SB/MOPWC: Saints finally get much-needed win

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on December 30, 2015 1:48 PM

• Print
• Email

bdavis@newargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- Coaches aren't supposed to smile.

Don't tell that to Southern Wayne basketball coach Dwight Smith.

His Saints won their second game of the season -- a 69-57 decision over Spring Creek during consolation-round play in the Southern Bank/Mount Olive Pickle Winter Classic at the University of Mount Olive on Tuesday evening.

"I feel great," Smith grinned. "Finally got it off my back. They (Saints) fought hard. For the first time, we didn't lose our composure when they (Gators) made their run, (and) we understood what we were supposed to do."

The Saints led 5-0 early and ended the first quarter with a 17-5 lead.

But the Gators fought back and pulled to within 47-41 after three quarters.

Gators freshman Landon Smothers grabbed a rebound and assisted freshman Dominique Morse for a 3-pointer. Sharp-shooting guard Cole Atwood responded with a 3-pointer for the Saints, who pushed their lead to 57-47 with five minutes left in regulation.

But senior Devonte Williams took the ball from the Saints and assisted Smothers with a 3-point jumper.

SC head coach Taylor Jones called a timeout. When play resumed, Jamerion Dawson stole the ball, fell as he ran to the basket, but tossed the ball to junior Najee Young, who threw up a prayer that fell through the net.

Atwood caught an inbounds pass and drove the court, but was fouled. Atwood made both free throws.

Down by 10 points, the Gators begin to force the Saints into turnovers. The lead almost slipped away before junior Daari Wilson swished two free throws to end the game.

"I was very proud of our effort, toughness and our teamwork," Jones said. "We have fought like that pretty much every game we have played, but tonight, we really locked in on this week playing like we know (what) we are capable of. We may be young and inexperienced, but that doesn't mean we can't play like Gators.

"Tonight, we did, and I am proud of my guys for that. Hopefully, we can carry today's positives into tomorrow (today) and finish."

Williams ended the game with 17 points, and Smothers added 12 points for the Gators. Morse recorded 14 points - including three 3s.

Atwood ended the game with 17 points for the Saints. Junior Quentin Carlton had nine points, and Emmanuel Walker had seven points.

Spring Creek met Rosewood in the seventh-place game today, while Southern Wayne took on Wayne Country Day in the fifth-place game.