Nash Central Sweeps Big East Opener

On Friday, January 8th, the Nash Central Bulldogs competed against the Rocky Mount Gryphons to kick off Big East play for the 2015-2016 season.

In the highly-anticipated rivalry game against Rocky Mount, Nash Central’s boys varsity team came out on top in a landslide 81-47 victory over the Gryphons. Despite the big win, the game was closer than the scoreboard illustrated. Rocky Mount gave Nash Central all it could handle in the first half, and the Bulldogs held just a single-digit lead at half-time. However, in the second half, the Bulldogs kicked it to high gear, and then everything fell into place. The Bulldogs went on a big run early in the 3rd quarter, and this all but sealed the victory for the Bulldogs.

In this victory, Elijah Cole led the Bulldogs with a game-high 26 points while Keshun Peoples scored 18 points. In addition, junior guard Montre’ Cash scored 13 points while adding 6 steals to his contribution while senior forward Sha’Hem Hall recorded 8 points and led the Bulldogs in rebounds with 13. Conversely, it was an off-night for Josh Mullins, who is widely considered the best shooter in the Big East conference, as the senior guard scored just 5 points.

Due to the win, the Nash Central Bulldogs now hold a 7-7 record this season. The Bulldogs have definitely improved throughout the season, and it clearly seems as if Nash Central head coach Renny Taylor has been able to help the Bulldogs turn the page after a slow start to begin the season.

On top of the success achieved by Nash Central’s boys varsity team on Friday night, the Lady Bulldogs also impressed. Just a few weeks ago, Rocky Mount gave Nash Central its first loss of the season in the Nash County Christmas Tournament Championship, and this just added to the significance of the already highly-anticipated matchup. Friday’s showdown was a polar opposite of the previous matchup, and with revenge on their minds, the Lady Bulldogs held nothing back as Nash Central was in control from the opening tip. The Lady Bulldogs held a double-digit lead at halftime, but a late spark by the Lady Gryphon made matters very interesting. Despite the late comeback from Rocky Mount, Nash Central head coach Terri Coach was able to keep the Lady Bulldogs poised, and Nash Central was able to outlast the resurgence, going on to win 43-38.

In this victory, the Lady Bulldogs, who are now 10-2 this season, were led by Myia Spivey, who led the Lady Bulldogs with 20 points, and Robbi Allen, who scored 13 points, and Nash Central can now certainly be considered the top team in the Big East.

Essentially, Nash Central’s boys and girls varsity teams both excelled on Friday night, and this success will hopefully set the tone for Big East play for Nash Central.