North Duplin’s No. 10 Lucas Dail drives the ball up the court against the Eagles’ defenders looking for an opening.
GOLDSBORO — The Rosewood Eagles used suffocating defense and timely scoring to defeat the North Duplin Rebels, 57–46, in a hard-fought matchup that showcased intensity from start to finish.
First Quarter: Eagles Take Early Control
North Duplin struck first when No. 20 Missiah Cooper opened the scoring with an early basket. Rosewood quickly responded, applying heavy defensive pressure that forced turnovers and created scoring opportunities. After free throws from North Duplin’s No. 33 Carrell Phillips and No. 40 Jaren Seyforth kept the game close, Rosewood began to find its rhythm.
A key three-pointer gave the Eagles their first lead, followed by a series of strong possessions that widened the gap. By the end of the first quarter, Rosewood had surged ahead, holding a 16–7 advantage.
Second Quarter: Defensive Pressure Makes the Difference
The Rebels showed resilience early in the second quarter, cutting into the deficit with baskets from No. 10 Lucas Dail and No. 20 Missiah Cooper. Their energy sparked a brief run that brought the score within three points at 16–13.
However, Rosewood answered by capitalizing at the free-throw line and converting steals into fast-break points. Despite multiple timeouts by North Duplin, the Eagles continued to build momentum. Rosewood closed the half strong, taking a commanding 36–20 lead into the break.
Halftime Recap: Rebels Searching for Answers
At halftime, North Duplin trailed by 16 points and faced an uphill battle. The Rebels struggled against Rosewood’s defensive pressure, particularly on passing lanes. Leading the Rebels at the break were No. 10 Lucas Dail and No. 20 Missiah Cooper with five points each. Rosewood’s ability to force turnovers and convert on opportunities proved to be the difference through the first two quarters.
Third Quarter: Rebels Show Fight
North Duplin came out determined in the third quarter, with No. 40 Jaren Seyforth scoring multiple baskets to ignite a comeback attempt. The Rebels added defensive pressure of their own, forcing steals and converting them into points.
Despite the surge, Rosewood maintained control, weathering the run and holding a 48–32 lead heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Eagles Close It Out
Rosewood struck first in the fourth quarter, but North Duplin refused to go quietly. Free throws and key baskets from No. 10 Lucas Dail, No. 22Lucas Gregory, and No. 30 Christopher Kornegay helped the Rebels cut into the lead, including a big three-pointer that briefly energized the comeback hopes.
Rosewood remained composed breaking a scoring drought with a timely layup and adding points at the line. With under a minute remaining, the deficit proved too much for North Duplin to overcome.
Final score Rosewood Eagles 57, North Duplin Rebels 46.
