Prep Roundup: Local programs finding success on the hardwood

Bryant Baucom, Henderson (N.C.) Daily Dispatch
·3 min read

Dec. 13—HENDERSON — Friday night brought success on the hardwood for local basketball programs, as teams across Henderson and Oxford added a notch in the win column.

With the holiday break approaching, multiple programs are headed in the right direction with conference play in sight.

Boys basketball

Henderson Collegiate finished the week at 2-0 and improved to 4-6 on the year with an 82-44 victory over Vance Charter on Friday.

The Pride opened up conference play in decisive fashion, led by Ellis Williams' 25-point effort against the Knights. Williams was impactful on both ends of the floor, tallying six rebounds, five steals, and four assists.

Efficient outings from shooting guard Jhalil Fritz (13 points) and small forward Adrian Maynes (10 points) helped give Henderson Collegiate its second straight victory over 35 points.

Junior Josh Branche turned in an all-round performance, just one point and two rebounds shy of a triple-double. The 6-foot guard stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, eight rebounds, and a game-high 10 assists.

With a 1-0 start to conference play and a winning streak under their belt, the Pride will travel to Granville County on Tuesday to take on Oxford Prep.

J.F. Webb rattled off its fourth consecutive win against Granville Central on Friday, downing the Panthers 82-68 in Stem.

The senior duo of Markeevis Latta and Jamarri Williams combined for 56 points, as Latta recorded 29 and Williams 27, respectively. Williams tallied a double-double, also pulling down 12 boards, while Latta added on nine rebounds and six assists.

Head coach Alex Tharp credited their work on the glass as the difference in the game, as the Warriors finished with 47 rebounds, 22 of which led to extra opportunities on the offensive end.

Now sitting at 5-2, Webb will hit the road following exams, as they take on Durham School of the Arts on Friday.

College basketball

Henderson Collegiate alumnus Akhiris Holden has emerged as a solid contributor in his second season at Cape Fear Community College, helping the Sea Devils win five of their last six contests.

Holden, who has averaged 9.5 points over the last four games, is shooting an efficient 63% from the field and has recorded just one game under 60% shooting in 10 outings. His 4.7 rebounds per game ranks third on the roster, as he has tallied an offensive rebound in eight straight appearances.

Cape Fear will take on Chattanooga State Community College on Friday in the Brunswick Classic in Bolivia, North Carolina.

Volleyball

After a successful junior season with the Charlotte volleyball program, outside hitter Emani' Foster was named to the All-Conference USA First Team and All-Academic Team. Foster, who was a member of the Vance County volleyball program, finished with 502 kills and 227 digs in her third campaign with the 49ers.

In addition to her all-conference accolade, Foster was named to the 2022 American Volleyball Coaches Association DI All-Region List last week. For Foster, this marks the second season she has earned All-Region honors, leading the league in kills, kills per set (4.97), and points (590).