Flyers Ride Late First Half Run Against S4G to fourth Win in a Row

The Sandhills Community College basketball team took down Shooting 4 Greatness Academy 107-81 on Wednesday evening at The Hangar. This was the second meeting of the season between the two teams, with the Flyers winning the first 94-86.

Ranked 13th in the latest NJCAA D3 rankings, the Flyers have now won four straight with three of the wins by 25 or more points. 

"We're getting better, but I believe the best basketball this team will play is still ahead of them," Coach Mike Apple said.

After a back and forth opening to the first half, the Flyers went on to score the final 17 points before halftime to give themselves a 55-33 lead at the break.  They would not take their feet off the gas as they outscored S4G 52-48 in the second half to provide the 26-point win. 

"I thought the first five minutes we did a good job setting the tempo, and the last five minutes we got back to it, but the middle ten, we kind of lost it for a time," said Apple.  "It's hard to put your finger on exactly when it's going to happen, but when it happens, Sandhills basketball looks really good." 

Zach Riddle was the team's leader with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Jamori McDougald's 11 assists were the most on the team. Ayden Gittens' 17 points were the most off the bench, while Isaiah Nelson, Damien Robinson, and Chad Kinch all scored in double figures as well, with Nelson recording nine rebounds and Robinson grabbing seven.

"Everyone got to contribute tonight," said Apple, "I was really pleased with a lot of guys.  I thought Isaiah Nelson did a great job rebounding the basketball.  Jamal Williams and Damien Robinson have been sick, but they weathered through and continued to play and contribute."

Robinson, after some recent strong performances, now finds himself second in offensive rebounds per game (5.5), seventh in total rebounds per game (13.3), and tenth in field goal percentage (64.9) nationally.

The Flyers play again on Saturday in a pivotal Region 10 conference game when they host Mountain Gateway Community College, beginning at 1 p.m. This will be the second time these two have faced off this season, with the Flyers winning the first match 103-88.

T. Ratcliff