Eastern Wayne's pressure 'D' causes 38 turnovers

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 5, 2014 1:50 PM

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Some teams prepare for the opposition, Eastern Wayne -- instead -- prepares for itself.

So far, the formula is working.

The Warriors coerced county rival Goldsboro in 38 turnovers, including 21 steals, during a 73-43 non-conference victory Thursday evening. Senior Jasmine Covington provided 13 points, five assists, five steals and four blocked shots as Eastern Wayne remained unbeaten in four outings this season.

"We have a lot of speed on the court so we pressure, pressure, pressure ... make them make bad passes, give us steals and even with rebounding it's a great defense," said Covington of the team's 1-3-1 and 3-2 trapping schemes.

Goldsboro led 7-6 barely two minutes into the opening quarter.

A mere 70 seconds later, Eastern Wayne forged ahead 16-8 and prompted GHS head coach LaTina Bullock to call timeout. The Warriors continued to play their relentless style and grabbed a decisive 28-12 advantage after the first quarter.

The Cougars (2-2 overall) never recovered.

"Our defense was impressive," second-year EW head coach Phil Gray said.

Tianna Christopher pumped in 14 points and Shontel Monk contributed 13, including nine in the first quarter. Naheria Hamilton chipped in nine points, eight rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot.

Tyona Moses led Goldsboro with a quiet 15 points.