Senior players for the Midway girls are, from left, Erin Barefoot, J.J. Sankey, Alexis Jackson and Alyssa Wrench. (Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Midway split East Central 2-A varsity basketball contests with visiting Goldsboro on Senior Night on Thursday, with Midway’s girls winning their season finale, but Goldsboro winning the boys game.
A shutout second quarter sparked Midway to a 55-35 rout over Goldsboro in the girls game. The win breaks a third-place tie in the conference standings, giving Midway the No. 3 seed heading into the conference tournament.
“The best team ball game we’ve played all year,” said Midway coach Allen McLamb. “We played team ball. Everybody talked. Everybody communicated. When they made their cuts, their heads were up. We were looking to make the passes. By far the best team ball we’ve played all year. If we play like that the rest of the year, there’s a lot of people going to be in trouble.”
Senior J.J. Sankey had 18 points and seven steals, senior Alyssa Wrench had a double-double, with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and freshman Kris McKoy had 10 points to lead the Raiders (20-4, 8-4 ECC).
Jenna Pope had eight points, six rebounds and four steals. Allison Belflowers had two points and four rebounds. Sydney Williams and Alexis Jackson had two points apiece.
The Cougars (14-8, 7-5) were led by sophomore Mary Archibald, with nine points, and senior Tziah Kelly, with eight points.
Prior to the game, Midway recognized four seniors: J.J. Sankey, Alexis Jackson, Alyssa Wrench and Erin Barefoot.
“My seniors have been great,” McLamb said. “They stepped up tonight. We ran them all in. They played strong together. They always play strong together. When they’re on the court together, they communicate and play strong. I’m happy with what they’ve done for us and the leadership they’ve shown for us. They’ve done a good job with Midway basketball.”
Goldsboro held an early 11-6 lead before a pair of Sankey scores cut the lead to 11-10 at the end of the first quarter.
Midway held Goldsboro scoreless in the second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to lead 30-11 at halftime and maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way.
Midway suffered an 82-42 loss in the boys game to Goldsboro, which had already clinched the regular season championship.
“We came out tonight and I thought Gerald Cousar did a great job of stepping up and making some shots,” said Midway coach Joseph Easley. “I thought he had his best game of the season tonight. I think the bottom line is we just couldn’t hit shots. But I love the guys that I coach. It wasn’t our night. I thought Goldsboro played hard. I thought they played well. They turned us over a lot. We just couldn’t get anything to fall on the offensive end and I think that affected us defensively.”
Senior Bryson Core had 10 points to lead the Raiders (6-17, 1-10).
Dalton Cannady had seven points, Gerald Cousar and Luke Strickland had six points apiece, Carsse Lucas had five points and Zack Fann and Jaden Covington had four points apiece.
Four players scored in double figures to lead the Cougars (17-5, 10-1). Senior Isaiah Wilder and junior Christian Bullock had 13 points apiece, sophomore Xavion Atkinson had 11 points and senior Tyjuwan Barnes had 10 points.
Prior to the game, Midway honored five seniors: Bryson Core, Zack Fann, Dalton Cannady, Gerald Cousar and Carsse Lucas.
“I love my seniors and I feel very fortunate and blessed that I get to coach them,” Easley said. “It wasn’t our night, but I love our seniors, I’m proud of them and I’m glad I get to coach them going into the conference tournament next week.”
Goldsboro outscored Midway in all four quarters: 19-6 in the first quarter, 17-7 in the second, 29-20 in the third and 17-9 in the fourth.
“Even thought it’s been a very tough season, we’re still moving forward,” Easley said. “Last year, we didn’t win a conference game. This year we’ve done that. Last year, we had five wins. We’ve increased that number this year. Our JV just finished up their season with 11 wins. Last year, they only had seven. I think we’re moving in the right direction. Of course, we want to be a part of more winning and more success, but it’s a process and I think we’ve got a high-character group in that locker room. I think they’re trying and as long as we’re trying and as long as we’re working hard, eventually we’re going to work through this.”
Seniors for the Midway boys are, from left, Carsse Lucas, Gerald Cousar, Dalton Cannady, Bryson Core and Zack Fann.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Midway’s Alexis Jackson (left), blocks a shot as Jenna Pope defends.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
J.J. Sankey (11) scores for the Lady Raiders on Thursday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Jenna Pope scores for Midway in a 55-35 win over Goldsboro.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Sydney Williams (12) drops a shot for the Lady Raiders.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Kris McKoy (10) goes in for a layup for Midway.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Midway’s Alyssa Wrench (23) rejects a Goldsboro shot.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Gerald Cousar scores for Midway on Thursday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Dalton Cannady (22) gets two for the Raiders.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Luke Strickland shoots from beyond the arc for Midway.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Zack Fann scores on Senior Night for the Raiders.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
