Even in a bit of a down year for many of Beaufort County’s basketball teams, there was no shortage of memorable moments this season. An era came to an end at Terra Ceia when the senior-laden Knights were narrowly bounced in the second round of the NCISAA state playoffs. The six seniors set to graduate soon will treasure the memory of hosting a first-round playoff game in their quaint, but thunderous gymnasium.

Northside got a glimpse into the future. Freshman point guard Rashod Smith excelled as one of the best court generals the program has ever seen. Even at a young age, his ball handling and vision helped get everything out of the Panthers’ talented post players.

Southside and Pungo had to retool a bit this season. Demetrius Ebron was a bright spot for a Seahawks squad that struggled throughout the season. The Raiders, despite graduating their entire starting lineup, were able to finish second in the Tarheel Independent Conference.

With the ladies, Washington stormed out to win nine of its first 10 games. Southside got started late, but excelled in South Creek’s holiday tournament en route to a playoff appearance.

Despite a largely younger lineup, Northside was able to collect three wins in the 1-A Coastal Plains Conference. The Lady Panthers and Lady Seahawks were competitive in a league with Pamlico County, which went on to play for a 1-A state championship.

Pungo and Terra Ceia finished third and fourth, respectively, in their conference. Both teams had younger players rise to the occasion, which should mean good things for the future.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

FRIST TEAM

RASHOD SMITH, GUARD, NORTHSIDE

Northside was excited to welcome freshman Rashod Smith into the fold this season. The young stud impressed right off the bat. Despite missing some of the season with an arm injury, his team-best 12.3 points per game and 8.6 assists were enough to propel the Panthers to a playoff berth.

 

SHARWAN STATON, GUARD, WASHINGTON

Another down year for Pam Pack basketball didn’t stop Sharwan Staton from excelling. Washington’s senior guard averaged 17.2 points a game. He was a threat from long range, which at times gave the offense the shot in the arm it needed.

 

SHAIQUAN MOORE, FORWARD, TERRA CEIA

Despite playing on a new team loaded with talent, Terra Ceia forward Shaiquan Moore was able to lead the team with nearly 20 points per game. Moore’s offense, in addition to his work on the glass, helped earn the Knights another conference title and a chance to host a playoff game.

 

BRYSON RADCLIFFE, FORWARD, NORTHSIDE

Bryson Radcliffe was a reliable, dangerous presence in the paint for Northside. He was one of three Panthers — in addition to Smith and Atia Shamseldin — to average at least 10 points a game. He led the team with nearly seven rebounds per contest, and was its most consistent free-throw shooter.

 

TYLER HENDRIX, CENTER, TERRA CEIA

Tyler Hendrix averaged a double-double (18 points, 10.7 rebound) in his fifth and final year with Terra Ceia. He also chipped in over four assists per game. More so than anything that would appear on a stat sheet, though, Hendrix was the leader of a team that only lost two games all season.

SECOND TEAM

MESSIAH BARNES, GUARD, TERRA CEIA

DEMETRIUS EBRON, GUARD, SOUTHSIDE

ATIA SHAMSELDIN, FORWARD, NORTHSIDE

DARIUS BLACKLEDGE, FORWARD TERRA CEIA

NOAH CAHOON, CENTER, PUNGO

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

AUSTIN ROSCOE, GUARD, TERRA CEIA

JONATHAN LANGLEY, GUARD, PUNGO

HARVEY MCCULLOUGH, FORWARD, WASHINGTON

NAZZIR HARDY, FORWARD, WASHINGTON

JOSH KEYES, FORWARD, SOUTHSIDE

 

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

FIRST TEAM

SYMONE RUFFIN, GUARD, SOUTHSIDE

Junior guard Symone Ruffin was a well-rounded asset that helped Southside earn a spot in the playoffs this season. She led the team in scoring (12.9 points per game) and assists (2.9 per game). She also helped facilitate the Lady Seahawks’ run-and-gun offense with 5.2 steals per game.

 

NAZAYAH PARKER, GUARD, WASHINGTON

Nazayah Parker’s ability to do it all on offense helped Washington to a hot start this season. Parker’s handling let her drive the lane and go to the basket or kick it out to a long-range threat. Even if she was going through a cold spell, Parker was capable to explode at any point in a game. Her 10.1 points per game ranked second on the Lady Pack squad.

 

RACHEL LANG, FORWARD, NORTHSIDE

Whether on offense or defense, Rachel Lang’s presence in the paint was an important asset for Northside this season. She led the Lady Panthers with 12.3 points a game and was their most consistent player on the glass. Defensively, Lang didn’t allow any easy baskets inside and helped limit second-chance opportunities.

 

MICHAELA DIXON, FORWARD, SOUTHSIDE

Michaela Dixon led a Southside squad that excelled with team rebounding. What she lacked a bit in strength inside, she made up for with quick feet and a fine touch. With playmakers all around her, Dixon was alert and ready to put up the ball when a no-look pass came her way. Her 1.3 blocks per game led Southside, too.

 

DARIA JONES, CENTER, WASHINGTON

Arguably the most versatile player in Beaufort County, Daria Jones was key to Washington’s early success this season. Jones used her strength to create space for layups and rebounds. She was effective shooting from point-blank, mid- and 3-point range. Her presence also drew defensive attention from opponents.

SECOND TEAM

DANIELLE RUFFIN, GUARD, SOUTHSIDE

TIERRA WIGGINS, GUARD, WASHINGTON

PRECIOUS GAYNOR, FORWARD, SOUTHSIDE

CATHERINE MEIJER, FORWARD, TERRA CEIA

JUDASHIA GOLSON, CENTER, SOUTHSIDE

HONORABLE MENTIONS

ABBY MOORING, GUARD, NORTHSIDE

REAGAN GLASS, GUARD, TERRA CEIA

JADA JONES, GUARD, SOUTHSIDE

NAIYA WINDLEY, FORWARD, WASHINGTON

EMILY SPENCER, FORWARD, PUNGO