Basketball Recap: Smithfield-Selma Takes a Loss

Smithfield-Selma was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their eighth straight defeat. They were outmatched by the Hunt Warriors and fell 81-44. Sadly, that's the second time they've come up short against the Spartans this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 65-51 back in December of 2024.

Despite the loss, Smithfield-Selma saw an underclassman step up: freshman Johnavon Cox went 5 of 8 en route to 13 points in addition to five boards and three steals. Cox is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed three or more in the last four games he's played. Cooper Harris was another key player, putting up five points.

Hunt's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Na'Sir Hines, who went 7 for 15 on his way to 27 points and four steals. Those 27 points gave Hines a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Tyler Pridgen, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and ten assists.

Smithfield-Selma's defeat dropped their record down to 2-11. As for Hunt, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won nine of their last ten matches, which provided a nice bump to their 13-5 record this season.

Smithfield-Selma will host East Wake at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in East Wake's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last six games. As for Hunt, they will take on Southern Wayne at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Hunt has four straight wins, Southern Wayne has three straight losses), but none of that matters once you're on the court.