GIRLS' BASKETBALL: Saints turn back Eagles

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on December 7, 2016 10:01 AM

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DUDLEY -- Polar opposites.

Such were the forces on display last evening as Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A Conference pillar Southern Wayne turned back Carolina 1-A member Rosewood, 58-44, in a spirited non-conference varsity girls hoops matchup at "the halo."

In every sense, the tilt was a measure of frontcourt prowess outlasting backcourt feistiness.

Southern Wayne took control from the opening tip, utilizing full court pressure after made baskets and a roaming, amoeba-like matchup scheme in the half court to force 10 Eagle turnovers and race out to a 20-9 lead after the first quarter.

The group effort, a study in organized chaos, was lauded by assistant coach Takisha Vann.

"We wanted to make sure we came out with Southern Wayne basketball," the coach said. "We wanted to stay focused on what we've been working on... very pleased with their play."

For Rosewood (0-3), the scenario resembled Murphy's Law at maximum velocity -- with residual effects.

The Eagles struggled with Southern Wayne's length and speed, and on occasion when they did handle the red-and-blue's pressure, failed to convert routine looks around the basket.

Call it nightmarish. Over the first two quarters, Rosewood filed just five made field goals.

"We had to sustain their first punch," said Eagles' first-year head coach Tee Wooten. "And we didn't take it as well as I though we would."

At the break, Southern Wayne led 28-12.

The Saints appeared as though they would turn the lights out early in the third stanza, holding Rosewood to one shot per possession and again pushing the pace. In total, SW saw five players file baskets in the quarter and outscored the Eagles 17-7.

Saints 45, Eagles 19.

Matters would change, however, over the final eight minutes.

Rosewood's Payton Lane assumed control for the purple-and-gold, and carved into Southern's advantage with dashes of speed and perimeter shooting.

When not dialing from distance or managing floaters in traffic, Lane was busy setting up sophomore Braylee Butts, whose mid-range touch saw her file eight points in the quarter -- part of an Eagle outburst that prompted more than one timeout by the Saints.

But ultimately, the fierce rally wasn't enough.

Southern Wayne was led by Nadia Chesnutt's 14-point effort, and also received eight points from Ebony Fuller. Sophomore twins Iyahna and Samiya Bess, off to a wonderful start this season, combined for 14 points.

Lane led all scorers with 17 points, and was joined by Butts' 13. Nekia Williams chipped in nine points for the Eagles, who will host North Johnston today at 7 p.m.

Southern Wayne (3-4) plays host to Northern Nash on Thursday. Tip-off is 6:30 p.m.