The Rocky Mount Gryphons just played last yesterday, but they'll still welcome the Franklinton Red Rams at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Rocky Mount knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past nine contests -- so hopefully Franklinton likes a good challenge.
Rocky Mount is headed into the game having just suffered their biggest loss since February 27, 2024 on Monday. They lost 84-61 to Northern Nash. The defeat continues a trend for the Gryphons in their matchups with the Knights: they've now lost four in a row.
Anthony Jones
| 02/10/25 @ Northern Nash | 70% |
| 02/07/25 @ Southern Nash | 54% |
| 02/05/25 vs Bunn | 88% |
| 02/04/25 @ Roanoke Rapids | 82% |
| 01/31/25 vs Nash Central | 46% |
| + 18 more games |
Despite their loss, Rocky Mount saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Anthony Jones, who dropped a double-double with 18 points and ten rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. Jones is also on a roll when it comes to shooting accuracy, as he's posted one of at least 45% in the last 23 games he's played dating back to last season. Semaj Parker was another key player, putting up 14 points along with seven boards and four blocks.
Even though they lost, Rocky Mount smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards every time they've taken the court this season.
Meanwhile, Franklinton was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They had to suffer through an 89-55 loss at the hands of Northern Nash. The Red Rams were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 46-21.
Rocky Mount will have to keep a close watch on Darius Slankard and Harrison Long, a pair of players who had a big impact on Franklinton's prior game. Slankard went 5 for 11 to rack up 15 points and five rebounds, while Long posted 11 points. Those 15 points gave Slankard a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Chan Thomas, who scored eight points.
Franklinton's loss dropped their record down to 9-13. As for Rocky Mount, their defeat was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 9-1 and their overall record down to 13-5.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Rocky Mount has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 34.6 boards per game. However, it's not like Franklinton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 28.8 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Rocky Mount skirted past Franklinton 65-62 when the teams last played back in January. Does Rocky Mount have another victory up their sleeve, or will Franklinton turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
