EW boys battle through obstacles

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on February 20, 2014 1:48 PM

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astevens@newsargus.com

Chris Roberts has done his best to remain focused on building toward the future in a job that is usually measured by current results.

Eastern Wayne's 3-14 record isn't a true reflection of what Roberts and the Warriors endured this winter on the basketball court.

Roberts stepped into the head coaching role when a personnel issue arose in mid-December, and held the team together through injuries, roster changes and weather-related postponements.

Several of the Warriors played on the football team, which advanced to the eastern regional final in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A playoffs. That success left the coaching staff with just two days of practice before their season opener with D.H. Conley.

Roberts took over as head coach after the Conley game, which began a stretch of six contests in 16 days.

Forwards Malik Richard and Micah Smith each suffered an injury that kept them out of the lineup during different points of the year. Neither fully recovered until late in the season when two snowstorms within a 10-day period disrupted practice time and forced the postponement of several games.

"This has been a tough year in general," Roberts said. "We're building a program and you have to lay down the foundation. I know some of the fans and parents might not like what's going on, but you have to start from ground zero first when you're trying to rebuild.

"That's what we're trying to get to is the guys believing and finishing games."

Eastern Wayne endured 11 losses by 10 points or less.

Southern Wayne and New Bern each hit game-winning shots at the buzzer to defeat the Warriors in their final two games of the year.

"We're still trying to develop some cohesiveness," Roberts said. "And it's not going to happen overnight. But, I promise we're going to continue to work hard and we're going to get there."

Roberts welcomed senior guard Quavius Holloman back on the team after Christmas break. Holloman showed maturity from academic and off-the-court issues that helped him become an integral part of the team.

Holloman scored 27 points in his final home game.

"Quavius has done exactly what I've asked him to do in the classroom," Roberts said. "I've been around him a little and I've gotten to know him. I'm not one to go off of what other people have said. I want to get to know him myself. We have a great relationship.

"There are Saturdays when I'm here, and he calls me and he's out here for three hours working on his shot and that's the type of kid he is."