Southern Wayne outlasts Goldsboro

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on January 21, 2010 1:46 PM

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Coaches can teach players to dribble.

They can teach players to shoot.

They can not teach players to grow.

Southern Wayne dominated the paint and left Goldsboro with a 75-62 victory on Wednesday night inside the Norvell T. Lee Gymnasium.

The Saints' front-court trio -- Bernard Gross, Khari Faison and Rashaad Hill -- combined for 41 points and 28 rebounds as the visitors continually pounded the ball underneath the basket.

"I thought our guys came through and played big tonight," said Southern Wayne head coach Russell Stephens. "We won the game on the glass and by playing good interior defense."

The Saints started slowly as Goldsboro pushed the tempo.

The Cougars built a 17-12 advantage after one period, but the lead quickly evaporated as Justin Artis hit a pair of jump shots and Faison dropped in two putbacks.

"I liked how we played early because it looked like we were back to playing 'Goldsboro basketball'," said Cougars' head coach Patrick Reynell. "Once we got into a half-court game, Southern Wayne was able to play their style game."

The Saints seized a 33-26 lead at the intermission.

Goldsboro cut the advantage to three points early in the fourth quarter on a basket by Devonte White, but the momentum was short-lived thanks to an athletic play by Faison. After a missed foul shot, the high-flying junior jumped from his spot on the block and threw down a one-handed slam.

The Saints pulled away over the final four minutes.

"We had a tough game at South Johnston last night and we knew this would be a tough one tonight," said Stephens. "To get a win in an environment like this is good for our guys."

Artis led the Saints with 20 points. Faison added 16 points and 11 rebounds while Gross tallied 14 points and 10 boards. Southern Wayne (11-6 overall) travels to Eastern Wayne on Friday.

Rasean Brewington led the Cougars' offense with 21 points and seven rebounds. Devonte White added nine points and Jarran Reed scored seven points.

Goldsboro (9-6) entertains Carolina 1-A foe Spring Creek on Friday.

"I know the record may not show it, but I still think Spring Creek is one of the better teams in our league," said Reynell. "Our guys are not going to take our game lightly because we are going to play our best to get a win."