Fike too much for C.B. Aycock girls

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 23, 2010 1:46 PM

• Print
• Email

WILSON -- The expectations came true.

Big East runner-up Wilson Fike started hot offensively, controlled the boards and harassed Charles B. Aycock with a stifling man-to-man defense on Harvey Reid Court.

The result?

Ciara Perry pumped in a game-high 12 points, and the Golden Demons cruised 47-32 in opening-round action of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A girls' basketball playoffs Monday evening.

"A lack of experience ... not one of those kids have to be a state (playoff) game," said Golden Falcons head coach Laura Romo. "We couldn't match the intensity coming out, dug ourselves a hole and that's where we stayed for the game.

"I thought that's what would happened, but was hoping it wouldn't."

Perry, backcourt mate Meredith Pruden and forward Aquilia Drake combined to hit their first five field goals for Fike. Drake dominated the defensive boards and Aycock (14-13) committed early turnovers against the Demons' pressure defense.

Fike led 9-2 just 21/2 minutes into the contest and 16-6 after one period. The lead swelled to 15 points just two minutes into the second quarter and Romo burned her final 30-second timeout allotted for the game.

"They shot the ball really well, hit their first five shots ... bing, bing, bing," said Romo. "There wasn't any rebounding to do. Our kids had the deer-in-the-headlights (look). We regrouped in some spots, but Fike is an intense team."

Aycock trailed 32-13 at the break, but closed the gap in the third quarter. Point guard Courtnei Gilbert, Kendra Speight, Ivy Hartzell, Lizzie Fortner and Courtney Sheeks each scored as the Golden Falcons pulled within 32-19.

Fike stopped the momentum with a great defensive play. Jameka Thompson blocked a shot, Jamika Ruffin grabbed the rebound and hit Perry with the outlet pass. Perry kissed it off the glass and the Golden Demons stayed in command.

Imari Howell (seven rebounds) and Speight paced Aycock's offense with nine points apiece. Gilbert dished out six assists, while Hartzell collected six rebounds.

"This is a good building block for us for next year," said Romo.