Blue Devils Lose Momentum, Fall to Ayden Grifton Chargers 60-47
Deep Run, NC - In a hard-fought matchup, the South Lenoir Blue Devils (1-6) were unable to maintain their scorching start and ultimately succumbed to the Ayden Grifton Chargers (6-0) with a final score of 60-47.
The Blue Devils burst onto the court with a blazing first quarter, amassing an impressive 21 points. Seniors Tanner Mentz and junior Shamarr Rhodes played pivotal roles, each contributing six points and nailing two three-pointers. South Lenoir led the charge, holding a commanding 21-11 advantage at the end of the initial quarter.
Head Coach Thomas Earp applauded his team's energy in the first quarter, stating, "I challenged my team to come with some energy, and they delivered. We have to maintain our positivity and continue to keep the shots flowing."
However, the second quarter saw the Blue Devils' offense cool off significantly, allowing the Chargers to seize the momentum. Ayden-Grifton outscored South Lenoir 18-6 in the second quarter, propelling them to a two-point lead heading into halftime.
The third quarter turned into a defensive battle for both teams, with a combined total of just 17 points scored throughout the period. The two teams went back and forth in a press to try and slow each other down and it worked.
In the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils' offense began to regain its rhythm, but unfortunately, it was too late to mount a comeback. Freshman Gavin Brock and Shamarr Rhodes led the Blue Devils in scoring, each contributing 11 points by the end of the game.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils will face the Dixon Bulldogs (4-2), a team they previously encountered on Wednesday, resulting in a 68-59 loss. As they prepare for their upcoming game, the Blue Devils aim to regroup and come back stronger, seeking to turn the tide in their favor.
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