WADESBORO — For the second time in as many games, the Rockingham Middle School boys’ basketball team took care of business on the road in a big way.
After defeating Ellerbe Middle School by 39 points on Tuesday, the Rockets blasted their way past Anson Middle School 61-36 on Thursday. The win over the Bearcats made it the second straight road victory for Rockingham and helped the team to a 3-1 record.
Eighth grader Paul McNeil, who didn’t play against Ellerbe, returned to the lineup and netted a game-high 25 points for Rockingham. Anson’s leading scorer was Ryan Robinson, who scored 19 points in the loss.
Aiding McNeil’s efforts on the scoreboard were four of his teammates who each scored eight points. They were Noah Jenks, Jaziah Liles, Talan Stoner and Jada Zimmerman.
Rockingham got off to a fast start, rolling to a 12-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Liles and Zimmerman each knocked in their first two points, while McNeil accounted for eight points on two field goals and four free throws.
The difference maker in the game was a 26-point surge by head coach Julius Bowden’s Rockets in the second quarter, putting them ahead 38-13 at the break.
McNeil put up 11 of his 25 points in the decisive second stanza, chipping in three field goals and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the line. Stoner got on the board with a three-ball and a bucket, while Jenks and Zimmerman added three points apiece.
Liles and teammate James Eason contributed to the scoring effort with two points each before the halftime buzzer.
Rockingham was almost as impressive in the third quarter, scoring 19 more points to put the game out of reach for the Bearcats. McNeil capped his scoring with six more points, while Jenks hit two jumpers and a free throw.
Liles made two more buckets and Zimmerman hit a shot from downtown. Stoner also went 1-for-2 at the line.
The fourth quarter was quiet for the Rockets, seeing Stoner add his final two points. Adamian Covington joined the scoring parade with his only two points of the game.
Bowden and company will look to win their third straight game when they travel to in-county opponent Cordova Middle School on Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.
