The Southern Nash Firebirds struggled with three-point shooting accuracy on Friday (the Roanoke Rapids Yellowjackets were 20% better) and sadly the final score reflected it. Southern Nash was dealt a 61-34 loss at the hands of Roanoke Rapids. Southern Nash lost against Roanoke Rapids in their previous head to head back in February, too, but the margin this time around was much wider than the 68-55 score last time.
Southern Nash's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Israel Whitaker, who scored 11 points along with eight rebounds and four steals, and George Richardson who scored six points along with six rebounds. The matchup was Whitaker's third in a row with at least ten points.
It was another big night for Darren Solomon, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 13 rebounds for Roanoke Rapids. Solomon set a new season high mark in blocks with six. Bobby Hawkins was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with three steals.
Southern Nash's loss dropped their record down to 5-3. As for Roanoke Rapids, they pushed their record up to 5-2 with that win, which was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Southern Nash will challenge J.F. Webb at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Roanoke Rapids will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Northern Nash at 7:30 p.m. on January 5, 2024.
