Ayden-Grifton girls stun Goldsboro in conference tournament final

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on February 20, 2010 11:06 PM

• Print
• Email

CALYPSO -- Just four days after being beaten soundly in the regular-season finale, Ayden-Grifton bounced back with a stunning 35-29 victory over Goldsboro in the championship game of the Carolina 1-A Conference girls' basketball tournament Friday evening.

The Cougars suffered their first setback against a league opponent this season.

"We just didn't come to play basketball tonight for whatever reason," Goldsboro head coach Brandy Smith said. "We had 32 turnovers and only 29 points. That won't beat anybody."

The teams played essentially an even game through the first three quarters, but the Chargers stole the momentum when Ashley Dillahunt sank a 3-pointer from near half court as the buzzer sounded.

Ayden-Grifton controlled the fourth quarter with their methodical offense and a cautiously-aggressive zone defense.

"I am so proud of these girls right now because they executed in a tough environment," said Ayden-Grifton head coach Jeff Dufour. "Goldsboro has a very good team, and an experienced team so this win is just that much bigger."

Akeyanna Whitlor and Kasheika Wallace each scored eight points to lead the Cougars (20-5 overall). Alexus Myles added seven points.

Goldsboro returns to action Monday in the N.C. High School Athletic Association sectional playoffs. The Cougars will play wild-card entrant KIPPPride at 6 p.m. inside Norvell T. Lee Gymnasium.

Dillahunt led the way for the Chargers (12-10) with 14 points and five rebounds. Derrica Jones added eight points in the upset win.