SB/MOPWC: Saints can't handle Blue Devils' Midgette

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on December 29, 2015 1:48 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- Southern Wayne started out strong against South Lenoir on Monday afternoon.

The Saints led 15-13 after one quarter.

But senior Jonte Midgette scored a game-high 29 points and help carry the Blue Devils to a 78-73 victory on opening day of the third annual Southern Bank/Mount Olive Pickle Winter Classic at Kornegay Arena.

South Lenoir's Shykiem Wooten's 3-pointer from Midgette tied the game at 13-13 in the first quarter. The Saints answered with Terry Artis' drive to the basket.

Jordan Kennedy's steal and basket-scoring assist to Midgette sparked South Lenoir in the second quarter. The Blue Devils led 35-20 at halftime and never surrendered their lead.

SW head coach Dwight Smith brought Cole Atwood off the bench in the second half. The sharp-shooting guard grabbed a rebound, drove the length of the court and drew a foul as the ball dropped through the basket.

Atwood hit the free throw to complete the three-point play. He connected on another 3-pointer as Southern Wayne climbed to within 56-47 after three quarters.

Junior Bless Thomas assisted Atwood on another 3-pointer. Atwood assisted senior Antjuan Pratt with field goal and the Saints trailed 70-69 with less than two minutes to go.

That all changed when Midgette stole the ball and drove the court for a powerful dunk. He later added two free throws.

Pratt converted a jumper, and the Saints trailed the Blue Devils, 76-73, with 1.8 seconds on the clock. The Saints were unable to make a 3 again.

Atwood and fellow junior Rakilen Butler ended the game with 14 points apiece. Junior Emmanuel Walker had 10 points, and junior Quentin Carlton scored eight points.

Southern Wayne (1-10 overall) faced Spring Creek in a consolation-round game during the afternoon session.