Local digest
By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on December 22, 2009 1:46 PM
BEULAVILLE -- James Kenan held off a late rally and bested East Duplin 74-69 on Monday night.
The Tigers jumped out to a 15-point advantage in the second quarter, but were forced to cling to the lead as the Panthers mounted a comeback in the final minutes.
James Owens led the Tigers' offense with 24 points. Jeremy Smith added 23 points and three rebounds, while teammate Dasmine Smith scored 18 points and corralled five boards.
James Kenan (4-2 overall) travels to Pender on Jan. 5.
Cougars stumble
BAILEY -- Goldsboro could not hold onto a late lead and eventually fell 62-60 against Southern Nash on Monday evening.
The Cougars led by five points early in the final quarter, but multiple turnovers led to Firebird scores. Goldsboro finished with 26 turnovers.
Resean Brewington paced the Cougars' offense with 16 points. James Williams added 12 points, and Michael Langston recorded nine points.
Goldsboro (4-4 overall) returns to action Monday at the Roanoke Christmas Tournament.
Rebels downed
KENLY -- North Johnston raced out of the gate and never looked back in a 63-37 romp of North Duplin on Monday evening.
The Panthers tallied 41 points in the opening half and cruised through the final two quarters.
Devin Oliver paced the Rebels with 10 points. James Kornegay added nine points and Shayne Deaver added eight.
North Duplin (0-8 overall) entertains Union on Dec. 29.
Girls' basketball
Cougars halted
BAILEY -- A late rally by Southern Nash spelled disaster for Goldsboro in a 64-46, non-conference loss on Monday night.
Alexus Myles paced the Cougars with 20 points and eight rebounds. Akeyanna Whitlor added 10 points and nine boards in the defeat.
Goldsboro (4-4 overall) plays in the Roanoke Christmas Tournament on Monday.
North Duplin falls
KENLY -- North Duplin never got its offense on track in a 59-18 loss to North Johnston on Monday night.
The Rebels managed just five points in the first half.
Angelica Favela led the North Duplin offense with 10 points. Tearra Ammons added five points.
North Duplin (0-8 overall) will play host to Union on Dec. 29.
JV sports
* Boys' basketball: Goldsboro 46, Southern Nash 43 -- Demarion Henderson and Moses Ramses III each scored 11 points to pace the Cougars. Goldsboro improved to 8-0 on the season.