Running on North Lenoir can prove leathal -- ask Havelock

Published in Sports on November 24, 2004 1:55 PM

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LAGRANGE -- A warning to the upcoming opponents of North Lenoir's basketball teams -- don't try to run on the Hawks.

Havelock's teams gave it their best shot Tuesday night at Wooten Gym, and the Rams came up on the short end in both games.

Coach Wayne Floyd's Hawk girls won their game 51-38. It was no contest in the nightcap, as the boys cruised to a 75-44 verdict.

Both teams remain undefeated at 2-0, while Havelock's squads are winless with 0-2 slates.

In the girls game, North's Lenoir's defense was equal to -- if not better -- than its vaunted offense. It took the Lady Rams almost two minutes into the game before scoring their first basket. Meanwhile, Katie Maloney scored the first three times she touched the ball.

After closing the gap to one at 11-10, Havelock's shooting went cold again. The Rams would not score again until 4:55 of the second quarter, on a free throw. They would not score a basket until 6:41 of the third quarter. The tenacious Lady Hawk defense, led by Maloney, created 20 Havelock turnovers in the first half alone, and 30 on the night.

Maloney was high scorer on the night with 15.

Shannon Plymouth and Shalona Newkirk took over the offensive scoring chores in the second and third quarters. Through their efforts the Lady Hawks held a 42-21 lead going into the final eight minutes. Plymouth, who was playing on a sprained ankle, had 14 points while Newkirk chipped in 10.

"There's no telling how good Plymouth could be, if we could just keep her healthy," said Floyd. "Our point guard, Charee Lynch, is as good as there is. Center Shalona Newkirk also played well."

Havelock's boys coach, Fred Fryezynski, must have lost his scouting report after the first quarter. Playing deliberately, his team was down only 16-12 and the Rams had held North Lenoir standout Justin Dunn to five points. Omar Jones, however, was on fire, making his first four shots.

"Omar has been playing big," said North Lenoir coach Paul Dunn.

Fryezinski then opted to go up tempo -- andplayed right into the Hawks' hands.

North Lenoir's 30-point second quarter was almost technically perfect.The Hawks outrebounded their guests 12-4, committed only four turnovers in the half and just nine for the entire game.

Six players shared in the scoring. Dunn went into overdrive, notching 13. Playing on a limited basis in the second half, he finished the night as high scorer with 20.

"I can't explain that effort," said Dunn. "The team just decided that they wanted to get it down, and they did." Substituting freely, Dunn was able to get a good look at his bench strength. Doug Beal hit three 3-pointers.

"Doug can shoot the ball. He's a soccer player, said Dunn. "Once we get him in shape and get him some minutes, he'll be knocking some more down."

North Lenoir will also be utilizing the services of two football players, E.J. Brown and Russell Rouse, for their next game Friday with cross-county rival Kinston.

"Look for two championship caliber teams to be in a dogfight. We were over there last night (Monday), and they were here tonight. So, we know what each other has. If we play hard, we'll do well."

Girls game

Havelock 10 1 10 17 -- 38

North Lenoir 15 10 17 9 -- 51

HAVELOCK (0-2)

Carrie Lynch 4 0 6-7 14; Tomeka Prichard 2 2 0-0 10; Crystal McCaffity 0 1 3-4 6; Janiece Underwood 3 0 0-0 6; Lace Collins 1 0 0-0 2. TOTALS - 10 3 9-11 38.

NORTH LENOIR (2-0)

Katie Maloney 7 0 1-2 15; Shannon Plymouth 4 1 3-4 14; Shalona Newkirk 4 0 2-6 10; Charee Lynch 4 0 0-0 8; Brittany McPhail 1 0 0-0 2; Carla Miller 1 0 0-0 2; Lemonica Rasberry 0 0 0-1 0. TOTALS 21 1 6-13 51.

Three-point baskets - Havelock 3 (Prichard 2, McCaffity), North Lenoir 1 (Plymouth). Turnovers - Havelock 31, North Lenoir 21. Total fouls - Havelock 13, North Lenoir 13. Fouled out - none. Technical fouls - none.

Boys game

Havelock 12 7 8 17 -- 44

North Lenoir 16 30 20 9 -- 75

HAVELOCK (0-2)

James Jones 4 0 2-2 10; Jake Turner 3 1 0-2 9; Bruce Carter 2 0 2-2 6; Nikkio White 3 0 0-0 6; Kelvin Godette 1 0 2-2 4; Andrew Taylor 1 0 0-0 2; Koyal George 1 0 0-1 2; Kevin Reynolds1 0 0-0 2; Brian Walker 1 0 0-0 2; Rashawn Becton 0 0 1-1 1. TOTALS - 17 1 7-10 44.

NORTH LENOIR (2-0)

Justin Dunn 6 1 5-5 20; Antwan Wiggins 4 1 0-0 11; Omar Jones 4 1 0-0 11; Adrian Brewer 4 0 1-2 9; Doug Beal 0 3 0-0 9; Chris Artis 2 1 0-0 7; Emmanuel Rosher 1 0-0 2; Chris Poole 1 0 0-0 2; Eddie Cox 1 0 0-0 2; E.J. Brown 1 0 0-0 2. TOTALS - 24 7 6-7 75.

Three-point baskets - Havelock 1 (Turner), North Lenoir 7 (Beal 3, Dunn, Wiggins, Jones, Artis). Turnovers - Havelock 20, North Lenoir 9. Total fouls - Havelock 12, North Lenoir 10. Fouled out - none. Technical fouls - none.