Thomas ignites Cougars early against RM Prep

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on December 12, 2015 11:15 PM

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bdavis@newsargus.com

Goldsboro senior Jaylin Thomas showcased his scoring talent with 3-pointers, drives to the baskets and layups.

He also sacrificed himself in the half-court game, trapping his opponents and causing turnovers.

Thomas' type of play catapulted the Cougars to a 108-43, non-conference romp over Rocky Mount Prep inside Norvell T. Lee Gymnasium on Friday evening.

"We got some guys to step up for the defensive challenge," Goldsboro head basketball coach Russell Stephens said. "We know the strength of our team is in our speed, and our rotation has been getting better week by week. When you get the rotation right defensively, and you got kids that can knock down some open shots, it all goes good together.

"Sacrifice offense for the win."

Thomas received an assist from senior Myron Carmon for a 3-pointer, and the speedy Cougars got off to an 8-0 lead early. Senior Eric Bufkin stole the ball and assisted Thomas with two more points.

Goldsboro led 29-10 after one quarter and extended its advantage to 28 points by halftime.

Thomas frustrated his opponent off of an inbounds pass, which led to a steal and an assist to Carmon for a baseline layup in the third quarter

Atkins assisted Faison with a 3-pointer. Faison drew a foul and sank the free throw. Faison then passed the ball to Carmon for three more points.

Rocky Mount Prep attempted to fight back.

Junior Jayden Draughn took advantage of Goldsboro's starters sitting on the bench. He stole the ball and set up sophomore Keyshawn Bryant for a 2-point jumper, and senior KJ Tinsley shot a 3-pointer.

The Cougars invoked the mercy rule (a 40-point lead that forces a running clock) and completed their regular-season sweep of the Jaguars.

Thomas ended the game with 18 points and five steals. Carmon and fellow senior Ronnie Tookes had 14 points. Faison had nine points and was 6 of 8 from the free throw line.

"When you get team efforts like that, as a coach, you've got to be proud of what your kids are doing," Stephens said.

Goldsboro (7-0 overall) plays host to county archrival Eastern Wayne next Friday.