By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Not only did the Washington boys basketball team reach a milestone, but a victory over West Carteret in Thursday’s regular-season finale gave the Pam Pack some momentum heading into next week’s Coastal Conference tournament.
The Pack recorded its 1,000th win in boys basketball history with an 81-79 victory over the West Carteret Patriots. Washington is now 1,000-735 overall.
It wasn’t easy for Washington (5-16, 4-10), who earned the No. 7 seed in the Coastal Conference Tournament with the win. The Pack will play at D.H. Conley on Monday.
West Carteret (13-9, 5-9) had a chance to steal the game away, but missed a shot from half court at the buzzer.
Cor-J Cox, Brendan Rodgers and Daquan Daniels all scored 18 points for the Pack. Jamont Jones added 10 points while Paris Wiggins had nine, Lee Godley six and Chris Moore two.
Washington will open the Coastal Conference tournament at No. 2 seed D.H. Conley (19-4, 10-4) on Monday. The Vikings took both games during the regular season, including a 67-57 overtime victory in Washington on Jan. 12.
Conley hit a late shot to tie the game at the end of the regulation, then outscored Washington 12-2 in overtime. Daniels, Cox and Rodgers paced Washington with 14, 13 and 10 points, respectively. Conley was led by Chris Smith (21 points), Terrence Whitaker (19) and Germeil Daniels (12).
The Vikings had a much easier time on their home floor in a Dec. 8 victory.
Lawrence is hoping another solid game and a bit of luck will help the Pack upset the Vikings.
In the other Coastal Conference games, No. 8 seed South Central will play at No. 1 seed J.H. Rose, No. 6 seed West Carteret will play at No. 3 seed New Bern and No. 5 seed West Craven will play at No. 4 seed Havelock.
Girls
Washington lost its regular-season finale on Thursday, dropping a 53-47 decision at West Carteret.
The Pam Pack (3-19, 1-13) will be the No. 8 seed heading into Tuesday’s Coastal Conference first-round game at No. 1 seed South Central (22-0, 14-0). The Falcons are ranked second in the most recent Class 3-A prep poll.
South Central cruised to wins of 91-50 and 88-22 over Washington during the regular season. The two point totals were the highest of the season for the Falcons.
In the other games, No. 7 seed J.H. Rose plays at No. 2 seed Havelock, No. 6 seed West Carteret plays at No. 3 seed New Bern and No. 4 and No. 5 seeds D.H. Conley and West Craven square off.
COASTAL STANDINGS
J.H. Rose 17-5 12-2
D.H. Conley 19-4 10-4
New Bern 15-8 9-5
Havelock 12-9 7-7
West Craven 13-9 6-8
West. Carteret 13-9 5-9
Washington 5-16 4-10
South Central 7-15 3-11
Girls
South Central 22-0 14-0
Havelock 17-5 12-2
New Bern 13-8 9-5
D.H. Conley 11-12 6-8
West Craven 7-15 6-8
West. Carteret 6-17 5-9
J.H. Rose 7-17 3-11
Washington 3-19 1-13