Golden Falcons rout Trojans in ECC quarterfinals

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on February 19, 2013 1:47 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- Charles B. Aycock wasn't about to be lulled to sleep by South Johnston's 2-3 zone defense.

Packed into the paint, the Trojans dared the Golden Falcons to knock down perimeter jump shots.

C.B. Aycock was more than willing to do just that.

The Golden Falcons shot 53.8 percent from the floor in a 51-30 victory on Monday evening in the first round of the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference girls' basketball tournament.

Aycock travels to Triton on Wednesday. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

Myleah Jones led the Golden Falcons with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Ashley Darden provided 13 points.

The Trojans trailed 17-6 early in the second quarter before warming up from the floor. South Johnston began to sink jump shots during a 14-3 run that gave the Trojans a 20-19 lead.

Jones and Darden each scored baskets as Aycock scored six of the final eight points of the half to lead 25-22 at intermission.

The Golden Falcons (12-12 overall) extended their perimeter defense in the third quarter to take away the open jump shots South Johnston drained in the first half.

The Trojans (7-15) were held scoreless during the third quarter and Aycock controlled the defensive glass to limit second-chance opportunities. Jones pulled down 10 of the Golden Falcons' 17 defensive boards.

"We went in at halftime and I told our girls I didn't want to give up more than four points in the third quarter," Aycock head coach Laura Romo said. "We made it an emphasis to get out to their shooters and make them take tough shots. We also talked about rebounding and that if we would rebound, we would win the game.

"We did a much better job in the second half."

The Golden Falcons outscored South Johnston 26-8 in the second half and finished the game 21 for 39 from the floor. Aycock patiently moved the ball against the Trojans' 2-3 zone and seven of the 12 Golden Falcons who played scored.

"We did a much better job of controlling the temp and we did a much better job of controlling the clock," Romo said. "Our perimeter players hit shots and that was the key. We were patient and hit some shots, and that opened up the inside for us and we were able to get some layups."