ECC 2A: Cougars' effort pleases Bullock

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on February 21, 2016 12:07 PM

• Print
• Email

AYDEN -- Throw stereotypes about a team's reaction to a loss out the window.

Goldsboro head basketball coach LaTina Bullock smiled as she thought about her team's 60-55 defeat against Kinston in the Eastern Carolina 2-A Conference tournament championship game Friday evening.

"I'm proud how my girls played tonight," Bullock said. "They came down here ready to play, and I couldn't ask for anything more than what they put out tonight. We had some breakdowns, and every team has that, but they fought back. I love that about my group."

The Cougars trailed the Vikings, 14-6, at the end of the first quarter.

But senior Tyona Moses started doing what she does best -- driving the court and scoring. Moses stole the ball from Kinston and ran the length of the court for a layup. She then received an assist from freshman McKayla Roberts and buried a 3-pointer.

Moses sprinted down the court two mores times to the basket, which gave Goldsboro a 25-24 lead at halftime.

The Vikings answered.

Sophomore Danielle Heath made a field goal, and senior Malaysia Lancaster drove the court in transition for two more points. Senior Ka'lexis Mills snatched the ball from the Cougars and assisted Lancaster with a 3-pointer.

Moses pulled down a rebound and threw the ball to sophomore Destiny Lucas for a layup. Moses grabbed another rebound and flew to the basket for two more points.

Vikings senior Jada Faison drove the court for a layup and assisted senior Jazyln Grimes with a basket.

Kinston led Goldsboro, 51-44, to start the fourth quarter.

Senior Sterling Jones lost the ball after jumping for a rebound, but Lucas caught it and scored to tie the game at 51-all. Moses drove the court and drew a foul. She swished both free throws, but the Vikings pulled away in the end.

Lancaster led all scorers with 22 points. Heath added 11 points and Grimes scored 10 points.

Moses ended the game with 23 points. Lucas and Jones scored nine points apiece.

"I'm proud of the accomplishments we've made this season," Bullock said. "I'm proud of us being second in our conference. A lot of people probably ruled us out, but that won't so. I'm proud of each and everyone of those ladies."

Goldsboro (14-9) plays host to North Brunswick in the opening round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2-A playoffs Tuesday.