By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Senior guard Jaeden Smith of Williams had his most memorable moment in the first half against city rival Cummings on Wednesday night.
Perhaps more important for the Bulldogs, they put together all the key plays in the final minutes to secure a 61-45 home victory.
Smith’s breakaway dunk over a Cummings player might be the highlight he remembers most.
“That’s the first time I’ve dunked in a game,” Smith said. “That was the coolest moment.”
The Bulldogs had a few more, ending the game on a 16-2 run for the non-conference outcome.
“Down the stretch when they were overplaying us, I think is when our athleticism shows,” Williams coach Jimmy Lloyd said.
Smith posted 22 points and Colby Elliot racked up 21 points for Williams (2-2), which appeared in danger of losing the lead several times in the second half. The Bulldogs were up 45-43 following a 3-pointer from Cummings’ Jorey Williamson.
Then Cavion Stokes, one of the shortest Bulldogs, battled for an offensive rebound and scored. Smith and Stokes followed with 3-pointers in a 60-second span, pushing Williams to a 53-43 advantage with 3:02 left.
“I thought we were going to blow them out,” said Smith, noting the tussle for most of the game.
Jah’san Thompson’s 11 points and Isaiah Long’s 10 points paced Cummings (2-2).
“Can’t score enough points right now,” Cavaliers coach Chas Criss said. “The coaching staff has to figure out how to score points. We got to figure out how to get easier baskets.”
Williams benefited from offensive rebounding, particularly in the first half. Second-chance points helped the Cavaliers hang around.
“Have the same desire to go to the defense boards as you do the offensive boards,” Lloyd said.
Girls’ game
Amira Lunsford scored 12 points and Mi’keina Springfield had 10 points in Williams’ 57-4 cruising past visiting Cummings. The Bulldogs (3-1) have won three in a row. The Cavaliers (1-3) scored two points in each half.
