Gator boys retain Carolina 1-A lead

Published in Sports on February 6, 2004 2:00 PM

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Courtesy Greenville Reflector

FARMVILLE -- Spring Creek's boys cemented its hold on the top of the Carolina 1-A Conference Thursday night after beating Farmville Central for the second time in three days, this time a 65-61 win on the Jaguars' home floor.

The Gator girls suffered another big defeat at the hands of conference leading Farmville Cntral, a 70-37 win that moved the Lady Jags (19-1, 8-0) one full game ahead of second-place Rosewood in the conference standings. Spring Creek (8-13, 5-5) remains in fourth place despite the loss and in good shape to hold onto a playoff spot.

The Gator boys (16-5, 9-1) took a full game lead on second-place Ayden-Grifton with the victory. The Chargers come to Seven Springs tonight for a game which should decide the regular-season boys' champion.

Farmville Central's boys (6-10, 5-3) began the game nicely, jumping out to an eight-point lead during the first three minutes. The lead see-sawed back and forth throughout the second period.

With 55 seconds left before halftime, Spring Creek's Grey Wilson hit a 3-pointer from the right wing. The basket put Spring Creek Carolina) ahead 27-25, and the Gators led the rest of the way.

"Most of these guys played together last year, and I've got a lot of seniors out there," Spring Creek coach Sonny Kilpatrick said. "So they've got that poise that comes with a little bit of experience."

Farmville Central tried to shake up Spring Creek in the closing minutes. A Jags' surge was capped by Justin Foskey's runner that trimmed Farmville Central's deficit to 59-57 with 1:01 to play.

After Spring Creek's Shane Stevenson sank two free throws, he made what probably was the defensive play of the game.

Farmville's Tarean Newton stole a pass and dribbled down the lane, looking for a basket that would have tied the score. Stevenson swooped in and blocked Newton's shot with less than 30 seconds remaining. Spring Creek made their last four free throw attempts to seal the win.

Josh Bishop did the most scoring for Spring Creek, dropping in 20 points. Foskey finished with 22 points, including four 3-pointers. Newton added 14 points for Farmville Central, who plays at home again tonight against North Duplin.

Spring Creek also plays at home tonight. This time against Ayden-Grifton in game that could decide the conference championship.

In the girls game, Farmville Central started off slowly and then blew out Spring Creek for the second consecutive time. Megan Zullo scored 24 points as the second-ranked Jaguars rolled.

The Jaguars began the game almost like they had a large amount of mud stuck to their shoes. Farmville Central watched as Spring Creek led 10-5 after the first quarter.

"We came out real strong in the opening quarter, defending

Farmville Central's fortunes changed quickly after that as the Jaguars scored 29 points in the second quarter alone.

Besides Zullo's game-high point total, Ashley Harris added 12 points for the Jaguars, who haven't lost since before Christmas.

Shandlyn Rogers scored 22 points for Spring Creek.

The bus ride was even better, They had personal goals themselves. They did not even look like the same team.

Boys

Spring Creek 13 17 18 17 -- 65

Farmville Central 17 8 17 19 -- 61

SPRING CREEK (16-5, 9-1)

Grey Wilson 11, Josh Bishop 20, Mychael King 2, Shane Stevenson 12, Chris Wright 2, Chris Broadie 12, Brian Armstrong 4, DeQuan McLamb 2. TOTALS -- 24 5 12-18 65.

FARMVILLE CENTRAL (6-10, 5-3)

Kendrick Forbes 5, Justin Foskey 22, Adrian Hunter 12, Javious Dixon 8, Tarean Newton 14. TOTALS -- 27 6 1-5 61.

Girls

Spring Creek 10 4 10 13 -- 37

Farmville Central 5 29 24 12 -- 70

SPRING CREEK (8-13, 5-5)

Yolanda Lawson 1, Tomeka Pride 2, Shondalyn Rogers 22, Troia Morgan 6, Austi Joyner 6. TOTALS -- 15 3 4-13 37.

FARMVILLE CENTRAL (19-1, 8-0)

Nevada Joyner 5, Austin Branch 4, Yolanda Mercer 4, Natsuki Amano 7, Kim Zullo 4, Ashley Harris 12, Nicole Hamill 8, Megan Zullo 24, Jessica Joyner 2. TOTALS -- 30 4 6-9 70.

Three-point baskets -- Spring Creek 2 (Morgan 2), Farmville Central x (Amano, N. Joyner, M. Zullo 2). Turnovers - Spring Creek 15. Total fouls -- Spring Creek 14, Farmville Central 10. Fouled out -- Lawson. Technicals -- none.