keilah Moore, Princess Anstead and Princess Hendson all of Northern Nash. Hunt's reps are Alexis Bailey,Abria Blunt and Katilyn Kirby.
Southern Nash has Cierra Jernigan, Kayleigh Denton and Kasie Webb. Rocky Mount has two others besides the cheerleader of the year in Taylor Lutrell and Quaneshia Hardy. Fike's members are Brittany Mitchell and Payton Callaway. Nash Central has Promise Atkinson representing the Bulldogs.
Last night Rocky Mount played in non conference basketball at 4A South Central. The Lady Gryphons struggled to score but they have one constant area is defense. Lady gryphons win their 15th game 40-37. The boys were never in their game losing 64-32
Tuesday night was the opening of the duel wrestling 1st and 2nd rounds of the state championships and Southern Nash lost their opening match 36-40. Fike won their first match but took on the home team Orange and lost 45-36 in the second.
Northern Nash boys and Rocky Mount girls are trying to make this a boring basketball season. Northern Boys 19-2 7-0 can clinch at least a tie if they beat Nash Central 13-5 5-2 Friday night. The Gryphon girls 15-2 7-0 can clinch the regular season title if they beat Fike. If they do every member of the Big East would have three losses with two to play. If Fike wins then it is an interesting final week.
Fike boys 15-5 5-2 travel to Rocky Mount 6-10 2-5. Hunt 5-15 2-5 is at Southern Nash 5-16 0-7. Hunt girls15-5 3-4 take on the Lady Birds 3- 15 0-7. Nash Central 10-8 4-3 finished the Friday schedule at Northern 7-13 2-5.
Last night the Lady Bishops best Methodist 71-57 to run their record in conference to 4-5. They are a game and a half out of fourth and a playoff spot.
Destini Morton of Rocky Mount was named Cheerleader of the Year. The All Conference team is Hailey Thomas, Keilah Moore, Princess Anstead and Princess Hendson all of Northern Nash. Hunt's reps are Alexis Bailey,Abria Blunt and Katilyn Kirby.
Southern Nash has Cierra Jernigan, Kayleigh Denton and Kasie Webb. Rocky Mount has two others besides the cheerleader of the year in Taylor Lutrell and Quaneshia Hardy. Fike's members are Brittany Mitchell and Payton Callaway. Nash Central has Promise Atkinson representing the Bulldogs.
Last night Rocky Mount played in non conference basketball at 4A South Central. The Lady Gryphons struggled to score but they have one constant area is defense. Lady gryphons win their 15th game 40-37. The boys were never in their game losing 64-32
Tuesday night was the opening of the duel wrestling 1st and 2nd rounds of the state championships and Southern Nash lost their opening match 36-40. Fike won their first match but took on the home team Orange and lost 45-36 in the second.
Northern Nash boys and Rocky Mount girls are trying to make this a boring basketball season. Northern Boys 19-2 7-0 can clinch at least a tie if they beat Nash Central 13-5 5-2 Friday night. The Gryphon girls 15-2 7-0 can clinch the regular season title if they beat Fike. If they do every member of the Big East would have three losses with two to play. If Fike wins then it is an interesting final week.
Fike boys 15-5 5-2 travel to Rocky Mount 6-10 2-5. Hunt 5-15 2-5 is at Southern Nash 5-16 0-7. Hunt girls15-5 3-4 take on the Lady Birds 3- 15 0-7. Nash Central 10-8 4-3 finished the Friday schedule at Northern 7-13 2-5.
Last night the Lady Bishops best Methodist 71-57 to run their record in conference to 4-5. They are a game and a half out of fourth and a playoff spot.
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