James Kenan’s No. 2 Zamarion Smith attacks the basket driving through Cougar No. 4 Maurice Tyler for a layup.
First Quarter: Fast Pace and Early Fireworks
The Goldsboro Cougars won the opening tip and wasted no time getting on the scoreboard with a quick basket, followed by a big three-pointer to set the tone early. James Kenan answered back as No. 2 Zamarion Smith scored back-to-back baskets to get the Tigers on the board.
The Cougars responded with a layup, but the Tigers stayed aggressive, knocking down a clutch three-pointer to even the score. A foul sent Cougars No. 4 Maurice Tyler to the line, where he converted one free throw. Momentum then shifted toward James Kenan as No. 2 Zamarion Smith drilled a deep three to take the lead.
The Tigers went on a scoring run with two consecutive three-pointers by No. 2 Zamarion Smith followed by a steal and basket from No. 5 David Zelaya that forced Goldsboro to call a timeout. Out of the break, the Cougars regained momentum with a basket by No. 23 Jabri’on Bynum-Armstrong and a three-pointer from No. 3 Nehemiah McNair.
With the game tied at 18–18, the Cougars surged ahead late in the quarter behind two big three-pointers from No. 4 Maurice Tyler. At the end of the first quarter, Goldsboro held a slim 22–21 lead in a highly competitive contest.
Second Quarter: Back-and-Forth Battle Continues
James Kenan struck first in the second quarter with a layup by No. 4 CJ Hill, but Goldsboro immediately answered with a basket of their own. Free throws by No. 2 Zamarion Smith put the Tigers briefly back in front before Cougar No. 3 Nehemiah McNair answered with a basket.
Both teams traded trips to the free-throw line, with Cougars No. 11 Seven Pounds and Tigers No. 2 Zamarion Smith each knocking down key shots. Physical defense led to several fouls, keeping the game tight. Neither team was able to pull away as baskets and free throws were exchanged throughout the quarter. At halftime, the Cougars held a narrow advantage.
Halftime Score: Goldsboro Cougars 38, James Kenan Tigers 34
Third Quarter: Cougars Maintain Control
Goldsboro opened the second half with free throws from No. 23 Jabri’on Bynum-Armstrong and No. 11 Seven Pounds to extend their lead. James Kenan responded with a basket by No. 4 CJ Hill, but the Cougars continued to answer every Tigers run.
Tigers No. 2 Zamarion Smith caught fire again, hitting a big three-pointer as James Kenan pushed for a comeback. Free throws and strong inside play from the Cougars, including an and-one by No. 23 Jabri’on Bynum-Armstrong, kept Goldsboro ahead.
Despite baskets from No. 1 Eli Avent and a tough layup by No. 2 Zamarion Smith in traffic, the Cougars continued to control the pace. A layup by Cougars No. 22 Markeith Garner closed the quarter with Goldsboro still on top.
Fourth Quarter: Down to the Final Seconds
James Kenan came out strong in the fourth quarter with a basket by No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey, followed by a steal and score from No. 4 CJ Hill to cut the deficit to three. Goldsboro answered with a layup from No. 23 Jabri’on Bynum-Armstrong, prompting a Tigers timeout.
After the break, the Tigers chipped away with free throws and tough baskets from No. 2 Zamarion Smith and No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey. Momentum swung when No. 2 Zamarion Smith was fouled on a three-point attempt and calmly sank all three free throws to give James Kenan the lead.
With 1:32 remaining, No. 2 Zamarion Smith hit a huge three-pointer to put the Tigers up 66–62. Goldsboro responded at the free-throw line and capitalized on second-chance opportunities. A putback basket and free throw by No. 3 Nehemiah McNair gave the Cougars a one-point lead late.
James Kenan had opportunities at the line but could not convert in the final moments. Forced to foul, the Tigers sent the Cougars back to the line, where Goldsboro did just enough to hold on as time expired.
Final Score: Goldsboro Cougars 68, James Kenan Tigers 66
Post Interview
After the game, I spoke with James Kenan Tigers head coach Tyler Jones, who expressed pride in his team’s performance. “I’m extremely proud of my guys tonight,” Jones said. “We played hard from start to finish and never let up.”
The Tigers were led offensively by No. 2 Zamarion Smith, who scored a game-high 35 points. Coach Jones noted that the matchup provided exactly what the team needed. “This was a game we needed,” he said. “We needed the challenge.”
Coach Jones also shared a message for Tiger fans, thanking them for their continued support. “We’re proud of our fans for showing up tonight,” he said. “We feed off the energy and hype they bring to us.”
