By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
YEATESVILLE — No longer led by the likes of Angelo Sharpless and Andre Mitchell, the Plymouth basketball team is in the midst of a rebuilding year. However, the Vikings have quickly reloaded as the new cast led by Jameze Simpson held on to top Northside 76-63 on Tuesday.
Simpson scored a game-high 19 points, six of them coming in the fourth quarter to hold down a feisty Panthers club that gave Plymouth a run for its money.
The new-look Vikings displayed balance and good ball movement as 11 Vikings’ were able to get into the scoring column.
The system worked well for Plymouth (3-1) as the Vikings were able to score off of their defensive pressure, and make mid-range jumpers in their halfcourt offense.
The Panthers played unselfish ball themselves and were led by Calvin Cox’s 17 points and had 10 players on their roster score points.
Kenneth Jenkins had a solid night as he netted 12 points, with eight of them coming in the third quarter.
Jenkins also had two electrifying dunks that sent the Panthers’ fans into a frenzy.
After the game, Northside coach Mike Procter said his team showed improvement.
The Vikings sailed to a 22-19 lead in the first quarter, and maintained that margin for most of the game.
The Panthers made a push in the third, but were out-scored 19-10 in the fourth quarter.
Panthers hold off Vikings
A 24-point effort by Northside forward Rochelle Davis proved to be the difference in the Panthers’ 43-35 win over Plymouth on Friday night.
Davis worked the boards hard and ran the floor well, and put forth a huge second half as she tallied 16 points in the third and fourth quarters.
The Panthers (6-3) game out of the gate hot, as they passed the ball around well and went into the second quarter with a 10-3 lead.
The Vikings got defensive, and put on a full court press which gave the Panthers fits for the next three quarters, but Northside still managed to escape with a win.
The game itself was ugly, with both teams committing way to many fouls and turnovers, but in the end Northside coach Michelle Leathers said she was just happy to get a win.
Northside got a nice game from Alicia Brewer, who had five points off the bench, and solid efforts by point guard Antwanesia Whicard and center Rebekah Bonney.
The Vikings (1-4) were led by Keisha Swair who had eight points, and Raven Jones who chipped in 7.
Plymouth went into the fourth quarter holding a 26-23 lead, but had no answer for Davis.
The Panthers will be back in action when they play at Perquimans on Thursday, while the Vikings will set sail for Roanoke on Friday.
Plymouth 22 20 15 19 — 76
Northside 19 19 15 10 63
Vikings (76)
Franklin 6, Chesson 7, Jameze Simpson 19, Rouson 5, Hodgebesh 4, Brown 5, R. Simpson 6, G. Simpson 3, Allen 9, Cooper 3.
Panthers (63)
Kenneth Jenkins 12, Cooper 2, Mackey 4, Calvin Cox 17, Bradley Slade 17, McCuller 4, Adams 1, Woolard 2, Harvey 2, Artis 2.
Girls
Plymouth 3 11 12 9 — 35
Northside 10 3 10 20 — 43
Vikings (35)
Keisha Swair 13, James 3, Jones 7, Young 4, Norman 2, Smith 1.
Panthers (43)
Rochelle Davis 24, Bonney 4, Harris 4, Hollowell 2, Brewer 5, Whicard 2, Gaynor 2.