The North Mecklenburg boys basketball team won its first three games – two convincingly and then a close one.
The Vikings rolled in the 81-41 win against Cox Mill, crushed West Mecklenburg (82-55), and edged Independence (76-69).
Point guard Shivaughn Wiggins, who scored 26 in the win against Independence, is averaging 25.3 points, 5.7 assists and 2.7 steals. Rashaan Brown is averaging 13 points, and Tahjai Watt (9.3 points, 9.3 rebounds) and Josh Stepoli (10.7 points, 7.7 rebounds) have been inside forces.
“The kids are playing hard on both ends of the floor,” Vikings coach Duane Lewis said. “We are sharing the ball well and getting a lot of contributions from different players. I really love our intensity so far. We’re doing a good job of limiting turnovers.”
Hough bolts to 2-1 start
Hough High won its first two games by slim margins – 85-80 against Independence and 60-53 against West Brunswick – then stumbled in a 70-53 loss at Myers Park on Nov. 29.
A bright spot has been freshman center Luke Maye, who in the first two games averaged 22 points, 16 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots. Maye scored a team-high 15 points in the loss at Myers Park.
“I think we played well together on the offensive end,” Hough coach Justin Batts said of the first two games. “I think we were much improved on the defensive end in our second game compared to our first. I like where we are after Week 4 this year. I have a core group of guys that understand our system offensively and defensively this year. We also had some great additions to our lineup.”
Hopewell hoping to bounce back
It’s been a sluggish start for Hopewell (0-3), but coach Damon Bost said he sees some encouraging signs.
The Titans lost to Providence (65-61), Harding (78-52) and Myers Park (83-56).
“I think we played hard in each game,” Bost said. “We caused Providence to commit 23 turnovers. We also out-rebounded a much bigger Harding team. Some things have to improve on our defensive approach, because giving up 226 points in three games is a direct reflection of our defensive schemes. But our team is playing hard, and as a coach, I have to put them in situations that can make them more successful.”
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