South Lenoir drops non-conference hoops twinbill against Charles B. Aycock
South Lenoir senior Jaeden Dixon (11) goes up for a basket during opening-half play against Charles B. Aycock on Thursday evening. Dixon scored 11 points in the Blue Devils’ home loss. Bud Hardy/Neuse News
DEEP RUN - Paul Novicki just might bury this video.
No doublt his players would gladly provide the shovel and dig the hole.
South Lenoir struggled from the opening tap to final buzzer in a 40-38, non-conference setback to Charles B. Aycock at Jimmy Smith Court inside Munn Gymnasium on Thursday evening.
"That wasn't us tonight," Novicki said. "We're a much better team than we showed."
Through the first 10 minutes of play, the Blue Devils had the same number of turnovers and made field goals - four. Yet, they stayed within striking distance and seized a two-possession lead at halftime.
Jaeden Dixon sparked the turnaround with eight second-quarter points and three rebounds. He ended the night with 11 points.
"Probably his best half of basketball," Novicki said of his senior.
The Blue Devils (5-3 overall) stretched their advantage to six points on a couple of occasions in the second half, but Dixon rarely got touches on the ball. No one stepped up to assist Dixon and Aycock whittled away at the deficit.
The Golden Falcons (5-6) battled on the glass and corralled numerous loose balls on the floor. Consecutive baskets from Alijuan Moore gave the visitors a 31-28 lead early in the fourth quarter.
South Lenoir moved back in front 33-31 on CJ Kenion's jumper and Geovanni Williams' lone 3-pointer of the night. The Golden Falcons, who snapped a three-game road skid, responded with a game-clinching 8-0 run.
"Man, I don't even know if we got a rebound in the second half," Novicki said. "They crashed the boards. We would not box out. I really feel like that was the difference in the game."
The Blue Devils had 24 rebounds - seven in the second half.
Novicki's team gets a two-week before stepping back into conference play Jan. 7, 2020 against Ayden-Grifton.
Until then, he's got one simple practice plan.
"We're going to do a lot of box-out drills, lot of defensive work and keep getting shots up," he said. "We'll keep working."
South Lenoir’s Clarissia Hardy pushes the ball upcourt against Charles B. Aycock on Thursday evening. The Blue Devils fell to the Golden Falcons. Bud Hardy/Neuse News
Lady Devils fall
Destiny Hall pumped in 20 of her team-best 22 points in the second half as South Lenoir endured a 54-33 loss Thursday evening.
Rebekah Howard added five points.
The Lady Devils (5-3 overall) return to action Dec. 26 against Whiteville in a three-day holiday tournament hosted by Dixon High School. Tip-off is 2 p.m.