Eastern Wayne @ CB Aycock - Boys

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on January 22, 2016 1:48 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- With Eastern Wayne clinging to a six point advantage late in Thursday's class at Eastern Conference 3A/4A rival Charles B. Aycock, one notion became prevalent.

One team has KK Best.

The other does not.

The senior guard led a stifling first-half defensive effort by the Warriors and executed fundamental basketball down the stretch during a spirited -- and often contentious -- 60-51 victory.

Best's effort did not surprise his coaching staff.

"KK is the heartbeat -- not only of our basketball team -- but of Eastern Wayne athletics," said Warriors' assistant Bobby Glaspie, "he does everything you ask him to do."

After one period, Best and his teammates enjoyed a 10 point advantage -- thanks in large part to unrelenting ball pressure that twice forced Aycock to burn full timeouts.

The Golden Falcons (7-10 overall, 1-5 ECC) remained patient and employed a spark of their own. Senior guard Ian Best, largely quiet in the game's opening half, turned the third quarter into an indoor track meet -- scoring eight of his game-high 19 points at the rim.

But with 4:52 remaining, Best regained control of the floor.

Like a quarterback who always gets his team in position for the proper play, he handled any and all manner of Aycock defensive pressure, making four free throws in the final two minutes to secure the victory.

"It's the drive inside him," head coach Chris Roberts said, "he's going to knock those free throws down when he has to."

The Warriors will pursue their third straight conquest next Monday at home versus South Central.

For Charles B. Aycock, the evening was not a total loss. In what can only be described a unique post-game ceremony, head coach Dave Elmore proposed to his longtime girlfriend at center court.

She said "yes," to the applause of everyone -- EW and CBA fans included.