C.B. Aycock advances to sectional finals

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on February 25, 2010 1:46 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- All hands on deck.

Charles B. Aycock has found different players willing to step up and lead the offense during the first two rounds of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A boys' basketball playoffs.

Isaac Ryals and Brandon Winford paced the Golden Falcons to victory on Monday evening. Terrance Drakeford and Tyheim Pitt answered the call on Wednesday as Aycock took care of D.H. Conley, 71-51.

"That is one of the nice thing about this team," said Golden Falcons head coach David West. "If one guy is down or not having a good night, someone else is immediately ready to step in and take over the scoring responsibility."

Pitt and Drakeford bombed away from beyond the 3-point arc in the first half as the Vikings tried to adjust their zone defense. The duo sank six 3-pointers, giving the Golden Falcons a 31-24 lead at halftime.

D.H. Conley (18-9 overall) stayed within striking distance in the third quarter with some aggressive possessions that led to easy shots in the lane. Francis Paye pulled the visitors within two possessions with an old-fashioned, three-point play to open the fourth quarter.

Leading 48-42, Aycock answered. Back-to-back baskets by Pitt ignited a 13-0 run over the next three minutes that put the game out of reach.

"We got a lot of shots in close during the second half with Dontay (Gills) and Tyheim," said West. "We were able to force a couple of turnovers and turn them into layups for those two on the other end."

Drakeford paced the Golden Falcons (24-3 overall) with 21 points and six rebounds. Pitt added 19 points, while Gills chipped in a double-double -- 14 points, 10 rebounds.

Sam Best led the Vikings with 12 points and five rebounds. Paye finished with 12 points.

C.B. Aycock travels to Big East champion Rocky Mount for the sectional championship Friday. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

"We are looking forward to whoever is the next game because we are really happy to still be playing," said West. "There aren't many teams that are still in it, and our guys are excited to get another opportunity."