Mount Olive Tip Off Classic

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 23, 2006 8:23 AM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- Two of eastern North Carolina's tradition-rich programs -- Goldsboro and Kinston -- highlight day one of the 2nd annual Mount Olive Tip Off Classic.

The Cougars and Vikings meet at 8 p.m. Friday at Kornegay Arena on the Mount Olive College campus. New Bern and West Forsyth play the opener at 6 p.m.

"If you're going to play, you might as well start with what people consider to be one of the best programs in the east," said Goldsboro High coach Randy Jordan. "We saw them last week against Jacksonville. They're big, they're fast and they're strong.

"But, so are we. I think we match up well. It's going to come down to how hard we want to play and if we can match their intensity."

The Cougars are led by a pair of McDonald's All-American nominees -- Daquan Joyner and Tim Kornegay. Joyner recently signed with East Carolina. Kornegay is courting offers from Coastal Carolina, Western Carolina, High Point University and South Carolina State.

"We're very happy for Daquan that he made his decision and has gotten that off his shoulders," said Jordan. "We've told Tim to relax and play, and not to worry about it.

"So far at practices and scrimmages, Tim has been outstanding. He's been a leader and has expanded his game."

It's the second consecutive year that players from Goldsboro have been nominated for the prestigious McDonald's team. Chevoya Jackson was a nominee last season.

"To have two players from one school to be nominated in the same season is rare," said Jordan. "We're very proud of them and hopefully it speaks well for our program and the things we're doing.

"It speaks very well for our community."

New Bern is coached by Tod Morgan, who spent two seasons at Greene Central. West Forsyth, a perennial power, is coming off its ninth consecutive season.

The third-place and championship games are scheduled for Saturday. A two-day admission ticket is $10.