Local Digest

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on January 8, 2009 1:46 PM

• Print
• Email

TRENTON -- Southern Wayne struggled through three quarters of its final non-conference tune-up against Jones Senior, but a furious fourth-quarter comeback eventually led to a 58-54 victory.

After scoring just 32 points in the first three quarters, the Saints exploded for 26 points in the final eight minutes.

"We won the battle on the boards, that was the key," said second-year Southern Wayne head coach Russell Stephens. "Jones Senior played a tough game, just like we thought they would."

Desmond Raiford led the Saints' attack with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Javaris McMillan added 12 points. Brandon Anderson provided 11 points and nine boards.

On the defensive end, Gary Woodard came away with five steals.

Southern Wayne (10-4 overall) carries a six-game win streak into Friday's home game against archrival Eastern Wayne. It's the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference opener for both teams.

Princeton prevails

NEWTON GROVE -- Princeton used hot shooting and timely second-half defense to defeat Hobbton 80-76 in overtime on Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs overcame 15-point, third-quarter deficit to force the extra period of play.

David Gurganus paced the Dawgs' effort with 25 points and six assists. Andre Nixon contributed a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Benton Myers added 14 points, while Matt Williamson contributed 11 points.

Desean Barksdale finished with 18 points for the Wildcats.

Princeton (6-8 overall) travels to Spring Creek for its Carolina 1-A Conference opener on Friday.

Girls' basketball

Bulldawgs roll

NEWTON GROVE -- Princeton raced out to an early advantage and never looked back as it bested Hobbton 49-32 on Wednesday night.

Brittany Baker led the Dawgs' attack with 13 points. Nicole Melvin added 11 points and Ashley Braswell contributed 10 points.

The Wildcats were paced by Anna Schoonmaker's 10-point effort.

Princeton (8-6 overall) travels to Spring Creek on Friday in the Carolina 1-A Conference opener for both teams.

Game stopped

VANCEBORO -- A power outage halted the North Lenoir-West Craven girls' game on Wednesday evening.

The Hawks owned a decisive lead when high winds knocked out the power.

No make-up date has been announced to finish the non-conference contest.

North Lenoir (9-2 overall) begins Eastern Plains 2-A Conference play Friday against North Pitt.

Wrestling

Gators fall

DEEP RUN -- South Lenoir topped Spring Creek 54-27 on the mat Wednesday night.

For the Gators, Eric Lewis was victorious at 112 pounds while Daniel Richter earned a hard-fought win at 119. David Smith prevailed at 125, Noah Hinson won at 160 and Josh Rodriguez claimed the heavyweight bout.

Spring Creek returns to action Saturday for the Carolina 1-A Conference Duals at North Johnston.

JV sports

* Girls' basketball: Wayne Christian 36, Princeton 27 -- Wayne Christian outscored Princeton 17-4 in the fourth quarter to earn a hard-fought non-conference victory. Haley Greenwood led all scorers with nine points for the Eagles. Katie Isenhower chipped in eight points and seven rebounds, while Niki Fitzmorris added six points and nine boards.

* Girls' basketball: C.B. Aycock 23, North Johnston 14 -- Kelby Dumond led the Golden Falcons with 10 points as they bested North Johnston on Wednesday. Charles B. Aycock improved to 6-2 overall.

Middle schools

* Boys' basketball: Grantham 43, Norwayne 42 -- C.J. Brown led the Bulldogs with 15 points as they bested Norwayne on Wednesday. Drake Shaw added 11 points and D.J. Massey chipped in eight markers. A.J. Mundle emerged Norwayne's offensive leader with 14 points. Grantham improved to 3-5 overall.