The South Garner Titans entered their tilt with the Rocky Mount Gryphons with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. South Garner strolled past Rocky Mount with points to spare on Thursday, taking the game 53-35. Given South Garner's advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 74th, while Rocky Mount is ranked 493rd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Najai Hines was his usual excellent self, dropping a double-double on 19 points and 11 rebounds. He hasn't dropped below two blocks for six straight games. The team also got some help courtesy of Loddie Leach, who scored 11 points along with four steals.
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 is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last three games he's played. Isavius Arrington was another key contributor, scoring six points.
South Garner pushed their record up to 8-2 with that win, which was their third straight on the road. As for Rocky Mount, they have fallen quite a ways from their 21-4 record last season and are now at 1-6.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. South Garner won't have much time to rest: their next game is against Middle Creek at 8:30 p.m. on December 29, 2023. Hopefully Middle Creek focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 12 on Thursday. Rocky Mount won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Cleveland at 5:30 p.m. on December 29, 2023. Cleveland is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 53.5 points per game.
