Nashara Watlington-McNeill scores for the Lady Hawks on Tuesday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

No. 16 Triton surged in the second half to win 65-31 over visiting No. 17 J.H. Rose in the first round of the NCHSAA 3-A girls basketball playoffs Tuesday night.

“The ladies just came in and they were coachable,” said Triton coach Richard Rozier. “I think that’s the most important: Being coachable and being available. Down the line that really worked. In the first half they threw a triangle-and-two (defense) at us and they were great defensively. They’re a very scrappy, well-coached team. They gave us a run in the first half and we adjusted.”

Freshman Nashara Watlington-McNeill was held scoreless in the first half, but had 17 points in the second half to lead the Hawks (19-7).

“We went into halftime and made some adjustments,” Rozier said. “We found a way to get her going. We knew what we had to do and took advantage. When she got the switch that she wanted and the matchup that we wanted, she took advantage. She’s a great ballplayer.”

Senior Abby Hood and junior A’Shari Watlington had 15 points apiece to also pace Triton.

“They’re great players,” Rozier said. “We’ve got five that any night can give you double figures. You’re always in great hands. It’s hard to run a triangle-and-two when you’ve got three other players that can score.”

JaNiah Smith had eight points. Jakiya Leach had five points. Mahogany McKoy had three points. Zion Cameron had two points.

Senior Karma May had 15 points to lead the Rampants (15-11).

Triton outscored Rose 10-5 in the first quarter, 17-14 in the second, 18-6 in the third and 20-6 in the fourth.

Triton travels to top-seeded E.E. Smith (24-1) on Thursday. The Golden Bulls won both games against Triton in All American 3-A/4-A Conference play during the regular season.

“We’ve got to keep playing inside-out,” Rozier said. “We can’t settle for the three. We know it’s going to be a tough matchup, so it’s all about preparing.”

A’Shari Watlington shoots a 3-pointer for the Lady Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Abby Hood shoots from beyond the arc in a 65-31 Triton win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

JaNiah Smith gets a basket for the Triton girls on Tuesday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Jakiya Leach takes a three from in front of the Triton bench.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)