Local digest

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on February 17, 2009 1:46 PM

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At the time of the year when it should be picking up a full head of steam Eastern Wayne's ship appears to be taking on water fast.

The Warriors erased a 15-point, third-quarter deficit but faltered on key possessions down the stretch in an 80-71 loss to Wilson Hunt in the first round of the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference tournament on Monday night.

Eastern Wayne (6-16 overall) dropped its final three games of the regular season and will await to learn its first-round opponent for next week's state playoffs.

Hunt (12-11) held a commanding 47-32 lead early in the third quarter, but Eastern Wayne answered with a 17-3 run. Hassan Best's 3-pointer at the buzzer tied the game at 56-56 heading to the fourth.

"We came out and went to work," said Eastern Wayne head coach Marvin Bowman. "Our chemistry was clicking and we had a good group out there that was working well together."

Empty possessions plagued Eastern Wayne over the final eight minutes as did a 4-for-8 fourth-quarter performance from the free line. Hunt scored 14 of the game's final 21 points over the last 41/2 minutes.

"We missed some free throws and there were just some opportunities at crucial times and when that happens it throws your balance off," said Bowman. "That affects your scoring and your ability to stay within striking distance. We've got to make free throws."

Lamar Best led Eastern Wayne with 14 points, Jeneri Cyrus provided 11 and Cody Kirkham added 10. Tyrell Vinson scored a game-high 20 points for Hun and Jamil Creech had 17.

Hunt travels top-seeded and No. 1-ranked Kinston on Wednesday night.

Aycock ousted

WILSON -- Charles B. Aycock fell behind early and never recovered in a 81-55, seeason-ending loss to Wilson Beddingfield in the opening round of the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference tournament on Monday night.

Already behind by double digits, the Golden Falcons gave up 28 fourth-quarter points and the Bruins took advantage. Terry Davis powered the Beddingfield attack with 31 points. Terrell Winstead added 18 markers.

The Golden Falcons were led by Isaac Ryals' 25-point effort. Tyheim Pitt chipped in eight points and Khendra Reid, while Molonza Hayes added seven points apiece.

C.B. Aycock finished the year 13-12 overall.

Girls basketball

Dawgs prevail

PRINCETON -- Despite recording more turnovers than points on the scoreboard, Princeton advanced to the semifinal round of the Class 1-A Carolina Conference women's basketball tournament Monday.

Brittany Baker knocked down 13 points for the Dawgs, who committed 46 turnovers in a physical, 41-29 victory over North Duplin. Princeton (15-10 overall) returns to action Thursday at Ayden-Grifton. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

Officials whistled the teams for a combined 57 fouls, which led to 64 free throws attempted in the 2-hour marathon. Only one player fouled out for either team.

Ashley Braswell complemented Baker with a nine-point effort and pulled down six rebounds. Rebecca Harlan provided 12 rebounds off the bench. Tiffine Battle and Amber Wood tallied five points apiece.

Samantha Cates and Jessica Jones paced the Rebels with 10 points apiece. April Jones added six points and a game-high 18 rebounds. Tearra Ammons and Jessica Jones combined for 13 boards.

Cates and fellow senior Katlyn Eloshway played their final game for North Duplin, which finished 0-19 overall this season.

Saints survive

WILSON -- Southern Wayne kept its dream of an Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference tournament title alive with a 77-63 victory over county rival Charles B. Aycock on Monday evening.

Octavia Lee led all scorers with 25 points for the Saints. Lynnesha Leonard added 24 points and Kayla Powell chipped in 21 markers.

Courtney Sheeks paced the Golden Falcons with 17 points, while teammate Camille Williams added 13.

Aycock concluded the year 4-21 overall.

Playoff-bound Southern Wayne (11-15) entertains ECC regular-season runner-up Wilson Hunt on Wednesday. Tip-off is 6 p.m. in Dudley.