BOYS -- J.H. Rose builds big lead, knocks off So. Wayne

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on January 17, 2015 11:24 PM

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DUDLEY -- The game was over by halftime.

Southern Wayne head coach Dwight Smith, by that time, was just looking for someone to show some heart and bring some energy during a 79-57 loss to Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A foe J.H. Rose on Friday evening.

But after trailing by 25 points entering the half, Marquail Roddick and Xzavier Pearsall combined for 24 second-half points, which helped keep the Saints competitive.

"I thought we came out in the second half and really showed some energy, so I'm taking a lot of positives out of this game, but you can't spot a team 27 points and expect to win," Smith said.

The Saints' big issues came from taking care of the ball and allowing the Rampants to get easy baskets whenever they wanted. Eight of the first 11 possessions for Rose ended in a layup.

The Saints turned the ball over 22 times.

Tyaire Allen scored 11 points for the Saints.

Cornell Powell led the way for Rose with 24 points and an emphatic one-hand dunk finish on an alley-oop. Marquise Braxton added 14 points and Quinton Jones had 10.

Southern Wayne (4-12 overall, 1-4 ECC) faces cross-county rival Eastern Wayne on Tuesday.

"I don't think I'll have to say much to them before the game to get them (energized) for that one," Smith said.