T.J. Morrison on the East sideline in Greensboro on Monday night.
(HighSchoolOT Photo)
T.J. Morrison of Triton admitted to some nervousness before heading to Greensboro on Saturday to coach the East boys in the annual East-West All-Star game.
His preparation and game plan helped produce a 98-83 win at the Greensboro Coliseum annex. Graduated Hawks senior Ro’mello Pegues, who has signed with North Carolina Wesleyan, had 10 points in 22 minutes as he made 4 of 7 field goals and both of his free throws.
The East outscored the West in every quarter but needed a 21-4 run to gain control in the third period after the West had surged to a 55-51 advantage from a 45-39 deficit at halftime.
The East took a 73-59 lead into the fourth quarter in the series which dates back to 1949.
Jermaine Cunningham of Swansboro was named MVP with 17 points and seven rebounds. His prep teammate, Tayvion Tangiora added 11 points and 12 rebounds.
“The Swansboro kids were tough,” Morrison said.
The 18-year coach of the Hawks had limited time to get his team ready. The first practice was Saturday.
“It was an interesting dynamic,” Morrison said. “With limited practice, I didn’t want to put in too much but wanted us to be prepared for situations.
The East handled the first challenge.
“The West was big and athletic,” Morrison said. “They came out pressing. Some man. Some 2-2-1. We were able to withstand.”
The East had a 21-16 lead after the first 10-minute quarter.
“We still gave up 83 points, but defended and rebounded fairly well,” said the Hawks coach.
The East had a 54-52 rebounding advantage and fewer turnovers, 15-26.
The East made 37 of 91 field goal attempts (40.7 percent), including 6 of 29 from beyond the arc (20.7 percent). The long-range shooting improved over the last 20 minutes after the East made just two of 15 in the first half.
The East sank 18 of 30 free throws, 60 percent.
The West was 33 for 82 from the floor, 40.2 percent, including 5 of 25 from distance for 20 percent. The West was 12 for 14 at the line, 85.7 percent.
The East appeared to have better depth with a 54-27 lead in bench points.
Also reaching double-figure scoring in the victory were Mason Dobie (First Flight) with 15, Zymiere Dempsey (Bertie) with 11 and Nathan Fife (Sanderson) with 11.
Johnniyus Sharpe led the West with 22 points.
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Pegues overcame some adversity.
“Proud and happy for Ro’mello,” Morrison said. “He got hit in the eye in the third. I thought he wasn’t going back in but he did and made a big basket in the fourth.”
The initial nerves for the veteran coach were more than offset by the outcome.
“Overall, a great experience,”: Morrison said. “I appreciate all the support — family, friends and several Triton faculty.”
Morrison said he counted 10 current and former Hawks players — including Pegues — who were on hand. That group included Maurice McBryde, Kendrick Harris, Pat McNeill, Tony McNeill, Alex Burnette, Latrell McDougald, Matthew Snyder, Carter Morrison (son) and Noah Bennett.
Current and former players were on hand to support Ro’mello Pegues.
(HighSchoolOT Photo)
