ROCKINGHAM — After a week-long hiatus from action on the court, the Rockingham Middle School basketball teams returned to sweep Cordova Middle School last Thursday.
It marked the third-straight contest that both teams won, dating back to wins over Anson and Ellerbe middle schools.
Lady Rockets use Nichols’ 14 points to fly by Cordova
In the girls’ game, Teresa Mason’s Lady Rockets defeated the Lady Cavaliers 46-18. Seventh grader Keyoni Nichols had a game-high 14 points in the win.
The 28-point victory for the Lady Rockets made them a perfect 5-0 on the season. It kept them in contention for an undefeated season and the Southeastern Middle School Athletic Conference title.
Entering the game, Rockingham was tied with rival Hamlet for the conference lead. But the Lady Red Rams lost Thursday to Carver Middle School, allowing the Lady Rockets to slide into first place.
C’Niya Hinson added eight points in the win, while Jamyia Lindsey, who is usually the team’s leading scorer, dropped six points. Other Lady Rockets to contribute in the win were: Edriana Davis (6 points), Joy Styles (4 points), Allie Rodgers (4 points), Jasmine Jennings (2 points) and C’Nedra Hinson (2 points).
The Rockingham girls will be back in action and look to stay undefeated when they visit Hamlet on Tuesday. Tip is set for 4 p.m.
Noah Hogan’s 26 points propel Rockets past Cavaliers
Following the Lady Rockets’ win, the Rockingham boys’ team also impressed, defeating Cordova 65-50.
Noah Hogan scored a season-high 26 points, while getting help from Jaden Jenks (14 points) and Talan Stoner (12 points). The win marked the first time this season that Rockingham was above the .500 mark, as it improved to 3-2 after an 0-2 start.
“Noah had a big game on both ends of the floor,” head coach Julius Bowden said following the game. “He was very aggressive in attacking the basket and had a tough assignment on the defensive end guarding Cordova’s leading scorer.
“Jaden was also very impressive, and Dakota (Chavis) did a great job setting up our guys for open shots,” he added.
Other players to put up significant points in the win were Chavis and Zion Baldin (both with 6 points) and Emmanuel Gilliam (5 points). Hogan’s scoring outburst came after he scored just five points against Anson a week prior.
The Rockets will also travel to Hamlet on Tuesday, and face the Red Rams at 5 p.m.
Game information provided by Julius Bowden and Teresa Mason.
