Boys' Basketball: Greene Central overpowers Eastern Wayne, 66-53

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on December 3, 2016 10:21 PM

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To borrow an old basketball phrase, you can't teach height. 

Or replicate it, for that matter. 

Eastern Wayne High, three days removed from a stirring victory over North Lenoir, fell victim to the expression Friday night, losing 66-53 to a physically dominant Greene Central team at New Hope. 

And specifically, the Rams' Imajae Dodd. 

The Warriors (1-2) struggled early and often with the six-foot seven sophomore, and could only watch as he altered shots, cleaned the glass and scored at will in the painted area.

 Dodd's first quarter line including a bit of everything -- three made field goals, two made free throws, and a handful of caroms and most importantly, the establishment of a tone that would ring all night. 

As exhibitions are concerned, it was a good one. 

"We talked about how we were going to handle it (their size) in terms of double-downs and responsibilities," head coach Bill Manning said, "but until you go against it... it's challenging."

The Warriors turned matters around in the second stanza, however, becoming much more active defensively and in dealing with Dodd, who was held to just four points. EW's Malyk Williams emerged as a stabilizing element for the hosts during the span, performing with moxie on both ends of the floor. 

At intermission, Greene Central held a 29-24 advantage. 

The second half, however, quickly proved a return to form for the Rams' big man. 

Dodd again established himself as a fixture in the lane, using his size and nuanced footwork to position himself for a litany of quick-hitting scores at the rim. 

Up and under moves, check. 

A deft drop-step, check. 

He also drew contact and impressed from the charity stripe, making five of seven attempts in the third quarter alone. 

What he did not handle was picked up in short order by point guard Donquez Davis, who continually probed Eastern Wayne's defense with slick ball-handling and a display of deft shooting from distance. When the dust settled, the duo had combined for 39 of Greene Central's 66 points. 

"It's a constant battle all night long," Manning said of the tilt. "And they do a great job on the high-low, dump down and the lob... in some cases, we were late (to match up)." 

Nevertheless, Williams continued to attack for EW, challenging Dodd at the rim and anyone else who assumed a defensive stance against him. Time and again, the senior handled Greene

Central's pressure and orchestrated a clean look at the basket for the Warriors -- all part of a brilliant, 18-point effort that left Manning duly impressed.

"Malyk was fabulous for us," the coach noted, "the stat book will show what he did offensively, but he was just as important defensively... just a winning attitude on the floor."

It wasn't enough, however, to overcome the Rams, who improved to 3-0 on the season. 

Dodd finished the contest with 24 points and nine rebounds. Davis filed 15 points, while frontcourt mate Donte Johnson chipped in 10. Rhaheem Edwards rounded out the Greene Central effort with eight points. 

Williams led EW, who also got three triples from Marcus Rouse. Senior guard Eric Agee filed eight points and Wesley Case added seven for the hosts, who travel to Snow Hill on Monday for another meeting with the Rams. 

"We'll do a better job making sure our guards are helping out front on the collapse," Manning said of the rematch, "we're looking for everybody to step up."