Thanks to its win over Swansboro and a little help from rival East Duplin, South Lenoir’s boys basketball team currently claims control of the East Central 2A Conference.
Ishmael Baldwin scored 20 points and freshman Jonte Midgette added 12 as the Blue Devils defeated the Pirates 57-45 on the road on Friday.
Jaquan Wooten added 11 points and 16 rebounds and Baldwin added 13 boards as South Lenoir (9-4, 5-0) ended the game on a 15-6 run to hold off the Pirates (5-10, 0-5).
South Lenoir outrebounded Swansboro 47-31.
Thanks to East Duplin’s surprise 50-49 defeat of Clinton — which South Lenoir was tied with going into Friday’s action — the Blue Devils now have first place all to themselves.
Other area scores:
Farmville Central 51, Greene Central 49
GIRLS BASKETBALL
SOUTH LENOIR 54, SWANSBORO 49: At Swansboro, the Blue Devils hit four free throws in the final 15 seconds to hold on against the Pirates.
Swansboro (3-11, 1-4) rallied from a 32-19 deficit at halftime to cut South Lenoir’s lead to five at 44-39 after the third period.
Demeyia Adams had 16 points and 12 rebounds and hit 8 of 11 free throws to lead the Blue Devils (10-3, 4-1) Marquia Suddeth added 10 points and eight rebounds and Hailey West scored nine points.
South Lenoir is off until it hosts Croatan next Friday.
Other area scores:
Greene Central 54, Farmville Central 32
Dixon 50, Jones Senior 47
