Dametrius Upchurch scores 27 points and pulls 10 rebounds as Coach Eddie Gray reaches elite territory in high school basketball with his 300th career coaching win, 72-62 over the Middle Creek Mustangs. The Trojans end a 2 game slide to start the year with Upchurch proving more than the Mustangs could handle down low. Upchurch was 9 of 13 from the field, including eight shots in a row in a showdown against the highly recruited Middle Creek front line. Karl Agenor provides more than one spark, with 18 points and 9 boards of his own. The Trojans shoot 60% for the game on 24 of 40, while holding the Mustangs to 21 of 45 (47%).
The game had 8-0 runs by both teams with Middle Creek opening the game, holding the Trojans scoreless through the first 2:34. The Mustangs hit eight of their first 12 to lead by nine, 21-12 at the first break. The Trojans chip away with Agenor scoring four straight and Upchurch driving to the basket for 3-three point plays. The Mustangs collapsed down low to allow Agenor to hit two three's and Eric Grissett hits one also to narrow the score to 36-35 Mustangs at the half.
The Trojans use a big third quarter to create some breathing room, with Upchurch the scoring load when Albert Smith picks up his 4th foul, sending him to the bench. Darne Hall triggers an 8-0 run, with one of two from the line and a steal and lay-up. Albert Smith scores and is fouled and Upchurch caps the run with two. Garrius Adams free throw stops the streak, part of his 17 on the night. Agenor grabs a rebound and nails a three to put Garner up 48-41. After Smith picks up his 4th foul, Upchurch adds two more scores in the paint and Jamall Barrett pumps a three at the buzzer to give Garner a 55-48 lead after three periods.
Upchurch opens the final period hitting his eighth straight shot but back-to-back threes from Adams narrows the gap to 58-54. Garner forces back to back steals but can only convert half the free throws and Brandon Hooks backdoor layup cuts it back to 62-56 with 4:03 to go. On consecutive plays, Barrett is called for charge in the lane and Smith picks up his fifth. Hooks converts to cut the lead to four. After Adams hits one of two from the line, Eric Grissett drives to the basket, in an ankle-breaking move to send Adams to the bench with his fifth foul and adds one from the line to put Garner up 66-59 with just over a minute left. The Trojans hold on for their first win of the 2008 season and the historic win.
Coach Gray, who also posted his 250th win 11/17/2005 versus Middle Creek. In his 19th season as head basketball coach at his alma mater, Coach Gray has posted a 300-165 record and 8 conference championships, most recently 2006 and NCHSAA qualifier 14 times, including the last three years. Four time Coach of the Year, during his tenure, Coach Gray has coached NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player, Donald Williams, James Mays and NBA first-round draft choice and NCAA National Player of the Year, and current NBA All-Star for the New Orleans Hornets, David West.
Garner Trojan Basketball fact sheet
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| MC | 21 | 15 | 12 | 14 | - 62 |
| GAR | 12 | 23 | 20 | 17 | - 72 |
SCORING: Dametrius Upchurch 27, 10 rebounds, Karl Agenor 18, 9 rebounds, Eric Grissett 6, Albert Smith 7, Jamall Barrett 9, Emmanuel McClain 2, Darne Hall 3; MC-Garrius Adams 17, Tom Tankelewicz 16
JV Trojans drop their first
The Mustangs out-score the Trojans 26-17 in the fourth to pull away with the 66-56 win. Josh McClain nets 16 and Stacy Carroway 12 for Garner who suffers a 24-for-63 for the night which was played in a fairly fast pace. The Trojans manage only 5 of 18 from the free throw line while the Mustangs convert 20 of 29 from the stripe in suffering their first loss of the young season.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| MC | 11 | 11 | 18 | 26 | - 66 |
| GAR | 13 | 11 | 15 | 17 | - 56 |
SCORING: Josh McClain 16, Stacy Carroway 12, 8 rebounds, Gavin Wilson 7, DeAnthony Harris 6, Darius Hicks, 5, Alex Bowling 3, Cameron Redd 2, Deion Dorsey 5, 7 rebounds; MC-Hubert 15, M.Wilson 11, King, 14,
Varsity girls fall to 0-2
Middle Creek takes advantage of the cold Lady Trojans for the 63-33 non-conference road win. Alex Covington paces the Trojans with 9:
SCORING: GAR--V.Brown 2, E.Chillon 6, A.Covington 9, J.Johnson 4, E.Lucas 6, J.Shaw 6. MID--A.Battle 8, B.Murdock 25, C.Murdock 2, K.Rishel 5, R.Ruch 4, L.Woods 9, L.Woods 10.
JV girls stay undefeated
Coach Ellerbee and the JV Lady Trojans (2-0) win at Middle Creek 40-33. Kima Sidberry leads the Trojans with 19. Ashley Courtney with 10, Tralen Neil 3, Jordan Moore 1, Whitney Harrington 3, and Jennifer Steinbach with 4.
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