Goldsboro hoops teams relax in intrasquad battle

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on November 19, 2010 1:50 PM

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A different concept and a night of fun.

That is what Goldsboro head basketball coach Patrick Reynell envisioned when he came up with the idea for the inaugural Blue-Gold game at Norvell T. Lee Gymnasium.

Reynell got his wish Thursday evening as the Cougar faithful came out to see what both the boys and girls teams had in store for the upcoming season.

"Obviously we wanted to raise a little money for the basketball program," said Reynell. "But even more importantly we wanted to go out and relax, and have a good time. I think we accomplished both goals."

The night began with the first half of the intrasquad scrimmage with the girls playing the first quarter and the boys taking the floor for the second period. After eight minutes, the Gold girls' squad had built 20-18 advantage behind strong play from Brandy Johnson.

The Blue boys battled back, however, and gave their team a 46-34 lead at the intermission.

During halftime the Cougars' football team and wrestling team were each recognized for their respective seasons and the night continued with a 3-point shootout. Moses Ramsey bested Robert Kornegay in the finals and claimed the crown of three-point king.

The dunk contest followed and pitted forward James Williams against guard Devonte White. The powerful point guard won the contest with a second-round slam that featured a leap over the head of reserve guard Quaviss Holloman.

The girls hit the floor for the third quarter, which lasted 12 minutes, and once again it was the Gold team that charged ahead. The Gold led 70-63, but the margin wouldn't hold up as Williams led the Blue boys back with a solid 12-point fourth quarter.

The Blue won 101-87.

The score was of no significance to either head coach.

"I wanted to see how some of my girls would play with different matchups and different rotations," girls head coach LaTina Bullock-Davis said. "I was pleased by what I saw from our core of returning players, but we still have things to work on like team defense."

Reynell enjoyed the smiles he saw on his players faces.

"We have had some rough practices the last few days and I think some of that was my fault for over-coaching," said Reynell. "I wanted the guys to play loose and have fun tonight because I think we needed that."

Goldsboro opens regular-season play Tuesday at Eastern Wayne.