5,435 Days Later: Greene Central Ends North Pitt Drought with 49-46 Victory
Greene Central Makes History with Thrilling 49-46 Victory Over North Pitt
After 5,435 days, Greene Central girls’ basketball team has rewritten the record books. On Friday night, the Rams defeated North Pitt 49-46, securing their first victory over the Panthers since January 26, 2010. The win not only ended a 14-year drought but also propelled Greene Central to a 4-0 start for the first time since records began being kept on MaxPreps in 2004.
“It felt good. Me and my team played together; we really wanted this win,” said junior forward An’nysha Wooten, who contributed 13 points in the victory.
Head coach Tammy Elbert, who has been instrumental in the team’s resurgence, reflected on the milestone win: “I told them since the summer, they have improved so much, and I am already proud of what they have accomplished.”
A Balanced Team Effort
The Rams showcased depth and resilience, overcoming defensive challenges and converting critical opportunities down the stretch. Sykiah Lancaster led the team with 15 points, including two pivotal three-pointers. Wooten’s 13 points and Arlisha Mason’s 7 points also kept Greene Central in the fight. Jayce Russell and Janiyah Sutton chipped in with 10 and 4 points, respectively.
Coach Elbert emphasized the importance of preparation, particularly for high-pressure moments. “Believe it or not, we had a practice where we did nothing but layups and free throws,” she said. Despite hitting just 16 of 33 free throws, the Rams found ways to make shots when it mattered most.
North Pitt's Second-Half Surge Falls Short
For North Pitt, 6’1” forward Rihanna Lightfoot was a dominant force, finishing with 29 points and 17 rebounds. Lightfoot exploded in the second half, scoring 20 of the Panthers’ 25 points after halftime, nearly willing her team to victory.
“She has taken the challenge,” said North Pitt head coach Antwon Pittman. “We told her she’s got to take the torch soon.”
Despite Lightfoot’s heroic efforts, North Pitt’s offensive struggles in the first half created a deficit they couldn’t fully erase.
Strategic Adjustments and Key Plays
North Pitt deployed a box-and-one defense designed to limit Greene Central’s point guard, Arlisha Mason. “We wanted to take #11 away,” Coach Pittman explained. “We saw on film she makes them go, and we just wanted to cut the water off and make it tough.”
While the strategy slowed Mason, Coach Elbert encouraged her team to adapt. “I told Alisha to just play ball and have fun. They tried to take her away from the action, and I told her to slip in to do what she can do,” she said.
The Rams faced another challenge with one of their key players unavailable. Elbert explained her approach: “I was trying to conserve energy, but when the fourth quarter came, I told them don’t worry about fouls and play ball. That is just what they did.”
Looking Ahead
Greene Central’s victory marks a significant step forward for a program that has struggled in recent years. After combining for a 17-34 record over the last two seasons and enduring a 37-204 stretch since 2010, the Rams are on pace for their first winning season in 20 years.
Meanwhile, North Pitt, now 3-3, continues to navigate a challenging schedule that includes matchups against South Central and Leesville Road. Despite the loss, Coach Pittman remains optimistic about his young team, which features eight sophomores. “There are going to be times in crunch time where we have to do better, but I am proud of them,” he said.
These two teams will meet again in Snow Hill on January 24, a game sure to carry significant stakes as both programs push forward with high aspirations.
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