Spring Creek boys earn share of Carolina 1A boys' basketball crown

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on February 14, 2015 11:23 PM

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SEVEN SPRINGS -- Time to take down the conference championship board in Spring Creek's gym and stencil some new letters in dark blue.

Brandon Gonzalez and Gary Williams pumped in 22 points apiece as the Gators earned a share of the Carolina 1-A Conference regular-season boys' crown -- the first in program history -- with a 79-46 romp over North Duplin at "The Swamp" on Friday evening.

Spring Creek (19-4 overall, 12-2 CC) and James Kenan (15-5, 12-2) tied for the league's top spot heading into this week's season-ending tournament. It's the Tigers' first league title since 2009 when they competed in the old Super Six 1-A Conference.

"I am so honored and proud of all of our guys the work that they have put into this championship," SC head coach Taylor Jones said. "These guys sacrificed themselves for the team, and have earned being (called) champions. We are very proud, but not satisfied.

"There is still a lot of basketball left to be played."

Tre Hammonds, one of nine seniors, contributed 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Gonzalez also pulled down six boards.

Tyree Payton paced a balanced North Duplin offense with 11 points. Ced Kornegay and Luke Britt each knocked down eight points. Dexter Morrisey scored six, while Trey Pate and Malik Cobb each tallied five.

The Gators claimed the league's top seed due to their regular-season sweep of Rosewood, which handed Kenan one of its two conference defeats. SC plays host to a pair of quarterfinal-round games Monday -- Neuse Charter faces Princeton at 6 p.m. and the Gators oppose the Rebels at 7:30 p.m.

Kenan, the No. 2 seed, will also play host to two games Monday at Harmon Gym -- third-seeded Rosewood squares off against Lakewood at 6 p.m. and the Tigers face Hobbton at 7:30 p.m.