A Rebels player takes a jump shot to help extend North Duplin’s lead. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)
The North Duplin Rebels showcased their defensive strength and efficient scoring in a commanding 46-17 victory over the Rosewood Eagles in the conference semifinals. From the opening tip, North Duplin controlled the pace, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on scoring opportunities to secure their place in the championship game.
The game began with Rosewood striking first, converting a layup for an early lead. However, Tateyawna Faison quickly responded, sinking two free throws to even the score at 2-2. She followed that up with a strong drive to the basket, giving North Duplin its first lead of the game.
Addy Higginbotham added to the momentum by draining a three-pointer, forcing a Rosewood timeout with the Rebels up 7-2. Following the timeout, North Duplin’s defense intensified, with Lilly Fulghum making a key steal that led to a trip to the free-throw line. She made one of two attempts, extending the lead to 8-2.
North Duplin continued applying pressure, forcing Rosewood into tough shots. Faison came up with a crucial block on a layup attempt, and soon after, Fulghum converted a steal into a fast-break layup. The Rebels’ defense remained relentless, limiting Rosewood’s possessions while increasing their own scoring opportunities.
Rosewood managed to cut into the deficit with a three-pointer and a late layup, but North Duplin ended the quarter in control, leading 14-5.
The Eagles opened the second quarter with a quick layup, reducing the gap to 14-9. North Duplin answered back as Higginbotham attempted a three but missed. Rosewood took advantage and scored another layup, making it a three-point game at 14-11.
Sensing the momentum shift, Faison stepped up defensively, swiping the ball away from an opponent and driving in for a layup to put North Duplin ahead 16-11. The Rebels called a timeout at 6:07 to regroup.
Rosewood had an opportunity to gain ground at the free-throw line but failed to capitalize, missing both attempts. North Duplin wasted no time taking advantage, as Higginbotham broke through the defense for an easy layup.
With under two minutes left in the half, North Duplin’s defense forced yet another turnover, leading to a fast break where Fulghum set up Faison for a layup. Moments later, Higginbotham came up with a steal and finished at the rim, forcing another timeout with 1:57 left in the quarter.
The Rebels closed the half with a suffocating defensive effort, preventing Rosewood from scoring in the final minute. At halftime, North Duplin held a 22-11 advantage.
North Duplin carried its defensive intensity into the second half, making it difficult for Rosewood to get clean looks at the basket. Fulghum started the quarter aggressively, driving to the rim but missing a contested layup. However, on the next possession, she connected with Faison for a well-timed pass that resulted in an easy score, extending the lead to 24-11.
Rosewood struggled to handle North Duplin’s aggressive pressure, with Faison deflecting a pass out of bounds to stop an offensive push. The Eagles turned the ball over again, leading to a pair of free throws for Higginbotham, who sank both to make it 28-11.
The Rebels’ defensive game plan remained dominant, with Faison, Fulghum, and Abigail Norris forming a triple-team that forced another Rosewood turnover. Their overwhelming defensive effort prevented Rosewood from scoring for several minutes.
After a timeout at 3:09, Rosewood finally broke through with a layup, but Higginbotham quickly responded with two free throws. North Duplin continued to extend its lead, as Faison hit one of two from the free-throw line, and Higginbotham followed with a steal and an uncontested layup to push the lead to 33-13.
With under a minute left in the quarter, Faison drew another foul and converted both free throws, giving North Duplin a 35-13 lead heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter opened with Higginbotham drilling a deep three-pointer, giving North Duplin its largest lead of the game at 39-13. Rosewood tried to answer but missed multiple shots, allowing North Duplin to slow the pace and control possession.
Rosewood had a chance to score at the free-throw line but went 0-for-2. North Duplin continued to crash the boards, with Eva Quintanilla attempting a layup but getting blocked. The Rebels remained aggressive, forcing another turnover that led to a fast break.
Fulghum stole the ball and was fouled in transition, converting one of her free throws to make it 42-17. Moments later, Faison drew another foul and knocked down both shots, extending the lead further.
As the clock wound down, North Duplin’s starters exited the game, allowing their bench to close out the final minutes. Tristyn Blust added a free throw to push the score to 46-17, and Natalie Carreon attempted a deep three-pointer in the final seconds, but it bounced off the rim.
The final buzzer sounded, securing North Duplin’s decisive 46-17 victory and sending them to the conference championship game.
After the game, North Duplin’s head coach praised the team’s defensive execution and overall effort.
