By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
ROBERSONVILLE — Tremendous fourth quarters played critical roles in the success of both the Roanoke boys and girls teams on Wednesday, as each took wins over North Edgecombe.
The Redskins boys (14-2, 7-1) were able to pull out a 69-59 win over the Warriors, while the girls (10-6) walked away with a 51-35 victory.
The boys match up was a seesaw battle throughout the game until Redskins’ forward John Griffin exploded for eight points in the final three minutes to give Roanoke the final lead. Griffin finished with a team-high 15.
The Redskins also got a huge fourth quarter from Dyquall Lloud, who scored 10 of his 13 points in the final stanza.
The Warriors fought hard in the final eight minutes, led by guard Calvin Wells who netted 13 of his 18 points in the fourth.
Baker was aided by sharp-shooter Justin Cuadla, who was constantly making the Redskins’ zone defense pay for leaving him open.
Cuadla hit shots from everywhere on the court en route to a game-high 19 points.
Though North Edgecombe had the height advantage in the frontcourt, boasting center Tim Taylor and forward Desmon Armwood, Roanoke played solid interior defense.
Pittman said his team’s aggressive play was the deciding factor.
The Redskins’ girls team was also relentless on the defensive end as they held the Warriors to five fourth quarter points.
Roanoke’s feisty defensive play spurred many fastbreak points as the Redskins finished the fourth quarter out-scoring North Edgecombe 20-5.
The Warriors had been playing the Redskins tough all game and headed into the final quarter down by one point, 31-30.
Roanoke coach Greg Exum said second half trapping was the key to victory.
One person who was not lacking on offense was freshman Emoni Jones who led the Redskins with 21 points.
Jones did a nice job of getting to the foul line, and converting her free throws through out the game.
The one finding her for most of the game was Lavasia Taylor, the Redskins’ point guard did a nice job of finding all her teammates while adding eight points.
The Warriors were led by Augusta Harvey, who after a hot first quarter were she scored 6 points, cooled off to finish with nine.
The Redskins will look to build on its momentum on Friday, as it plays at Southside.
North Edgecombe 9 13 12 25 — 59
Roanoke 8 16 14 30 — 69
North Edgecombe (59)
Taylor 8, Calvin Wells 18, Justin Caudla 19, Davis 7, Allen 2, Armwood 3, Moore 1.
Roanoke (69)
Kenneth Hyman 13, Alonzo Higgs 11, Hudson 7, AL. Higgs 8, Dyquail Lloyd 13, John Griffin 15.
Girls
North Edgecombe 7 16 7 5 — 35
Roanoke 10 7 14 20 — 51
North Edgecombe (35)
Powell 3, Harvey 5, Mills 9, P. Harvery 7, Jones 1.
Roanoke (51)
Moore 6, Emoni Jones 21, Taylor 8, Dolberry 4, Green 2, Goddard 2, Roberson 1.