Rosewood boys turn back Midway

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on November 24, 2010 1:47 PM

• Print
• Email

With four of his varsity players on the sidelines in street clothes, Rosewood head coach Daniel Mitchell was left to piece together a rotation for the team's season-opener against Midway on Tuesday night.

The puzzle fell into place perfectly and the Eagles seized a 57-48 victory.

"Every single guy that suited up tonight contributed positively in some way," said Mitchell. "I like the effort and I was pleased with how these guys responded."

Rosewood's run into the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A football playoffs left the basketball team with only eight players ready to go against the Raiders. Among those missing were point guard Jykhia Applewhite and outside shooting forward Cody Harris.

None of that seemed to matter to the elite eight in uniform.

The Eagles opened up a 14-11 advantage after one period on the strength of Jacquez Raynor under the basket. The lanky forward scored six first-quarter points. Rosewood added to its advantage just before halftime when Jonathan Franks hit a runner from the right side on the lane to make the score 31-27.

The Eagles broke the game open in the third quarter when back-to-back buckets by Jyante Raynor and a 3-pointer from Franks comprised a 7-0 run.

"I liked the way we came out after the half and got our press going a little bit," said Mitchell. "We were able to force a few turnovers and turn those into transition baskets."

Trailing by 13 points with four minutes to play, the Raiders battled back. Chris Farthing sank a putback and Jordan Farthing added a deep 3-pointer to cut the Eagles' advantage to eight with two minutes to play, but that is as close as the visitors would get.

Jordan Farthing paced the Raiders with 18 points. Chris added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Rosewood was led by Jyante Raynor's 18-point outburst. Franks added nine points and Jacquez Raynor finished with eight. Each of the Eagles who suited up recorded a field goal.

"Jyante was a junior varsity call-up and he played a very strong game," said Mitchell. "I am proud of all these guys for battling each possession, especially on the defensive end."

Rosewood (1-0 overall) entertains Lakewood on Nov. 30.