Bunn pumps in season-high 29 for Eagles

Published in Sports on December 18, 2005 2:18 AM

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All coaches like to begin conference play coming off a victory.

The Rosewood girls and boys basketball team each grabbed impressive, hard fought victories over Midway Friday night to gain momentum as they start Class 1-A Carolina Conference play next week with a home game on Tuesday against rival North Johnston.

The two Eagle victories avenged earlier losses by both teams to the Raiders.

The Lady Eagles roared from behind in the second half after switching to a man-to-man defense late in the second quarter and finished with 32 second-half points to win 43-35.

The Eagle boys played four solid quarters and used 29 points from Kyle Bunn to claim their first victory of the year 66-57.

In the girls' game, the Lady Raiders jumped out to an early lead and took a 19-11 advantage at the close of the first half. Midway controlled the boards with 6-foot-3 center Lauren Cochran leading the way.

The Raiders also made two, 3-point baskets in the first quarter as they ran their half-court offense to perfection.

The key defensive switch by Rosewood coach Jerry Narron enabled the scrappy Eagle girls to turn the game into a full court contest which favored Rosewood.

"We went to man to man trying to disrupt them from getting the ball into their big girl. The big thing was our man defense was just outstanding," said Narron

The Eagles were able to tie the game and take the lead on key baskets by Clare Narron late in the third quarter. The veteran-led Rosewood girls took control of the game in the fourth quarter and hit 9-of-14 foul shots to secure the win.

"We have a good group of girls that know how to win, compete, and they know the team concept," said coach Narron.

A senior, Narron led the Eagles in scoring with 17 points. Courtney Hill added 12 points and was 4-for-4 at the foul line in the fourth quarter.

The Rosewood boys jumped out to an early lead and sealed the victory with clutch foul shooting in the fourth quarter. The Eagles were 11-for-14 from the line in the final quarter as Midway was forced to foul.

The Eagle boys scored the first nine points of the game until a Midway basket at the three-minute mark of the first quarter. Rosewood weathered a Midway rally and increased a two-point lead to 29-21 at halftime.

The Raiders never had an answer for Bunn all night. Bunn had two, 3-point baskets and shot 9-for-9 from the charity stripe. Holt Rains controlled the backboards as the Eagles fought off every attempt Midway made to turn the game around.

"We defended very well especially in the first half", said Rosewood head coach Daniel Mitchell. "We rebounded the ball and made open shots when we needed to. We reduced our turnovers and took care of the ball tonight. We have been focusing on rebounding the last few games and it seems to be paying off."

Bunn's 29 led Rosewood and Holt Rains added 11 points in addition to a great defensive and rebounding performance.

Josh Crumpler scored 19 points for Midway, however, the Eagles took away his open looks at the basket in the second half.

Girls game

Midway 10 9 10 6 -- 35

Rosewood 6 5 15 17 -- 43

MIDWAY (6-4)

Jessica Griffin 0 1 6-8 9; Ashley Brewington 4 0 0-1 8; Gabby Spears 1 0 0-0 2; Joanna Tyndall 0 1 0-0 3; Laura Cochran 5 0 2-6 12; Shannon Blanks 0 0 1-4 1. TOTALS -- 10 2 9-19 35.

ROSEWOOD (6-2)

Courtney Hill 4 0 4-4 12; Shanita Monroe 0 1 0-2 3; Stephanie Rhodes 2 0 2-2 6; Clare Narron 6 0 5-6 17; Kasie Braswell 1 0 1-4 3; Kasey Grey 1 0 0-0 2. TOTALS -- 14 1 12-18 43.

Three-point baskets -- Midway 2 (Griffin, Tyndall), Rosewood 1 (Monroe) Total fouls -- Midway 15, Rosewood 14. Turnovers -- Midway 26, Rosewood 13. Fouled out -- Griffin, Braswell. Technicals -- none.

Boys game

Midway 9 12 14 22 -- 57

Rosewood 11 18 18 19 -- 66

MIDWAY (2-8)

Josh Crumpler 6 2 1-2 19; Bryce Fairchild 3 1 1-3 10; Stan Bateman 1 3 0-0 11; Kenneth Carter 1 0 0-0 2; James Brody 5 0 2-2 12; Ben Herring 0 0 0-1 0; Donnie Owens 1 0 1-3 3. TOTALS -- 17 6 5-11 57.

ROSEWOOD (1-7)

Stephen McIntyre 3 0 0-0 6; Brantley Ellis 2 0 0-0 4; Kyle Bunn 7 2 9-9 29; Clarence Toran 2 1 1-4 8; Dennis Jones 4 0 0-1 8; Holt Rains 3 0 5-5 11. TOTALS -- 21 3 15-19 66.

Three-point baskets -- Midway 6 (Fairchild, Crumpler 2, Bateman 3), Rosewood 3 (Bunn 2, Toran). Total fouls -- Midway 17, Rosewood 10. Turnovers -- Midway 16 Rosewood 17. Fouled out -- none. Technicals -- none.