Charger boys turn back Eagles

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 20, 2008 2:35 PM

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Each time Wayne Country Day attempted to create some breathing room against Cape Fear Christian on Tuesday evening, it couldn't finish the job.

Until David Wilson hit one big shot.

The senior guard drained a 3-pointer in transition and the state-ranked Chargers cruised past the Eagles 62-47 in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 1-A playoffs. Wayne Country Day (22-7 overall) faces Trinity Christian-Fayetteville in quarterfinal-round play Thursday at Cary Academy. Tip-off is 8:30 p.m.

First-year head coach Terry Jones wondered when the Chargers would pull out the throttle and increase the tempo. They flirted with double-digit leads for two-plus quarters, but the Eagles refused to match their pace.

Guards Semaj Green and LaQuan McKey constantly exploited Wayne Country Day's man-to-man defense, and each hit baskets to keep Cape Fear within striking distance. The duo combined for 32 points, including a 7 of 10 effort at the free throw line.

"Our man-to-man defense is one of our weaknesses, and he (Green) showed that tonight," said Jones. "Never will I question my guys' effort because it's there. There heart is there. I thought we were much quicker than they were.

"I never saw that spurt from our team tonight."

Until Wilson's shot.

Leading 35-27, the No. 6-ranked Chargers manufactured a 10-4 run. Transfer Tim Hobbs scored twice and Floronta Wynn provided a 3-pointer. Wilson finished the surge with a 3-pointer off Rashid Williams' assist.

"I think David gave us a big lift because that's something we've been trying to push from him for a long time," said a smiling Jones. "He has a great shot and maybe some confidence issues, but he took that one and knocked it down.

"I think the rest of the guys jumped on his back for a little while and let him carry us."

Wayne Country Day sustained its double-digit advantage throughout the fourth quarter. Reco McCarter supplied two crowd-pleasing monster slams off assists from Landon Case, who dished out a team-high six assists.

After Wynn's conventional three-point play, the Chargers iced the game at the free throw line. Wilson, Case and McCarter combined to shoot 75 percent (6 of 8) at the stripe.

Wynn led three Wayne Country Day players in double figures with 17 points. McCarter and Hobbs collected 12 and 11 points, respectively. Josh Gregory added seven and Wilson finished with six.

The Chargers recorded 22 wins for the first time since 2000. They advanced past the opening round for the fourth time in the last five years, and sixth overall.