Grading Out: Gridiron studs give way to basketball stars

Published 4:38 pm Monday, November 20, 2017

Just as basketball season began, football has come to an earlier-than-usual conclusion. Beaufort County had grown accustomed to enjoying football into December. Southside made it as far as the regional championship the last two years, and Washington played for a state title in 2014.

This fall has met a more abrupt end. Washington, after squeaking into the postseason, was bounced by undefeated South Granville. Southside eliminated Northside to make it to the second round, but was then knocked off by another undefeated squad in North Duplin.

So, with football over and basketball beginning, here are the week’s standouts.

 

DAVID VINES, SOUTHSIDE

Southside suffered from a number of self-inflicted wounds in its 35-6 loss at North Duplin. Many of those came in the form of four turnovers by the offense. Defensively, David Vines helped lead a showing that kept the game within reach until about midway through the third quarter.

Vines tied the team high with eight tackles (five solo). Only Quinton Vick had more takedowns on his own. Vines was able to get into the backfield, too, but the plays made on that side of the ball wouldn’t translate to offensive production.

 

DEMETRIUS EBRON, SOUTHSIDE

Southside has asked a lot of Demetrius Ebron in the last two weeks, and the senior has risen to the occasion. He didn’t take nearly as many snaps at quarterback as he did the week prior against Northside.

However, Ebron was a steady threat at receiver. Quarterback Will Warren connected with him for 27 yards on Southside’s first offensive play. He also had a 12-yard pass. In all, Ebron accounted for 82 yards, which was over 44 percent of the Seahawks’ offensive production.

 

DARIA JONES, WASHINGTON

After a forgettable performance at Conley to open the season, Washington’s girls picked up their first win of the season in Thursday’s home opener against Farmville Central. A significant portion of the scoring came from the run-and-gun transition offense from Cierra and Tierra Wiggins.

Daria Jones quietly excelled with a team-high 17 points. Jones did it all, too. Her height made her a nightmare in the paint on both ends of the court. She was able to knock down shots behind the arc, as she did last season, and also took advantage of mismatches by driving in from the point.

 

THOMAS EDWARDS, WASHINGTON

Washington forward Thomas Edwards proved he’s taken some steps forward since last season. The Pam Pack big man showed in the team’s first two games he be more than just an inside presence. He added range to his shooting, as evidenced by the two 3-pointers he hit in the first quarter of Thursday’s loss to Farmville Central.

Edwards finished the game with a team-best 14 points. His shooting dropped off after scoring eight in the opening period, but he was able to convert on most of his chances at the free-throw line.