NCHSAA State Playoffs Round one
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Pinecrest 34, Independence 59
On Tuesday night the Independence Patriots hosted the Pinecrest Patriots in the opening round of the state playoffs. This was the second meeting this season between these two teams.
The first came on December 30, 2016 in the “Holiday in the Pines Boys’ Basketball Tournament” held at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines. In that game Independence came away with a 52-49 victory.
However, the second meeting was not that close. Indy opened a 13-9 first quarter lead and by the end of the first half was on top 28-17.
The third quarter was a total disaster for the visiting Patriots. Indy’s defense allowed only three points while the offense exploded for 21 giving Indy a 49-20 lead going into the final quarter.
Coach Davis cleared his bench early in the fourth quarter and Indy came away with a 59-34 first round victory.
Matthew Statile and Victor Tshiona led the Patriots with 11 points each. Chea Johnson added 10, Matthew Smith had 8, Jordan Mobley, Robert Bonar and Justyn Hamilton had 5 points each. Raja Milton and Khalid Grissett each scored 2 points.
Pinecrest 9 8 3 14 – 34
Independence 11 15 21 10 – 59
