By JORDAN HONEYCUTT

New Bern Sun Journal

 

BAYBORO — The Pamlico Hurricanes and Southside Seahawks were eager to get back on the court and begin the NCHSAA 1A state playoffs Thursday night after not playing for two weeks.

The home ‘Canes showed more rust early, but behind upperclassmen guards Josiah Simmons and Cameron Moore, staved off Southside 79-70.

Simmons led the way with 26 points with Moore not far behind with 25 to go with nine rebounds and three assists.

“I figured we’d be a little flat to start, but I think once that second quarter started, we clicked like I thought we would,” Simmons said.

Pamlico built a 43-31 halftime lead, but the Seahawks started the third quarter hot and cut it as close as 45-41, but could never take the lead.

Jawaan Coffey added 13 points for Pamlico in the post.

The Seahawks were led by Donshae Miller’s 19 points and Rashaun Moore’s 18.

“I’m pleased definitely because we got the ball moving, we made good decisions and got good looks,” Pamlico coach Earl Sadler said. “The way Jo (Simmons) and Cameron played tonight helped us stay ahead and kept us separated from them enough.”

Pamlico was able to salt the game away at the free-throw line and control possession down the stretch, shooting 23 free throws in the fourth quarter alone.

The Hurricanes out-rebounded the Seahawks, 35-31, but committed 19 turnovers to the visitors’ 13.

“I knew we’d have some rust and more turnovers probably than we’d like to, but once we settled in I thought we did a much better job with that,” Sadler said. “I thought our defensive intensity wasn’t what it usually is and we need to work on that in practice Friday. We were a step slow on defense tonight.”

Pamlico will play the winner of the Riverside (Martin) versus Granville Central game Saturday night.