Greene Central Wins On The Road Versus North Pitt
Things are getting tight in the Eastern Plains Conference. Greene Central Rams secured a crucial 71-61 victory over North Pitt, a win that not only propels their season record to 8-10 and 3-3 in conference play but also extends their winning streak against the Panthers to 13 games. This win in Bethel marks a significant rebound for the Rams, who were looking to bounce back after losses to Farmville Central and Washington.
Coach Blue Edwards, reflecting on the importance of this win, especially after a period of inactivity and consecutive losses, said, "We are coming off two losses in a row, it was important for us to get this game for our psyche."
Edwards also articulated his vision for the team's progression, emphasizing the need for consistency and peak performance as they advance through the season.
"I want us to be at a high level for the rest of the season, taking us into conference, playoffs, and state playoffs. I want us to be hitting on all cylinders," he remarked, indicating his aspirations for the team's continued success.
Highlighting individual contributions, Edwards praised Dontrez Evans for his evolution into a more dynamic player.
"Dontrez has done a good job this year... He is becoming a better playmaker, and one of the things he does for us defensively is he is a one-man press," he noted, emphasizing Evans' significant impact on both ends of the court.
Evans himself spoke to the importance of defense, especially during a critical juncture at halftime. "I take a lot of pride in defense, halftime we were down in the locker room, so I knew we had to come out with good defense and energy on the floor," he shared, shedding light on the team's mindset to regroup and rally.
The return of Jalin Sutton has been a major boost for Greene Central. "It is great having Jalin back because I thought he was going to be out for the season," Edwards stated, expressing relief and optimism about Sutton's comeback. Additionally, Edwards highlighted the emergence of Steven Hagans as a key player. "Steven Hagans is a pleasant surprise, he is starting to be more comfortable on the basketball court. He is a fiery guy," he said, acknowledging Hagans' growing confidence and contribution to the team's dynamics.
On the stats front, Kimez Coppedge's double-double performance (15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks) was pivotal. Dontrez Evans contributed significantly with 14 points, 5 steals, and 2 assists, while DJ Williams added 12 points, all from three-pointers. Jalin Sutton's return was marked by 12 points and 5 rebounds, and Sam Avent rounded out the effort with 9 points, four assists, two rebounds, and a steal.
As Greene Central prepares to face SouthWest Edgecombe, West Craven, and Ayden Grifton in the coming week, the team's focus and determination are clear. Each upcoming game is an opportunity to build on this victory and strengthen their position in the conference. Coach Edwards and his squad are undoubtedly gearing up to sustain this momentum, making every game a testament to their resilience and ambition.
