The Rocky Mount Gryphons were the 75-51 winner over the South Garner Titans when they last played one another back in December of 2022, but their luck changed this time around. Rocky Mount took a 53-35 bruising from South Garner on Thursday. While losing is never fun, Rocky Mount can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 493rd, while South Garner is ranked 74th).
Rocky Mount's loss came despite strong showings from Zyquae Pittman and Anthony Jones. Pittman scored 14 points, while Jones scored four points along with nine rebounds. Jones has been hot recently, having posted eight or more rebounds the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Isavius Arrington, who scored six points.
It was another big night for Najai Hines, who dropped a double-double on 19 points and 11 rebounds for South Garner. Hines is on a roll when it comes to blocks, as he's now posted two or more in the last six games he's played. Loddie Leach was another key contributor, scoring 11 points along with four steals.
Rocky Mount's defeat was their third straight at home, which bumped their record down to 1-6. As for South Garner, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 8-2.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Rocky Mount and Cleveland will face off at 5:30 p.m. on December 29, 2023 without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Cleveland is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 53.5 points per game. South Garner and Middle Creek will face off at 8:30 p.m. on December 29, 2023 without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Middle Creek is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 52.9 points per game.
