The North Duplin girls’ basketball team opens the NC High School Athletic Association 1A playoffs at home Tuesday against Oxford Prep Academy. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
DUDLEY — Brian West periodically guided Southern Wayne into the postseason during his playing days. Now, he’s going back as head coach of his alma mater.
The 29th-seeded Saints travel to Jacksonville White Oak in opening-round action of the NC High School Athletic Association 3A playoffs, which tip off Tuesday.
Southern Wayne’s home court, “The Halo,” will be active, too.
The 13th-seeded Lady Saints (19-7 overall) oppose Central Carolina member Hillsborough Orange.
Two-time Carolina 1A champ North Duplin (20-1) received the No. 4 seed and welcomes Oxford Prep Academy to Calypso. The Rebels will put their 14-game win streak on the line.
All games start at 6 p.m.
Tickets can be obtained at either GoFan.co or through the GoFan app. North Duplin school officials said that booster tickets will not be accepted.
SW boys earn trip
JACKSONVILLE — Southern Wayne last reached the playoffs in 2018.
“This team has battled all year … felt like it was them against the world all year long and they never showed emotions,” West said. “They never got outside of character. They’ve continued to play hard. I will battle with this team anywhere in the world.”
Junior Chris Carmon has emerged as the Saints’ top leader with 10 points and nine rebounds an outing. Chris McDuffie contributes 8.3 points and seven rebounds each time he steps onto the hardwood.
E’lla Boykin averages nearly eight points and 9.5 rebounds an outing. Transfer DuJuan Armwood provides seven points and five boards.
The Saints’ last playoff win occurred Feb. 25, 2013 against McMichael.
Fourth-seeded White Oak (20-5) is 9-1 at home this season.
ND girls on mission
CALYPSO — A third-round playoff participant last winter, North Duplin wants to go one step further this season.
Well, more than one step further.
The Rebels start that trek against the 29th-seeded Griffins, who made their first-ever playoff trip a year ago.
“This is back-to-back [and] I feel like we’re making history,” said ND sophomore Addy Higginbotham after a victory over Union in the conference tournament final Friday evening.
“I don’t if it’s ever happened before and I’m not sure, but it feels really good.”
Higginbotham and backcourt mate Reece Outlaw have traded game-high scoring honors on several occasions this season. Sophomore forward Tateyawna Faison averages nearly a double-double and has grabbed 18 rebounds in a game three times this season.
Saints have mojo
DUDLEY — The puzzle is no longer scrambled. Nevaeh Hines-Bass is back and Southern Wayne has regained its confidence on the court.
The sophomore’s ability to move the ball and use her quickness on defense has helped the Saints collect three straight wins. That includes an upset victory over Fike in the Quad County 3A tournament final Friday.
Hines-Bass averages 10.1 points.
Senior collegiate recruit Jamaiya Bass supplies 11.6 points and five rebounds a game. Front-court mate Ta’Niyah Glaspie brings 8.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists to the table.
Nygeria Thompson notches 8.5 points and 8.3 rebounds a game.
Orange (14-12) is making its second straight playoff appearance and 11th overall since 2007.
Erin Jordan Cornell leads the Panthers with 11.1 points and 7.9 rebounds each game. Jada Reed scores 8.7 points, while Evelyn George delivers 8.5 points and 8.9 rebounds a game.
