By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
The first season turned out special for Southeast Alamance’s boys’ basketball team even though it ended in defeat against a fellow league member.
Northwood took down the upset-minded Stallions 75-52 on Tuesday night in the third round of the Class 2-A state playoffs.
It was No. 21 seed Southeast’s third loss of the season to Northwood, which was the Mid-Carolina Conference champion. The fourth-seeded Chargers (27-3) own a 15-game winning streak going into the East Region semifinal Friday night at top-seeded Farmville Central.
Southeast (18-12) couldn’t overcome Northwood’s 40-24 halftime lead. Drake Powell, a University of North Carolina signee, poured in 21 points.
“We just had to play perfect, and we did a lot of good things,” coach Bo Williamson said. “(Powell) is going to UNC for a reason. He just dominated the game in all facets.”
Davian Edwards and Jerry Sims combined to score all 17 second-quarter points for Southeast. They each finished with 16 points.
The Stallions won 12 of their last 14 games after a January 23 loss to Northwood.
“Look where we are now,” Williamson said. “Just seems my kids were believing. We’ll be back next year.”
The Stallions didn’t have a senior among their core rotation of players.
The postseason for Southeast was similar to that of the school’s inaugural football season a few months ago. In that sport, the Stallions won two road playoff games before falling to an established state power.
In the second round Friday night at Creedmoor, Southeast Alamance pulled off its second road victory in as many games, toppling fifth-seeded South Granville 78-68.
The Stallions, who held a narrow lead early in the third quarter, tapped several sources of offense. Sims was clutch again, while Drew Easter made a couple of first-half 3s and Brandon McAdoo heated up from the perimeter as well to go with Edwards’ play-making.
“The South Granville one was sweet,” Williamson said. “I wish we could bottle that one up.”
South Granville (22-7) received 20 points apiece from Pierce Pettit and Oliver Roberts. Northwood trounced North Johnston 77-35 in its second-round game.
