Rams survive, stay unbeaten in boys' play

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on December 3, 2010 2:00 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- Greene Central overcame a frigid shooting performance from behind the 3-point arc and a significant second-quarter lapse during its 66-58, non-conference win over Charles B. Aycock on Thursday evening.

The Rams completed the regular-season sweep of the Golden Falcons.

Leading 9-0 early in the opening quarter, Greene Central (4-0 overall) began to play sloppy and allowed Aycock to climb back into the game. The Rams missed all seven attempts behind the 3-point line, which helped the Golden Falcons' cause.

"I could feel it when we were getting on the bus that these guys weren't focused and we weren't ready to play," said Rams head coach Demeco Heath said. "Getting ahead early didn't help things because I think we really relaxed."

C.B. Aycock (0-3) battled back in the second quarter as turnovers hurt Greene Central. A.J. Mundle added instant offense off the bench with 10 points in the opening half.

The Rams led by nine at halftime.

"A.J. played a great game for us," said first-year Golden Falcons head coach Steve Moats. "He sprained an ankle in the last football game of the year so we have been bringing him along slowly. Tonight he looked healthy and ready to play."

Greene Central extended its advantage to as many as 15 points during a slow third quarter. But each time the Rams made a run, the Falcons responded.

Trailing by 12 with two minutes to play in the game, Moats decided to start fouling the Greene Central ball handlers. The strategy worked as the Rams struggled at the line. A pair of baskets by Brandon Winford and a 3-pointer from Randall Fulghum pulled the Golden Falcons within five points in the final minute.

Two clutch free throws from forward Malcolm Dawson quelled the rally and sent the Rams home with a win. Dawson finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

"Malcolm is a guy that does a lot of dirty work on the glass for us," said Heath. "It was good that we were able to reward him on the offensive end tonight."

Bobby Waters added 16 points for Greene Central.

Mundle paced C.B. Aycock's attack with 18 points. Brandon Winford added 16 points and 12 rebounds. The Golden Falcons travel to county rival Goldsboro today.