Bulldogs Split On Championship Saturday

The Nash Central Bulldogs entered Saturday’s rivalry matchup against Southern Nash with a Big East-leading 6-3 record, and the Bulldogs had already previously beaten the Firebirds twice this season. However, the Bulldogs were playing on the road in hostile territory and with it being senior night for Southern Nash, the Firebirds had added motivation to win. With this being said, Nash Central and Southern Nash played an extremely competitive game over the course of four quarters, and it was definitely must-see basketball. The contest went down to the wire, and it was definitely fitting for the Firebirds to force an overtime period. With the atmosphere tense and the Big East crown on the line, the energy during this period was exceptional, and despite a valiant effort by the Bulldogs, Southern Nash had Nash Central’s number. Southern Nash senior Marquise Wright knocked down the game-winning free throws for the Firebirds, and, as time expired, Southern Nash walked off the court with a 66-65 victory.

In light of the loss, Nash Central will still share a piece of the Big East crown with Southern Nash and Rocky Mount, and this is the first time the Bulldogs have finished on top of the Big East since 2009. Also, due to the three-way tie, the top three seeding for the Big East tournament was randomly drawn, and the Bulldogs inauspiciously drew the 3rd seed. If the weather permits, the Big East tournament will begin on Tuesday, February 16th at Fike High School in Wilson, North Carolina, and Nash Cental will play 6th-seeded Northern Nash at 5:30 P.M. If the Bulldogs win, Nash Central will play 2nd-seeded Rocky Mount on Thursday, February 18th at 5:30 P.M., and the Big East championship will then be held at 8:00 P.M. at Fike High School.

On a brighter note, the Lady Bulldogs dominated the Lady Firebirds on Saturday afternoon, beating Southern Nash 56-30. Sophomore Robbi Allen led the Lady Bulldogs in scoring with 24 points while senior Kathryn Wilkins chipped in with 11 points. Caresha Allen and Kayalin Mitchell were also key, scoring 7 points each. Nash Central is now 20-3 this season, and the Lady Bulldogs are 9-1 in Big East play. Being the #1 seed in the Big East, the Lady Bulldogs will receive a bye in the first round of the tournament, and Nash Central will begin the tournament by playing the winner of the Rocky Mount/Hunt on Tuesday afternoon. The girls championship is set for 6:00 P.M. on Friday, February 19th, and, with the Lady Bulldogs certainly being a heavy favorite in the tournament, it will unquestionably be expected for Nash Central to make it to the big game.