Basketball Recap: East Duplin's Win on Saturday Extends Winning Streak to Five

Panthers

Previous 5 Games

12/28/24 vs Heide Trask	68-52
12/27/24 @ Pender	56-41
12/20/24 vs Princeton	61-50
12/13/24 vs Hobbton	52-36
12/12/24 vs North Duplin	65-51

East Duplin came tearing into Saturday's game with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 14 points) and they left with even more momentum. They enjoyed a cozy 68-52 victory over the Heide Trask Titans. The Panthers' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

East Duplin had a senior duo take command as Calvin Harper dropped a double-double on 21 points and ten boards and Jordan Hall went 5 of 6 on his way to 13 points and seven rebounds. Those ten rebounds set a new season-high mark for Harper. The team also got some help courtesy of Zachary Ball, who went 5 of 8 on his way to 12 points.

East Duplin smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've managed all season.

Despite the loss, Heide Trask still got an impressive performance from Trey Cheatam, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 11 boards. Cheatam is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last five games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Faqeeh Harmon, who posted 12 points.

East Duplin pushed their record up to 6-1 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 61.5 points per game. As for Heide Trask, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-8.

A feisty cat fight will be fought when the East Duplin Panthers challenge the James Kenan Tigers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. James Kenan knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past five matches -- so hopefully East Duplin likes a good challenge. As for Heide Trask, they will square off against Varsity Opponent at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.