North Duplin’s band performed throughout the Rebels’ varsity basketball contests against Rosewood. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Rosewood’s DJ Deal, right, has his shot contested by North Duplin’s DuJuan Armwood. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
North Duplin’s Branson Martin, left, draws Rosewood defender David Lamm away from the basket and dishes off to Brady Byrd for an uncontested layup. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
North Duplin’s defense, from left, Luke Kelly (34), Trashawn Ruffin (54) and Anthony Kornegay (right) surround Rosewood point guard David Lamm. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
North Duplin claim its first Carolina 1A boys’ regular-season championship since 2002 with a 73-34 conquest of Rosewood Tuesday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
North Duplin head coach Jeff Byrd, far left, stands with his seniors - Thomas Morrissey (30), DuJuan Armwood (10), Joey Parrish (42), Xander Mele (24), Brady Byrd (14) and Dylan Tyndall (12) - and assistant coach Jamie Wallace. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
CALYPSO — Brady Byrd smiled back toward the North Duplin bench as the final seconds ticked away Tuesday evening.
The senior point guard walked to the sideline, untucked his jersey and waited for his teammates. After they shook hands with long-time rival Rosewood, the Rebels raced to the locker room.
A well-deserved celebration began.
North Duplin claimed its first Carolina 1A regular-season championship in 22 years with a resounding 73-34 conquest of the Eagles. The Rebels secured the league’s automatic bid to the postseason, a place they haven’t been since 2007.
“It felt pretty good … no doubts out there,” Byrd said. “We felt pretty confident the whole game.”
Indeed.
Intense from the opening tip, the Rebels executed their game plan to perfection. They didn’t allow the Eagles to dictate a slower tempo. Defensive pressure created offense, which allowed Byrd and his teammates to flourish in transition.
North Duplin led 20-7 after one quarter.
“We didn’t want them to get control of the game, get into a rhythm because they’ve got a very good basketball team,” Rebels head coach Jeff Byrd said. “We didn’t want to give them 3-point shots. We wanted to control the boards. Defense set the tone … was the difference.
“I don’t think we gave them many second shots. We made some shots. By far, the best we have played on both sides of the ball all year. Everybody contributed the whole game.”
The Rebels entered halftime ahead 40-19.
Frustrated and worn down physically, Rosewood converted just five second-half field goals — and 11 total for the game.
North Duplin easily attacked the rim and collected numerous offensive rebounds. Second-chance putbacks by Micah Lesesane, Donovan Armwood and Branson Martin helped extend the Rebels’ lead to 54-27 through three periods.
One of seven ND seniors, DuJuan Armwood posted a team- and game-high 16 points. Brady Byrd knocked down 12, followed by Lesesane with 10. Luke Kelly chipped in seven points. Tev Collins and Donovan Armwood supplied six points apiece.
In all, 12 Rebels scratched in the scorebook.
North Duplin (12-9 overall, 8-1 Carolina) won its eighth consecutive game and improved to 8-1 at home this season.
“I love all the boys … love them all like family,” coach Byrd said. “[And] to be able to do it with your son on the team, that’s big. Basketball here in the 80s and 90s, it was a powerhouse with Coach [Ricky] Edwards.
“We won a state championship my senior year [1989], so I’m glad to see it have some success.”
The Rebels conclude regular-season play Thursday at Hobbton.
