Goldsboro's height too much for Ayden-Grifton

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on January 26, 2011 1:47 PM

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Goldsboro finally put together a complete defensive game.

The Cougars scored at will early and locked down on defense late in a 65-39 win over Carolina 1-A Conference rival Ayden-Grifton on Tuesday night.

Nobody was happier to watch the Cougars cruise than head coach Patrick Reynell.

"Coach (Eric) Waters said it best after the game, tonight was our best defensive effort form start to finish," said Reynell. "I thought the third quarter was our best quarter of the season on that end of the floor."

Goldsboro used a full-court press to break free for an 18-13 advantage. After realizing their lopsided height advantage, the Cougars pounded the ball down low throughout the second quarter and upped their lead to nine points at the intermission.

The third quarter belonged to Goldsboro.

The Cougars (9-6 overall, 2-1 CC) continued the press on the defensive end and continually cleared the glass as Ayden-Grifton struggled to find any openings. The Chargers managed two points in the period and the game quickly got out of hand.

"A lot of people don't realize that boxing out is a big part of defense," said Reynell. "I thought Demarian Henderson, Robert Kornegay and Moses Ramsey all did an excellent job of boxing out and that helped us limit them to one shot."

The fourth quarter proved to be of no consequence as both coaches found time for their reserves.

Devonte White paced Goldsboro with 17 points. James Williams added 12 points and six rebounds. Twelve different Cougars scored in the game.

Trey Fleary pumped in 18 points to pace the Ayden-Grifton (4-9, 0-4) attack.

Goldsboro entertains North Duplin tonight and travels to Calypso on Friday.

"I hate that we have to play them back-to-back," said Reynell. "But we know the quality of basketball that North Duplin plays and they have shown that they are a big part of this conference race with their two league wins."