North Duplin’s No. 10 Lucas Dail drives the ball up the court against the Bulldogs’ defenders. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
North Duplin’s No. 12 Holden Williams prepares for a free throw shots that cuts the deficit. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
HEADER: Bulldogs Dominate Early, Hold Off Late Rebel Push in FCA Tournament Opener
Pikeville – Round 1: North Duplin Rebels vs. Princeton Bulldogs
The Princeton Bulldogs set the tone early and never looked back as they defeated the North Duplin Rebels, 62–44, in Round 1 of the FCA Tournament.
First Quarter: Bulldogs Set the Pace Early
The Bulldogs struck first, jumping out to an early 8–0 lead in the opening minutes. A quick timeout was called by the Rebels as Coach Byrd gathered his team and reinforced the game plan.
North Duplin responded after the break when No. 14 Quan Stevens got the Rebels on the scoreboard with a strong layup. Moments later, No. 20 Missiah Cooper stepped to the free-throw line and calmly sank the shot to add to the total.
Despite the brief momentum shift, Princeton continued to apply pressure on both ends of the floor. By the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs had built a commanding lead, 23–8.
Second Quarter: Princeton Extends the Lead
The Rebels opened the second quarter with a spark as No. 24 Noah Price knocked down a big three-pointer to cut into the deficit. North Duplin began moving the ball with more urgency, searching for offensive rhythm.
However, the Bulldogs maintained control, continuing to score in transition and attacking the basket. No. 32 Jae’lyn Ingram added a basket for the Rebels, but Princeton’s steady scoring kept the gap wide.
At halftime, the score stood at Princeton 35, North Duplin 17.
Halftime Recap: Bulldogs in Control
Princeton entered the break with an 18-point lead, fueled by dominance in the paint and consistent three-point shooting. The Bulldogs controlled the tempo throughout the first half, while the Rebels struggled defensively against Princeton’s fast-paced offense.
North Duplin found offensive production from No. 32 Jae’lyn Ingram and No. 24 Noah Price but knew a stronger defensive effort would be needed in the second half to mount a comeback.
Third Quarter: Rebels Show New Energy
Princeton opened the third quarter with another basket, but the Rebels answered quickly with a strong drive and finish by No. 32 Jae’lyn Ingram. While the Bulldogs continued to score efficiently, North Duplin showed renewed defensive energy.
Another basket from No. 32 Jae’lyn Ingram kept the Rebels competitive, followed by a big three-pointer from No. 20 Missiah Cooper that cut into the lead and forced a Bulldogs timeout.
After the timeout, Princeton regained possession following a Rebel miscommunication and finished with a layup. A foul sent No. 12 Holden Williams to the free-throw line, where he converted one of one. Despite the Rebels’ effort, Princeton continued to score in the paint as the third quarter came to a close.
Fourth Quarter: Late Push Falls Short
Both teams traded baskets early in the fourth quarter. No. 44 Noa Quintanilla went one for one at the free-throw line for the Rebels, while Princeton continued to sit comfortably with a sizable lead.
A strong play by No. 20 Missiah Cooper resulted in a layup and an and-one opportunity, which he converted at the line. The Bulldogs responded with more scoring, but North Duplin kept fighting. A big rebound by No. 30 Christopher Kornegay led to a basket from No. 24 Noah Price, cutting the deficit with 3:48 remaining.
Momentum briefly shifted as the Rebels forced a turnover and sent No. 10 Lucas Dail to the free-throw line after a Bulldog foul. However, Princeton answered with another basket. A final score from No. 33 Carrell Phillips gave the Rebels hope, but time ultimately ran out on the comeback attempt.
Final Score Princeton Bulldogs 62, North Duplin Rebels 44
