Greene Central boys emerge victorious in basketball season opener
Greene Central’s BJ Corbitt (1) attempts a shot during second-half action against Eastern Wayne on Tuesday evening. Corbitt tallied 22 points in the Rams’ season-opening victory. Bud Hardy photo/Neuse News
SNOW HILL - Despite four new starters on the hardwood, Greene Central ... well ... looked like Greene Central on Tuesday evening.
Greene Central head coach Anthony “Blue” Edwards. Bud Hardy photo/Neuse News
Senior point guard BJ Corbitt pumped in a game-high 22 points for the Rams, who manhandled Eastern Wayne 83-61 inside an electrified Ram Pen.
"It was a good game for the first game," second-year GC head coach Anthony "Blue" Edwards said. "The first game is always tough, trying to get that chemistry and execute. I thought for long stretches of the game, we played very well, were sharp.
"At other times, we got a little too impatient and too dribble happy. I've got to impress upon my guys that ball movement and spacing is paramount with this basketball team."
The Rams held a 19-15 advantage after one quarter.
They quickly extended that margin to double digits with an active 1-2-2 zone press in the second quarter. The defense caused several turnovers that allowed Edwards' team to score in transition and build a 14-point lead barely 2 1/2 minutes in.
Eastern Wayne burned a timeout, but couldn't recover.
Greene Central's lead swelled to 50-24 by halftime.
"I had guys, that if you put them in a press and they can run around, they can wreak havoc," Edwards said. "If you put them in a zone, too many times they get flat-footed and want to become ball watchers. [Eastern Wayne] had to throw over the top and we had guys running to the ball."
Dontavius Pettaway contributed 17 points and eight rebounds for the Rams. Teammates Lamar Pridgen and Jada Evans (five rebounds) recorded 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Zakvil Smith paced the Rams with nine rebounds.
Girls
Tied at 48-48 midway through the final period, Eastern Wayne broke the deadlock with an 11-1 run and turned back upstart Greene Central, 61-53.
Jahnasia Edwards posted a game-high 34 points for the Rams, who are 0-9 against the Warriors since 2015.
The teams meet again next Tuesday in Goldsboro.
Greene Central’s Jahnasia Edwards (10) drives to the basket against Eastern Wayne on Tuesday evening. Edwards dropped 34 points on the Warriors, who escaped with a 61-53 win. Bud Hardy photo/Neuse News
