Southern Wayne’s Jayden Bond cashes in a layup during second-half action Friday evening against county rival Goldsboro. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
CALYPSO — Three statistics told the story — turnovers, rebounds and 3-point shooting – Friday evening.
None, unfortunately, favored North Duplin.
The Rebels fell from the unbeaten ranks with a 60-31, non-conference loss against annual East Central 2A power East Duplin inside Kaleel Gymnasium.
“We had too many turnovers, 20 in the first half [and] a lot of those were unforced,” first-year Rebels head coach Jon Kornegay said. “[We] lost the rebounding battle and went two for 16 on 3-pointers. It’s hard to win with that combination.
“Hat’s off to East Duplin. They’re a really good basketball team. We’ll continue to strive to get better and look forward to getting back in the court next week.”
Tateyawna Faison posted a double-double — 10 points, 15 rebounds — for the Rebels. Lilly Fulghum contributed nine points. Addy Higginbotham stuffed her stat sheet with seven points, three rebounds, one assist and four steals.
Abigeal Norris Brown supplied two points and five rebounds. Senior Eva Quintanilla chipped in three points and pulled down four rebounds.
North Duplin (2-1 overall) returns home Tuesday for a non-conference affair with Lejeune High School. The JV boys’ game tips off at 4:30 p.m.
Coming off a conference championship campaign in football, the varsity boys will battle the Devilpups after the conclusion of the girls’ contest.
Saints drop county matchup
DUDLEY — Senaj Pearsall paced a balanced offensive attack with 10 points during a 59-38, non-conference loss Friday afternoon to county JV boys’ basketball rival Goldsboro High.
Jhonte King knocked down nine points for the Saints. Maurice Battle and Salik Council provided four points apiece.
Bishop Benaiah scored three points. Teammates Triston King, Josiah Barden and Jayden Bond each scored two.
Tied at 22-22, the Cougars outscored the Saints 37-16 to seal the road outcome.
The Saints shot 5 of 19 (26.3 percent) at the free throw line.
Southern Wayne (1-1 overall) is scheduled to play Tuesday at East Central 2A member James Kenan. Tip-off is 4:30 p.m. inside Harmon Gymnasium in Warsaw.
You may reach sports writer Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or call/text 919-709-9257.
