C.B. Aycock tops Knights
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on December 16, 2009 1:46 PM
PIKEVILLE -- Charles B. Aycock rode the wave of momentum created by a fast start and overcame a pair of Northern Nash second-half runs on Tuesday night.
The Golden Falcons grabbed a 52-44, non-conference victory and continued to build early season confidence.
Brandon Winford led the charge for the home team by scoring nine of C.B. Aycock's first 11 points. After the opening four minutes, the Golden Falcons held a 13-6 lead.
"I thought the first quarter was by far our best execution of the game," said C.B. Aycock head coach David West. "I thought the effort was there all game, but we had some spots as the game wore on that we just didn't execute well."
The teams traded baskets throughout an even second quarter, but it was the Knights that got of to a fast start in the second half. Led by point guard Darius Freeman and center Deshawn Freeman, Northern Nash cut the lead to three points with one minute to play in the third period.
Golden Falcons' guard Terrance Drakeford halted the rally with back-to-back baskets.
Trailing by six points in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter, the Knights surprised West's squad by staying in their compact 2-3 zone defense.
"I was kind of shocked that they sat back in the zone, but they were doing a good job of rebounding out of that so I guess it was slowing us down," said West. "I told my guys to slow the game down, and basically stand and watch until they came out to defend."
As the clock ticked under the four-minute mark, the Knights were forced to jump into a man-to-man defense and hastily foul to get into the bonus. C.B. Aycock (6-1 overall) took advantage with eight points in the closing minutes of the game as they finished off the victory.
Winford paced the Golden Falcons with a double-double -- 24 points, 11 rebounds. Drakeford added 12 points and four boards. Isaac Ryals finished with seven points.
Darius Freeman and Deshawn Freeman scored 12 points apiece for the Knights.
"We have a little bit of momentum right now, but there are still a few intangible things that we need to iron out," said West. "We started hot in November and December last season, too. We have to be ready to win games after the new year for us to reach our goals."
C.B. Aycock entertains Rosewood on Friday.