Hamilton logs 501st rebound of prep career, No. 2 all-time in NC

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on February 12, 2016 1:48 PM

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It was a fitting end for Naheria Hamilton.

The senior center, who has performed admirably this season versus an onslaught of double teams, junk defensive schemes and physical play in the post, put together a classic statistical line Thursday night as Eastern Wayne turned back county rival Charles B. Aycock, 53-44.

More importantly, she helped the Warriors (11-13 overall) end a six-game slide.

Roughly 15 seconds into the contest, the Coastal Carolina signee blocked a baseline layup -- number 501 for her career -- and was briefly honored by the school and presented a commemorative basketball in recognition of her effort.

Hamilton registered 22 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks.

The Warriors, who started and played seniors Kierra Christie, Vivian Jackson and Christina Perry, moved the ball with fluidity on offense and led 11-9 after the first quarter.

And when Hamilton picked up her second foul at the 3:30 mark of the second period, the Best twins -- Myesha and Nyesha -- went to work. The freshman duo scored a combined 19 points on the evening, and their calming influence throughout a turnover-plagued stanza allowed the Warriors a three point advantage at the break.

C.B. Aycock (7-16) was led, as usual, by senior guard Taylor Daniels, who scored 16 points on the evening. Tanika Powell connected on three shots from distance and registered 13 points, but it was simply not enough to offset a proper home finale by Hamilton.

"Her play has been crucial," assistant coach Laura Peedin said of her senior's career, "no other team in our conference has a girl her size... we could always go to her."

And Hamilton -- who scored the game's final basket on a breakaway layup -- appeared relieved as the final buzzer sounded.

As her teammates, coaches and fellow students surrounded her near the Eastern Wayne bench for their senior night celebration, one thing appeared remarkably certain.

The senior, whose career block total now ranks second all-time in the North Carolina record books, will be sorely missed.