PHS keeps playoff hopes alive

Published in Sports on February 13, 2005 2:01 AM

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They aren't the Bulldogs for nothing.

In a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Princeton men's basketball team ruined Rosewood's Senior Night, giving the Eagles a resounding 47-21 thrashing.

"Our backs were to the wall," said coach Jeff Davis. "We had to win."

Princeton will now square off with Spring Creek in the first round of the Carolina 1-A Conference tournament. The game will be played next Tuesday night at Ayden-Grifton.

After coaching his JV team to a come-from-behind triple-overtime win, Davis had to be wondering how much energy and vocal power he had left in his tank. Although Karter Yutzy was called for charging on the opening drive to his basket, that was the only ripple in the stream.

With Rosewood keying on Yutzy, Princeton's other starters capitalized on the openings that created. Two 3-pointers each by Josh Thompson and Brandon Pate, along with a single trey by Bren Hall propelled the Bulldogs to a commanding 19-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Rosewood switched to a zone defense in the second quarter that virtually shut their guests' offense down. Pate's basket was their only points. The Eagles could only counter with five on baskets by Danny Langston and Antell Richards, along with a free throw by Matt Howell.

Yutzy found his range in the third quarter. His two 3-pointers and a basket gave his team a twenty point lead and put the game out of reach, 36-16, by the end of the period.

Princeton dominated all areas of play. They committed only seven turnovers and personal fouls. They outrebounded their hosts 32-25, and converted four of six foul shots.

"The bottom line is that we've had trouble all season finding ways to score," said Rosewood coach Daniel Mitchell. "We shut them down in the second quarter but couldn't make any baskets ourselves to catch up."

Mitchell went on to praise his graduating seniors for their efforts. "Dustin Overman, Danny Langston, Kyle Grey, Antell Richards, and Matt Howell are a great group of young men. Most have been with me for four years. They've all worked hard and done a lot for the program."

Rosewood will meet Farmville Central on Tuesday night to start its postseason run. The game will played at Farmville.

The Lady Eagle seniors gave their fans something to remember them by as they waltzed to a 56-14 win over the Lady Bulldogs.

According to coach Jerry Narron, "Jessica Hill probably had her best game of the year."

Hill did everything but sell concessions. Besides leading all players in scoring with 21 points, she rebounded, created turnovers, and assisted on numerous scores.

"Sara Poole, Latitia Wade, Hannah Aycock, and Katy Morris have all come out every day and worked very hard," added Narron.

Wade and Morris contributed eight points on the night, while Aycock had six. Rosewood will enter the tournament Monday night -- entertaining Ayden-Grifton at home. They will be without the services of Narron who will be leaving today to begin his spring training duties with the Cincinnati Reds.

"We were just too passive out their tonight," said coach Ricky Boyette. "They wanted it more than we did."

Princeton will square off against North Duplin, Monday night at 7:00. The game will be played at North Johnston.