The Gaston Gazette | www.GastonGazette.com CAN ASHBROOK C WIN HERE Sports Page 3C AGAIN? Friday, March 13, 2015 “ Big-time players make plays when you need them, and he’s obviously showed he’s one of those big-time players.” — Ashbrook coach Chad Duncan BIG MAN ON CAMPUS shbrook’sshbrook’s bibigg man hhasas bbeeneen comcominging up bibigg dduringuring tthehe GGreenreen Wave’s run to the state championship gamegame.. HEIGHT:HEIGHT: 6 FEET, 9 INCHESINCHES Isaiah WhaleyWhaley stands 6-foot-9, and the junior has combined Well-known 6-foot-9 NBA players include:include: A skill with his height to become Ashbrook’s top scorer, rebounder aandnd sshothot blocker.blocker. Whaley, nicknamed “Pork Chop” since the sixth grade, is drawing Divi- ssionion I recruiting interest, but right now all he’s focused on is Saturday’s sstatetate championship game against Fayetteville Terry Sanford. “It’s been an interesting run,” Whaley said. “Just trying to fi nish it outout.”.” MagicMagic Johnson KKevinevin DurantDurant LarryLarry Bird — CCompiledompiled bbyy Phillip GardnerGardner

HAND:HAND: 9 1/81/8 IINCHESNCN HES

WINGSPAN:WINGSPAN: 7 FEETFEET,, 2 INCHEINCHESS GOING FOR A RING: Ashbrook will play for its fi rst state championship in school history when it faces Fayetteville Terry Sanford 7:30 p.m. Sat- urday at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill. The Green Wave is making its fi rst state title game appearance since 1977, when it fi nished 4A run- ner-up after a one-point loss to cross-town rival Hunter Huss.

TALL GGENES:ENES: Whaley says he gets his height from hihiss grandmother’sgrandmother’s side of the family, which has a number ooff 7-footers. He’s by far the tallest person in his immediate family, as his father is 6-foot-4 and his mother is 5-foot-9. COLLEGECOLLEGE OFFERSOFFERS:: With another year of hihighgh school He has an older brother who stands 6-foot-3, a younyoungerger rremaining,emaining, WhaleyWhaley sasaidid hhe’lle’ll bbee ccloserloser to a cocollegellege brother in the sixth grade who’s 5-foot-10 and two shorter ddecisionecision after this summer.summer. sisters,sisters, one olderolder andand one younger. GETTINGGETTING SSERIOUSERIOUS ABABOUTOUT BABASKETBALL:SKETBALL: WhaleyWhaley playedplayed basketballbasketball as a kid,kid, butbut thethe sport diddidn’tn’t mean nearnearlyly GROWTHGROWTH SSPURT:PURT: WhaleyWhaley hashas alwaysalways beenbeen tallertaller tthanhan hihiss aass much to him then as it does now. “I started really peers, butbut hehe hithit a growthgrowth spurt duringduring middlemiddle school,school, gettinggetting seriousserious withwith basketballbasketball inin thethe seventhseventh grade,”grade,” sproutingsprouting four inches to 6-foot-4 as an eighth-grader.eighth-grader. He’s hehe said. Whaley then helped Grier reach the Gaston since growngrown fi ve more inches. CCountyounty middle school championship gamegame as an eighth-gradereighth-grader in 20122012.. “PORK“PORK CCHOP”HOP” NINICKNAME:CKNAME: People have affectionately referred to Whaley as “Pork Chop” since the sixth ggrade,rade, when FAVORITEFAVORITE PLAYERPLAYERS:S: Wha-Wha- hishis classclass hhadad two bboysoys wwithith tthehe name IIsaiah.saiah. WhWhenen hihiss ley’sey’s favorite profession-profession- teacher learned Whaley’s favorite food was his mom’s al bbasketballasketball pplayerlayer iiss porkpork chochops,ps, the name stuck. “I used to eat them one to KKobeobe Bryant, and his two times a week,” he said, addingadding that he doesn’t eateat ffavoriteavorite point guardguard is KKobeobe BryanBryantt JohnJohn WWallall pork chops quite as frequently now.now. JoJohnhn WWall.all. “I ususeded ttoo ppatternattern my game after KKevinevin Durant,” Whaley said of the Oklahoma City TThunderhunder fforward.orward. “ I justjust trtryy to mamakeke otothershers bbetter.etter. I thinkthink II’m’m a ggoodood team pplayer.layer.” — WhWhaleyaley on hihiss rolerole on tthehe team Graphic by Lauren Frame/The Gazette SHOESHOE SSIZE:IZE: 13 POINTS PER GAME: 17.7...... CAREER-HIGH: 41 REBOUNDS PER GAME: 9.1...... CAREER-HIGH: 21 BLOCKS PER GAME: 4.8...... CAREER-HIGH: 10 Progress through adversity Gastonia’s Hamilton hopes FSU will play in postseason

or most ACC schools, playing in the FSU head coach. “I think we’re growing as a NIT, the CollegeInsider.com or College team and the future is bright for this program.” Invitational postseason Because of what Florida State has been basketball tournament are consid- through this year, it would’ve been hard to F ered consolation prizes. make such a statement earlier in the sea- For Florida State and its son — or even hope for a postseason bid. Gastonia head coach Leonard Particulary in mid-December when leading Hamilton, it’ll be part reward scorer (and top returnee) Aaron Thomas was and part opportunity after the kicked off the team as FSU was preparing Seminoles’ NCAA tournament to open its ACC schedule at Notre Dame. hopes ended in Thursday’s 58- Losing Thomas added to the difficulties Ham- 44 ACC quarterfinal loss to reg- ilton’s young Seminoles would already face. ular season champoin Virginia. Predictably, Florida State started out 4-5 RICHARD “We’re hoping to play and had two three-game ACC losing streaks. postseason basketball in one But for the youthful Seminoles — Associated Press WALKER who will lose only one senior (starting Duke's drives to the basket against N.C. State during of the tournaments,” said their game in the ACC tournament quarterfi nals Thursday in Greensboro. Hamilton, the 1966 graduate See Page 4C for more coverage. of Highland High who is in his 13th season as >> See FSU/Page 4C

THEY TWEETED IT “Great win for @GoHeels today! Did Brice Johnson do “THIS JUST IN: The Eagles offi cially sign Ryan enough to win today’s #ACCStar Award?” Mathews to a three-year deal. (via @caplannfl )” Follow @GazetteSports to see what sports people, locally and nationally, are saying. — AC Digital Network, @theACCDN — SportsCenter, @SportsCenter

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NBA Friday Friday Friday Friday Monday Tuesday Sunday March 22 March 29 EASTERN CONFERENCE WESTERN CONFERENCE MLAX BSB WLAX vs. at at Pho. Auto W L Pct GB W L Pct GB Games vs. at at Chicago Utah L.A. International Club Martinsville Lake Erie N. Greenville St. Leo Bulls Jazz Clippers Raceway Speedway Speedway x-Atlanta 50 13 .794 — d-Golden St. 50 12 .806 — 7 p.m. 9 p.m. 10:30 p.m. 1 p.m. d-Cleveland 41 25 .621 10½ d-Memphis 45 19 .703 6 ahead 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Chicago 40 26 .606 11½ Houston 43 20 .683 7½ d-Toronto 38 26 .594 12½ d-Portland 41 20 .672 8½ Washington 36 28 .563 14½ L.A. Clippers 41 23 .641 10 Milwaukee 33 30 .524 17 San Antonio 40 23 .635 10½ SCOREBOARD Indiana 29 34 .460 21 Dallas 41 25 .621 11 Leaderboard ODDS ON THE AIR HIGHLIGHTS SCORE THRU Miami 29 35 .453 21½ Ok. City 35 28 .556 15½ NCAA Basketball of note Matt Weibring -7 F Big Ten Conference St. Bonaventure — NBCSN Jason Allred -6 F Charlotte 28 35 .444 22 New Orleans 36 29 .554 15½ Quarterfinals Television Patton Kizzire -6 F Boston 27 36 .429 23 Phoenix 33 32 .508 18½ FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG AUTO RACING n 7 — ACC, semifinal, North Carolina vs. Darron Stiles -6 F Brooklyn 25 38 .397 25 Utah 27 36 .429 23½ Wisconsin 15 Michigan n 3 — Sprint Cup, practice for CampingWorld. Virginia — WBTV, ESPN Tyrone Van Aswegen -6 F Purdue 6 Penn St. n Hunter Hamrick -5 16 Detroit 23 40 .365 27 Denver 23 41 .359 28 Maryland 6 Northwestern com 500 — FS1 7 — Big 12, semifinal, Baylor vs. Kansas Patrick Rodgers -5 F Orlando 21 44 .323 30 Sacramento 22 41 .349 28½ or n 4:30 — XFINITY Series, practice for Faster — ESPN2 Rick III Cochran -5 F Philadelphia 14 50 .219 36½ L.A. Lakers 17 46 .270 33½ Maryland 1½ Indiana Tougher Brighter 200 — FS1 n 7 — American Athletic, quarterfinal, Tulsa Brad Schneider -5 F New York 12 51 .190 38 Minnesota 14 48 .226 36 Michigan St. 5 Minnesota Peter Malnati -5 F or n 12:30 a.m. (Saturday) — Formula One, vs. Houston — ESPNU Andrew Landry -5 F Michigan St. 1½ Ohio St. practice for Australia Grand Prix (delayed n 7 — Big East, semifinal, Providence vs. Tommy Gainey -5 F x- clinched playoff spot; d- division leader; the top eight teams in each Atlantic 10 Conference Jeff Curl -5 F conference qualify for the playoffs. Quarterfinals tape) — NBCSN Villanova — FS1 Abraham Ancer -5 F Davidson 9 La Salle n 2 a.m. (Saturday) — Formula One, qualify- n 9 — ACC, semifinal, Duke vs. Notre Tag Ridings -5 F VCU 4 Richmond Tuesday’s late scores Atlanta at Denver, late ing for Australian Grand Prix — NBCSN Dame-Miami winner — WBTV, ESPN Dayton 4 St. Bonaventure n San Antonio 117, Toronto 107 Minnesota at Phoenix, late Rhode Island 7 Duquesne 9 — Big 12, semifinal, Iowa State vs. Okla- COLLEGE BASEBALL Utah 87, New York 82 Detroit at Golden State, late or BOXING homa-Oklahoma State winner — ESPN2 Men’s Tournament scores Rhode Island 1 George Washington n n L.A. Lakers 93, Detroit 85 Houston at Portland, late American Athletic Conference 9 — Welterweights, Shawn Porter (24-1-0) 9 — American Athletic, quarterfinal, Cincin- American Athletic Conference Quarterfinals vs. Roberto Garcia (36-3-0); welterweights, nati vs. UConn-South Florida winner — ESPNU First Round SMU 13 East Carolina East Carolina 81, UCF 80, OT Wednesday’s scores Thursday’s games Andre Berto (29-3-0) vs. Josesito Lopez (33- n 9 — Atlantic 10, quarterfinal, Rhode Island Houston 66, Tulane 60 Chicago 104, Phila. 95, OT Memphis at Washington, 7 Temple 4 Memphis Tulsa 10 Houston 6-0) — SPIKE vs. George Washington-Duquesne winner — UConn 69, South Florida 43 Sacramento 113, Charlotte 106 Milwaukee at Indiana, 7 Atlantic 10 Conference Cincinnati 15 S.Florida n 10 — Bantamweights, Adam Lopez (9-0-0) NBCSN Miami 104, Brooklyn 98 Houston at Utah, 9 Second Round or n 9:30 — Big East, semifinal, Georgetown Boston 95, Memphis 92 Cleveland at San Antonio, 9:30 Cincinnati 1½ UConn vs. Pablo Cruz (11-0-0); super middleweights, La Salle 76, UMass 69 Southeastern Conference Jerry Odom (12-1-0) vs. Andrew Hernandez winner vs. Xavier-Butler winner — FS1 St. Bonaventure 60, Saint Joseph’s 49 L.A. Clippers at Ok. City, late New York at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 VCU 63, Fordham 57 Orlando at Milwaukee, late Quarterfinals (8-0-1); lightweights, Ismael Barroso (16-0-2) n 11:30 — Pac-12, semifinal, Oregon-Califor- Kentucky 10½ Florida Atlantic Coast Conference LSU 10 Auburn vs. Issouf Kinda (17-2-0); middleweights, An- nia winner vs. Utah-Stanford winner — ESPN Quarterfinals Arkansas 5½ Tennessee toine Douglas (16-0-1) vs. Thomas LaManna n Midnight — Big West, semifinal, UC Davis Duke 77, NC State 53 North Carolina 70, Louisville 60 Georgia 3½ S.Carolina (16-0-0) — SHO vs. Hawaii-Long Beach State winner — ESPNU or Virginia 58, Florida St. 44 Georgia Pk Mississippi n 2 a.m. (Saturday) — Big West, semifinal, Big 12 Conference Atlantic Coast Conference Quarterfinals CYCLING UC Riverside-UC Irvine winner vs. Cal Poly-UC Baylor 80, West Virginia 70 Semifinals n Virginia 2½ North Carolina 11:30 — Paris-Nice, stage 5, Saint-Etienne Santa Barbara winner (delayed tape) — Iowa St. 69, Texas 67 Duke 9½ Miami to Rasteau, France (same-day tape) — NBCSN ESPNU Kansas 64, TCU 59 or Notre Dame 2 NC State Quarterfinals or GOLF NBA Georgetown 60, Creighton 55 Duke 6 Notre Dame. n 6:30 a.m. — European PGA, Tshwane Open, n 7 — Chicago at Charlotte — SPSO Providence 74, St. John’s 57 Big East Conference Villanova 84, Marquette 49 Semifinals second round (same-day tape and live) — TGC Big Sky Conference Villanova 6½ Providence n 3 — PGA, Valspar Championship, second Radio First Round Georgetown Pk Xavier round — TGC E. Washington 91, Idaho 83 or MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL N. Arizona 63, N. Colorado 57 Georgetown 1 Butler n Noon — Atlantic 10, quarterfinal, Davidson Sacramento St. 70, Portland St. 60 Big 12 Conference MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL Big Ten Conference vs. La Salle — 1660 Second Round Semifinals n Noon — Big Ten, quarterfinal, Wisconsin vs. Kansas 1 Baylor n 7 — ACC, semifinal, North Carolina vs. Indiana 71, Northwestern 56 Iowa St. 5 Oklahoma St. Michigan — ESPN Michigan 73, Illinois 55 Virginia — 99.3, 1110, 730, 1590, 1050 Penn St. 67, Iowa 58 or n Noon — American Athletic, quarterfinal, n Iowa St. 1½ Oklahoma 7 — Big East, semifinal, Providence vs. Big West Conference Pac-12 Conference East Carolina vs. SMU — ESPN2 Villanova — 1660 First Round Hawaii 79, Long Beach St. 72 Semifinals n Noon — Atlantic 10, quarterfinal, Davidson n 9 — ACC, semifinal, Duke vs. Notre California 3½ Southern Cal UC Davis 71, CS Northridge 67 Associated Press vs. La Salle — NBCSN Dame-Miami winner — 99.3, 1110, 104.3, Conference USA or n Hornets guard Kemba Walker returned to action Arizona 19 Southern Cal 2 — Big Ten, quarterfinal, Purdue vs. Penn 730, 1590, 1050 Quarterfinals or Middle Tennessee 59, Old Dominion 52 on Wednesday night against Sacramento after State — ESPN n 9:30 — Big East, semifinal, Creigh- UAB 53, W. Kentucky 52 UCLA 5½ California n 2 — American Athletic, quarterfinal, Mem- missing six weeks due to an injury. or ton-Georgetown winner vs. Xavier-Butler UTEP 83, FIU 71 Arizona 10 UCLA phis vs. Temple — ESPN2 winner — 1660 Mid-American Conference Stanford 3½ Colorado n 2:30 — Atlantic 10, quarterfinal, Richmond Third Round or Toledo 78, E. Michigan 67 Hornets looking for more Oregon Pk Stanford vs. VCU — NBCSN Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference NBA Quarterfinals or n 6:30 — Atlantic 10, quarterfinal, Dayton vs. n 7 — Chicago at Charlotte — 610 consistency down stretch Utah 10 Colorado Hampton 76, Md.-Eastern Shore 71 or Mountain West Conference Utah 6½ Oregon Quarterfinals By Dan Moberger Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Boise St. 80, Air Force 68 — Agreed to terms Lucas Glover 35-34—69 -2 Par: 71 (35-36); First round leaders; Wyoming 67, Utah St. 65 [email protected] Semifinals with CB Brandon Browner on a three-year Jeff Overton 38-31—69 -2 Play suspended by darkness NC Central 8½ Delaware St. Pacific-12 Conference contract and LB Ramon Humber on a two- Russell Knox 34-35—69 -2 Matt Weibring 31-33—64 Quarterfinals or year contract. Greg Chalmers 34-35—69 -2 Darron Stiles 32-33—65 CHARLOTTE — The Hornets have put NC Central 10 Howard U. Arizona 73, California 51 — Re-signed G Willie Jim Furyk 34-35—69 -2 Tyrone Van Aswegen 31-34—65 UCLA 96, Southern Cal 70 together a season of streaks. Norfolk St. 7½ Hampton Colon to a one-year contract and LS Tanner Harris English 36-33—69 -2 Patton Kizzire 31-34—65 or Southeastern Conference Purdum to a two-year contract. Martin Laird 37-32—69 -2 Jason Allred 33-32—65 Second Round They struggled to start the season, losing Norfolk St. 3½ Md.-E. Shore OAKLAND RAIDERS — Signed S Nate Stewart Cink 33-36—69 -2 Jeff Curl 33-33—66 NBA Auburn 66, Texas A&M 59 10 straight from Nov. 15 to Dec. 3 en route Allen. Kenny Perry 35-34—69 -2 Patrick Rodgers 31-35—66 Florida 69, Alabama 61 FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG — Re-signed Will MacKenzie 37-32—69 -2 Andrew Landry 32-34—66 to a 4-15 record. They had season-best five- at Charlotte 2 (189½) Chicago Tennessee 67, Vanderbilt 61 QB Blaine Gabbert to a two-year contract Carlos Ortiz 34-35—69 -2 Rick Cochran III 34-32—66 Southland Conference Sacramento 5 (205) at Philadelphia and TE Garrett Celek to a one-year contract. Kyle Reifers 36-33—69 -2 Tag Ridings 34-32—66 game win streaks in January and March, also at Boston 4 (198½) Orlando Second Round Released WR Stevie Johnson. Francesco Molinari 34-36—70 -1 Peter Malnati 32-34—66 Northwestern St. 96, McNeese St. 89 adding a four-game win streak and multiple at Toronto 5½ (206) Miami — Signed S Nick Taylor 36-34—70 -1 Abraham Ancer 33-33—66 at Oklahoma City 10 (210) Minnesota Southwestern Athletic Conference Chris Conte and DT Henry Melton. Scott Brown 34-36—70 -1 Brad Schneider 31-35—66 Quarterfinals stretches of three in a row. at Dallas 4 (204½) L.A. Clippers COLLEGE Jordan Spieth 36-34—70 -1 Tommy Gainey 32-34—66 Golden State 8 (217) at Denver Southern U. 64, Alabama A&M 60 But for every win streak, there’s been a SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE — Named Steven Bowditch 36-34—70 -1 John Mallinger 33-34—67 Sun Belt Conference Atlanta 5 (209½) at Phoenix Greg Sankey commissioner, effective Brendon Todd 34-36—70 -1 Michael Kim 30-37—67 losing streak to keep the record under .500. at Portland 9½ (197) Detroit First Round July 31. Jason Dufner 36-34—70 -1 Ryan Blaum 34-33—67 Texas St. 68, Texas-Arlington 62 The Hornets enter tonight’s home game MICHIGAN — Announced OL Jack Miller is Charles Howell III 35-35—70 -1 Stephan Jaeger 34-33—67 Western Athletic Conference passing up his final season of eligibility. Jamie Donaldson 36-34—70 -1 Matt Davidson 34-33—67 First Round against the Bulls at 28-35 having fallen out TRANSACTIONS NEBRASKA — Named Chris Brasfield Andres Gonzales 34-36—70 -1 Ariel Canete 34-33—67 CS Bakersfield 55, Utah Valley 40 BASEBALL director of high school football relations. Michael Putnam 38-32—70 -1 Adam Crawford 34-33—67 UMKC 70, Texas-Pan American 61 of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference American League ST. ANDREWS — Announced the resignation Jason Bohn 36-34—70 -1 Tain Lee 34-33—67 and hoping to halt a two-game skid. TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Optioned LHP of men’s basketball coach Andrew Brown. Brandt Snedeker 37-33—70 -1 Casey Wittenberg 34-33—67 Rob Rasmussen to Bluefield (Appalachian) Matt Kuchar 35-35—70 -1 Marc Turnesa 33-34—67 Men’s NCAA Automatic Bids After Wednesday’s 113-106 home loss to and LHP Juan Pablo Oramas to Buffalo (IL). David Toms 36-34—70 -1 Cameron Wilson 34-33—67 Belmont, Ohio Valley Conference the Kings (22-41), head coach Steve Clifford BASKETBALL PRO GOLF Mark Wilson 34-36—70 -1 Ted Purdy 34-34—68 Coastal Carolina, Big South Conference National Basketball Association Daniel Summerhays 35-35—70 -1 Kevin Tway 33-35—68 Gonzaga, West Coast Conference — Recalled F/C PGA Valspar Championship Chad Campbell 36-34—70 -1 Roland Thatcher 34-34—68 was visibly frustrated. Thursday at Innisbrook Resort, Lafayette, Patriot League Jarnell Stokes and G Russ Smith from Iowa David Hearn 37-33—70 -1 Julian Etulain 32-36—68 Manhattan, Metro Atlantic Athletic “Worst thing when you play 82 games is a (NBADL). Copperhead Course, Palm Harbor, Fla. Sam Saunders 37-33—70 -1 Travis Bertoni 33-35—68 Purse: $5.9 million; Yardage: 7,340; Par Conference ‘sometimes’ team,” he said. “And let’s face SAN ANTONIO SPURS — Assigned F Kyle Jonathan Randolph 37-33—70 -1 Wes Roach 31-37—68 North Dakota State, Summit League Anderson to Austin (NBADL). 71 (36-35); First Round leaders Robert Garrigus 36-35—71 E Bronson La’Cassie 34-34—68 Brian Davis 35-30—65 -6 North Florida, Atlantic Sun Conference it, that’s what we are. WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Signed Brian Stuard 35-36—71 E Erik Barnes 33-35—68 Northeastern, Colonial Athletic Association G Toure’ Murry from Rio Grande Valley Sean O’Hair 33-33—66 -5 Rory Sabbatini 37-34—71 E Brett Drewitt 34-34—68 “If we’re going to play like this, forget the Ricky Barnes 33-33—66 -5 Northern Iowa, Missouri Valley Conference (NBADL). Adam Scott 38-33—71 E Brandon Hagy 35-33—68 Robert Morris, Northeast Conference FOOTBALL Justin Thomas 32-35—67 -4 Kevin Na 35-36—71 E Kelly Kraft 33-35—68 playoffs.” Henrik Stenson 35-32—67 -4 Valparaiso, Horizon League Michael Thompson 38-33—71 E D.J. Trahan 34-34—68 Wofford, Southern Conference Clifford said consistency has been a ARIZONA CARDINALS — Released C Lyle Derek Ernst 34-33—67 -4 Sangmoon Bae 35-36—71 E Si Woo Kim 33-35—68 problem for the Hornets, part of which can Sendlein. Brendon de Jonge 34-33—67 -4 Carl Pettersson 37-34—71 E Chris Gilman 33-35—68 — Agreed to terms Nicholas Thompson 36-31—67 -4 Ryo Ishikawa 38-33—71 E Rob Oppenheim 34-34—68 Women’s NCAA Automatic Bids Baylor, Big 12 Conference with CB Phillip Adams and DE Adrian Alex Cejka 33-34—67 -4 Spencer Levin 35-36—71 E Zack Fischer 32-36—68 be attributed to their injury woes. Kemba BYU, West Coast Conference Clayborn. John Peterson 34-34—68 -3 Woody Austin 37-34—71 E D.H. Lee 34-35—69 Chattanooga, Southern Conference Walker returned Wednesday after missing — Agreed to terms Kevin Streelman 33-35—68 -3 Boo Weekley 36-35—71 E Mathew Goggin 33-36—69 DePaul, Big East Conference wtih RB Justin Forsett on a three-year Luke Guthrie 33-35—68 -3 Kevin Chappell 35-36—71 E Scott Parel 34-35—69 18 straight games following knee surgery, George Washington, Atlantic 10 contract. Shawn Stefani 34-34—68 -3 Kevin Kisner 36-35—71 E Greg Eason 36-33—69 Conference but Al Jefferson left the game after hurting — Signed QB Tyrod Will Wilcox 34-34—68 -3 S.J. Park 38-33—71 E Andy Winings 33-36—69 Liberty, Big South Conference Taylor. Re-signed WR Marcus Easley. Rod Pampling 33-35—68 -3 Scott Langley 32-39—71 E Mark Silvers 34-35—69 Maryland, Big Ten Conference his right calf when he leaped to deflect an CAROLINA PANTHERS — Re-signhed TE Jason Kokrak 34-34—68 -3 J.J. Henry 35-36—71 E Aron Price 34-35—69 Notre Dame, Atlantic Coast Conference Ed Dickson to a three-year contract. Ian Poulter 35-33—68 -3 John Huh 35-36—71 E Charlie Wi 34-35—69 outlet pass. Jefferson’s MRI on Thursday Princeton, Ivy League — Signed QB Andrew Svoboda 36-32—68 -3 Cameron Tringale 39-32—71 E Steve Allan 33-36—69 Quinnipiac, Metro Atlantic Athletic showed no damage. Thad Lewis. Adam Hadwin 32-36—68 -3 Lee Westwood 36-35—71 E Harold Varner III 34-35—69 Conference — Signed FB Jed Hudson Swafford 33-36—69 -2 Ollie Schniederjans 37-34—71 E Rhein Gibson 33-36—69 “It doesn’t seem like it’ll be an extended South Carolina, Southeastern Conference Collins. Billy Hurley III 36-33—69 -2 Brady Schnell 33-36—69 South Dakota State, Summit League period of time,” Clifford said of Jefferson’s — Released DE William McGirt 35-34—69 -2 Kevin Foley 36-33—69 Web.com Brasil Champions Stanford, Pacific-12 Conference . Ryan Moore 34-35—69 -2 Jorge FernandezValdes 34-35—69 Thursday at Sao Paulo Golf Club, Sao Tennessee State, Ohio Valley Conference absence. — Released WR Ernie Els 36-33—69 -2 Kelvin Day 36-33—69 Paulo; Purse: $850,000; Yardage: 6,574; UConn, American Athletic Conference Clifford plans to start Bismack Biyombo in Dwayne Bowe. Vijay Singh 36-33—69 -2 Roberto Diaz 34-35—69 Jefferson’s place against the Bulls and give Jason Maxiell, Noah Vonleh and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist time at the four, depend- NFL: Murray to join Eagles ing on the lineups the Bulls present. The Hornets are still without center Cody Zeller, DeMarco Murray got the money he wanted from his former who is recovering from a right shoulder team’s biggest rival. sprain, so their frontcourt is depleted, just The All-Pro running back agreed Thursday to a fi ve-year as their backcourt gets healthy. contract with the . Murray’s deal was val- After his first game back, Walker said he ued at $42 million, with $21 million guaranteed, according was “pretty comfortable” with the way his to a person familiar with the deal who spoke on condition of knee felt. In tonight’s game, the Bulls will anonymity because terms weren’t disclosed. be without Derrick Rose, who is recovering Wearing a gray suit, white shirt and black tie, Murray ar- from another in a series of knee injuries. rived at team headquarters with his fi ancee, Heidi Mueller, “He’s tough,” Walker said of Rose. “For all on Thursday afternoon. that he’s been through, being able to work Less than two hours later, the Eagles confi rmed they had through it and come back and be confident reached agreement on a three-year contract with former the way he is, that gives me confidence.” San Diego running back Ryan Mathews. Walker, who averaged 18.8 points and 5.2 The tandem joins Darren Sproles and Chris Polk in a assists to lead the Hornets from the point be- crowded backfi eld. fore his injury, said adjusting to playing with Murray helped the Cowboys win the NFC East title last trade-deadline acquisition Mo Williams season while rushing for a franchise-record 1,845 yards. He hasn’t been difficult. broke the Dallas record held by NFL career rushing leader “I can play with anybody,” Walker said. Emmitt Smith and also set a league mark with eight straight “[Williams] makes the right decisions all the 100-yard games to start the season. time, so it’s pretty easy to play with him.” Panthers sign Jaguars free-agent CB Teddy Williams — Walker’s main concern was improving The Carolina Panthers signed free-agent Teddy transition defense, an area of concern for Williams to a two-year contract. Clifford as well. Williams has played in 17 games in the NFL with no starts. “[The Kings] only had 12 fast-break points, ACTOR FERRELL SUITS UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE He has three tackles since breaking into the league as an but they had, I’d say, 15 to 18 other points undrafted free agent in 2010. He has seen action on special that wouldn’t be under the category of fast Associated Press teams, forcing a last year for from the Jacksonville break points that we just never got orga- Actor Will Ferrell throws the ball as he plays center fi eld for the Los Jaguars against Panthers returner Philly Brown, although nized,” Clifford said. Angeles Angels during a spring training game against the Cubs in Brown would pick up the loose ball and run for a score. Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday. Telling everyone “I’m a fi ve-tool guy,” Fer- Chicago broke a losing streak of its rell was off on his barnstorming tour Thursday through fi ve Arizona Panthers re-sign tight end Ed Dickson to 3-year deal own with a 104-95 overtime win over spring training games. Wearing No. 19 for every team, the star of — The Panthers have announced they’ve re-signed backup Philadelphia on Wednesday. Without their “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” ‘‘Elf” and many other tight end Ed Dickson to a three-year contract. star point guard, the Bulls are hanging on to movies played shortstop for the Oakland Athletics, second base for Dickson’s played in all 16 regular season games last sea- third place in the East with a 40-26 record. the Seattle Mariners, center fi eld for the Los Angeles Angels and fi rst son and had 10 catches for 115 yards and one touchdown. After hosting Chicago tonight, Charlotte base for the Chicago Cubs. The comedian planned to play for 10 teams He caught three passes for 67 yards in two playoff games. in fi ve spring training games, playing every position along the way. heads off on a five-game road trip that in- And it was all for a good cause, he said. Before his odyssey began, Dickson gives the Panthers a second receiving threat at cludes four Western Conference teams — Ferrell told a radio interviewer that he expected to raise $1 million to tight end opposite Greg Olsen, a player last season the Jazz, Clippers, Kings and Timberwolves be used for college scholarships for cancer survivors. The entire tour for Carolina. Dickson also proved he can play fullback, fi lling — and finishes up in Chicago on March 23. was being chronicled by HBO for an upcoming special. in for the injured Mike Tolbert. — Associated Press Page edited by Jennifer Jackson ! e Gazette | GastonGazette.com Friday, March 13, 2015 3C LOCAL SPORTS

EAST GASTON 4, Follow Gazette sports reporters Phillip Gardner (@GazettePhil) and Richard Walker (@jrwalk22) for updates on Saturday, and SOUTH POINT 3 visit www.GastonGazette.com on Saturday night for stories and photos. One hit enough for BACK TO THE FUTURE? Ashbrook coaching legend Warriors in hopes Carmichael can again be special for team rally past By Richard Walker [email protected] GASTONIA — Can Carmichael Audito- rium be the charm that brings Gastonia South Point another state title? The legendary coach for whom Ash- brook’s gymnasium is named sure hopes By Phillip Gardner so — and he’s going to go to Chapel Hill [email protected] Saturday night for Ashbrook’s 7:30 p.m. MOUNT HOLLY — East Gaston N.C. 3A state title game at that historic recorded only one hit Thursday, but venue hoping history will repeat itself. it was enough to pick up a rivalry Larry Rhodes guided old Ashley High win in its conference opener. to Gastonia’s first-ever state basketball The Warriors scored all of their championship in the second year of the runs in the sixth inning to rally for legendary University of North Carolina a 4-3 home win against South Point men’s and women’s basketball venue. in the season’s first Big South 2A/3A “When they started the playoffs, my Gazette fi le photo Conference game for both teams. daughter talked about how she hoped we Legendary Ashley and Ashbrook High coach Larry Rhodes, center, is shown here with mem- “I’m pleasantly shocked, but I could go to the Dean Dome if they made bers of his 1977 N.C. 4A runner-up team that includes eventual Basketball Hall of Famer didn’t really feel like we were out of it,” Rhodes said of his daughter, Sharon James Worthy, far left. the game at 3-0 at any time,” East Rhodes. “And I told her that Carmichael Gaston coach Randy Sellers said. Auditorium was where we wanted to go.” TELEVISED HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES, HOW TO FOLLOW? Tyler Price’s double drove in Tyler That’s why Rhodes was delighted to Hannifin, who began the rally by hear the N.C. 3A finals would be at that Staff reports drawing a walk. Alex Adams, Price’s 50-year-old arena if for no other reason Time Warner Cable SportsChannel will televise eight N.C. High School Athletic Associa- courtesy runner, scored the second that it brought back memories of Ash- tion basketball championship games live on Saturday. Pregame coverage begins on TWC run on a passed ball. Josh Benfield’s ley’s historic 1967 title run. SportsChannel 323 at 11:30 a.m. groundout allowed Matthew Fletch- In that season, the first for completely ! Smith Center games — Channel 323 er to cross the plate and tie the game integrated schools in Gaston County, ! Noon: 2A girls — Kinston vs. Wilkes Central at three. Nash Jamison then scored Rhodes started five African-American ! 2:30 pm: 2A boys — Kinston vs. East Lincoln on an error. players and went 24-2 after winning ! 5 p.m.: 4A girls — Southeast Raleigh vs. Myers Park “It’s just typical South Point and three games at Carmichael Auditorium. ! 7:30 p.m.: 4A boys — Garner vs Ardrey Kell East Gaston ball,” Sellers said. “It’s The players have played the year before ! Carmichael Arena games — Channel 324 been like that for the 17 years I’ve as underclassmen at old Highland High ! Noon: 1A girls — Riverside Martin vs. Winston-Salem Prep been here.” School with then-Rams senior Leonard ! 2:30 p.m.: 1A boys — East Carteret vs. Winston-Salem Prep Price pitched six innings for the Hamilton, who is now Florida State’s ! 5 p.m.: 3A girls — Chapel Hill vs. Hickory win and Alex King came in for the basketball coach. ! 7:30 p.m.: 3A boys — Fayetteville Terry Sanford vs. Ashbrook ! save. In that 1967 N.C. 4A championship Local AM radio stations — Gastonia’s 1450-AM will broadcast the Ashbrook vs. Terry It was remarkable finish for a tournament, the Green Wave defeat- Sanford game at 7:30 p.m., while Cherryville’s 1590-AM and Lincolnton’s 1050-AM will broadcast East Lincoln vs. Kinston at 2:30 p.m. game that started well in South ed Burlington 56-49, Winston-Salem Point’s favor as University of Ten- R.J. Reynolds 46-42 and Wilmington nessee signee Garrett Davila threw New Hanover 51-44 to win Gastonia’s grown in stature simply because eventual With East Lincoln finishing its football four no-hit innings with at least first-ever basketball state title. The N.C. NBA standouts James Worthy (Ashbrook) season at 16-0 and entering Saturday’s nine professional baseball scouts 4A championship game began just a few and Eric “Sleepy” Floyd (Huss) played on 2:30 p.m. N.C. 2A boys basketball cham- in attendance. Reports were that hours after UNC’s eventual Final Four opposite sides of the rivalry that year and pionship game at 24-0, it is trying to end the left-hander’s fastball reached team had beaten rival Duke 92-79 in the five years later, in 1982, Worthy was MVP that 48-year drought. speeds ranging from 89 mph to the afternoon to close the regular season for of the NCAA title game in which his UNC Old Ayden High, which combined with mid 90s. both ACC teams. team edged Floyd’s Georgetown team nearby Grifton to form Ayden-Grifton Davila struck out 10 and walked “I enjoyed that team at the time, and 63-62. High in 1972 in Pitt County, accom- two, but it was predetermined that I’ve enjoyed that team in the years since,” And even though Rhodes retired from plished the feat in the consecutive school he would pitch only four innings as said Rhodes, whose 1967 team held a coaching basketball in 1979 after 22 sea- years of 1965-66 and 1966-67. long as he remained within a rea- mini-reunion in August 2006 during an sons — he remained Ashbrook’s golf Led by eventual UNC Paul sonable pitch count, which he did at Ashbrook football game to celebrate its coach into the 1990s — he is a frequent Miller, Ayden High went 12-0 in football 68 pitches. 40-year anniversary. “There were some observer of Ashbrook basketball games and 28-0 in basketball in each of those “It’s early in the year, we didn’t tough times, but the end result made all at Larry Rhodes Gymnasium. two seasons. get scrimmages and we’re looking of that very much worth it.” “There’s been a lot of good teams at Ayden also later won the 1968 base- at that thing from a long-haul per- Old Highland (1952) and old Gastonia Ashbrook since then,” said Rhodes, a ball and football titles, a tribute to the spective,” South Point coach Jason (1955) high schools had previously been 1979 Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame extraordinary talents of Miller and his Lineberger said. state runner-ups before Ashley’s 1967 ti- inductee. “And this year’s team is right teammates. “I think the best thing he did was tle. In the years since, Hunter Huss (1977, up there with any of them. They’re very Miller later played football and base- he located well. ... I thought he did a 1985 and 2011) and Gaston Day (2004) talented, play great defense and play well ball at North Carolina when several for- good job of getting ahead and stay- have brought titles to the city. together. I think they have a great chance mer local products were in the Tar Heels’ ing ahead of hitters.” The 1977 Huss title marks the last time to win it. respective programs. Logan Edgerton relieved Davila. Ashbrook was in the state championship “I’ll certainly be rooting for them.” In football, Miller was a teammate of Earlier in the game, South Point — then played at Greensboro’s Grimsley Mike Hollifield (Lincolnton High Class of bunched four hits in the first inning High School — and Rhodes says he is 1965) and Tommy Bradley (Hunter Huss to take a 3-0 lead. Grant Tilley, Ma- frequently reminded of the Green Wave’s EAST LINCOLN AND DOUBLE PERFECTION 1970). son Secrest, Tanner Muse and Tim near miss. In the 102-year history of the N.C. High And in baseball, Miller was a teammate Davila accounted for the hits, with “We’d beaten them four times that School Athletic Association, there are 20 of John Rudisill (Stanley 1966), Dan- Muse’s scoring two runs. year,” Rhodes said of crosstown rival teams that won both the football and ny Denton (Hunter Huss 1966), Terry Both teams resume conference Huss. “And I’ll take the blame for chang- boys basketball state championships. Ratchford (Holbrook 1966), Doug Lan- action Tuesday with East Gaston (1- ing my defensive strategy. But give Huss And twice in the 47-year history of the ham (Ashley 1967), Harry Bryant (Ashley 1, 1-0) hosting lake Norman Charter credit for how well they played. I still old Western N.C. Activities Association, 1967), Spurgeon Mackey (Ashley 1969) and South Point (3-2, 0-1) hosting hear about that a lot, especially when I’m schools accomplished the feat. and Tommy Hamrick (Shelby 1971). Hunter Huss. around Huss people. But not since 1967 has a school in ei- “But that’s part of life and part of the ther governing body done so while also You can reach Richard Walker at Phillip Gardner: 704-869-1843; game.” finishing their respective seasons with 704-869-1841 or at ww.Twitter.com/ www.Twitter.com/gazettephil. In the years since, the 1977 game has unbeaten records. JRWalk22.

LOCAL ROUNDUP Varsity baseball Shearer (goal, ), Favour Spear (goal) and Taylor Varsity boys tennis Stuart Cramer 14, Ashbrook 3 (6 inn.) — Alan Helms (assist) led Gaston Christian on offense. Katie East Gaston 6, South Point 3 — Matt Benner, Char- Bunton (2 hits), Chase Stewart (2 hits) and Austin Moore had the shutout in goal for the Eagles (4-0), lie Wooten, Harrison Noblett and Thad McInnis won Earnhardt (2 hits) led Stuart Cramer at the plate. who host Westminster Catawba on Friday. in singles for East Gaston, while the doubles teams of Bryson Linkous picked up the win for the Storm, Stuart Cramer 4, Cherryville 1 — Erin Calhoun, Benner-Wooten and Noblett-McInnis won in doubles. striking out 11 and allowing in two hits in fi ve innings Jenna Sarvis, Taylen Truelove and Kendall Craig had South Point picked up wins from Carlos Morales, of work. Stuart Cramer (2-2, 1-0) hosts Forestview on one goal each for Stuart Cramer. Calhoun added an Neeral Patel and the doubles team of Morales-Sam Tuesday. assist. The Storm (2-2) visit Ashbrook on Monday in Killen. East Gaston (2-0) visits West Meck on March Westminster Catawba 6, Gaston Christian 1 — Big South Conference play. 18. Tanner Queen posted a double for Gaston Christian. Gaston Day 3, Concord First Assembly 1 — Livy Crest 8, Ashbrook 1 — Ashbrook’s Solomon Col- Blake Cobb took the loss. The Eagles (2-1, 1-1) host Polen scored twice, Gigi Smith scored once, and lins-Nick Frez collected the Green Wave’s lone win York Prep on Tuesday. Morgan Whitesides tallied two assists in the win for in doubles. Ashbrook (1-0) visits Highland Tech on Varsity softball the Spartans. Heather Miller scored the goal for First Monday. South Point 11, East Gaston (5 inn.) — Morgan Assembly. Gaston Day (2-0-1, 2-0-1) will play Metroli- JV baseball Mahaffey (2 hits), Bree Powell (2 hits) and Skylar na at home on Monday 3/23 at 5:00 pm. South Point 10, East Gaston 3 — Jordan Lathe got Griffi n (2 hits) led South Point at the plate. Jalen Lincoln Charter 2, Newton-Conover 1 — Nicole the win, while Nick Farmer pitched four solid innings. Griffi n picked up the win, striking out eight. The Red Hogue (2 goals), Caitlyn Miller (assist) and Madison Evan Mauldin fi nished the last 1 2-3 innings for the Raiders (4-0, 1-0) host Hunter Huss on Tuesday. Lewis (assist) led Lincoln Charter (4-0-1) on offense. Red Raiders. Farmer and Abe Robinson had two hits Stuart Cramer 10, North Rowan 5 — Felena South- Kings Mountain 8, Draughn 0 — Virginia Dellinger, apiece, while Matt Robinson and Scottie Lee scored ee (2 hits, double), Kaylee Nelson (2 hits) and Bree- Cassidy Calhoun and Ragaen Gamble had two goals two runs apiece. South Point (2-0-1) hosts Hunter ana Anderson (2 hits) led Stuart Cramer at the plate. each. Paloma Dettloff and Johnna Scism had one Huss next Tuesday. Sydney Baxter picked up the win in a complete-game goal each. Scism, M.C. Dellinger, Virginia Dellinger, Middle school girls soccer effort. The Storm (2-1) visit Ashbrook on Friday. Lauren Campbell, and Kimberlee Farris had one Gaston Christian 3, Westminster Catawba Providence Day 8, Gaston Christian 5 — Lauren assist each. Sara Smart and Scism split time in goal 0 — Emma Plunkett (2 goals, assist), Hannah Nunn Adams (2 hits, double RBI), Sarah Adams (double, for the shut out. Kings Mountain (2-1-1, 2-1-1) travels (goal) and Jessi Hoyt (assist) led Gaston Christian on RBI) and Tiffany Cobb (home run, 2 RBIs) led Gaston to Crest on Tuesday. offense. Makayla Gordon had the shutout in goal. The Christian at the plate. The Eagles (2-4) host Charlotte JV girls soccer Eagles (2-1) visit Northside Christian on March 19. Christian on Friday. Lincoln Charter 4, Newton-Conover 1 — Gloria Cale- Middle school softball Varsity girls soccer ro (2 goals), Lauren Cox (goal) and Jewl DeVincenzo Mountain Island Charter 4, Gaston Christian 1 — Gaston Christian 2, Charlotte Christian 0 — Emma (goal) led Lincoln Charter (1-0-0) on offense. Ashlyn Freeman (2 hits) led Gaston Christian. 4C Friday, March 13, 2015 ! e Gazette | GastonGazette.com Page edited by Jennifer Jackson COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NORTH CAROLINA 70, LOUISVILLE 60 DUKE 77, NC STATE 53 ACC Semifi nals |Virginia vs. North Carolina, 7 tonight, WBTV ACC Semifi nals |Notre Dame vs. Duke, 9 tonight, WBTV North Car- olina head coach Roy Williams Duke gets revenge by throws his jacket toward the bench routing NC State, 77-53 during the game GREENSBORO (AP) — No. 2 Duke against turned another chance for revenge into Louisville in a rout. the quar- The Blue Devils beat North Carolina terfi nals State 77-53 on Thursday night in an At- of the ACC lantic Coast Conference quarterfinal. tournament scored 15 points and Thursday in backup center added Greensboro. a career-high 12 points on six dunks to lead six double-figure scorers and help Associated Press the second-seeded Blue Devils (29-3) win their 12th straight. They never trailed, scored on 22 of their first 26 possessions, led by 30 and cruised into the semifinals by avenging their first loss this season. “I thought our guys were unbelievably ready,” coach said. Ralston Turner had 16 points and Abdul-Malik Abu added 10 for the sev- ROY ENRAGED enth-seeded Wolfpack (20-13). veryone has a breaking point. Although Johnson already knew Roy Williams’ came with what he’d done wrong before he got One night earlier, they beat Pittsburgh 7:34 left in the first half of to the sideline and was expecting to in the second round for their third Thursday’s ACC tournament be chewed out, he said the message straight win. Associated Press Equarterfinal game against Louisville. he was given by his coach — and was But key guard Anthony “Cat” Barber North Carolina State’s Trevor Lacey reacts With his team getting pounded on the repeated at halftime — was clear. — who had 34 points against Pitt — was after being called for a foul against Duke offensive boards, committing unforced It was time to put up or shut up. scoreless, missed seven shots and never during their ACC tounrnament quarterfi nal turnovers and showing Johnson wasn’t the only target of returned after he was shaken up in a col- game Thursday in Greensboro. a general lack of hustle Williams’ anger. Junior forward J.P. lision with Amile Jefferson with 13:26 left. — issues upon which Tokoto also took a browbeating about Coach Mark Gottfried said he didn’t Cavaliers put away the victory. he’s been harping since a stat line that included two points, have any updates on Barber’s condition, Brogdon scored all 10 of his points in the start of the season three turnovers and lazy defense. did not specify the nature of the injury the final nine minutes of Virginia’s 58-44 — the North Carolina Like his teammate, Tokoto also turned and said he was being evaluated by the victory over the Seminoles on Thurs- basketball coach decided things around — playing the point of team’s medical staff. day in an Atlantic Coast Conference he’d had enough. a rare zone defense that harassed the Trevor Lacey, who had 21 points last quarterfinal. The suit jacket went Cardinals’ perimeter shooters into time against Duke, managed just four on “Malcolm is wired to be aggressive, and first, flung to the floor in 3 of 16 performance from the 3-point 2-of-7 shooting. I want him to be aggressive,” coach Tony BRETT a fit of rage. Then came line over the final 20 minutes. Justise Winslow, and Bennett said. FRIEDLANDER the stomps. By the time Louisville shot just 22.2 percent had 11 points each while Mike Tobey and Evan Nolte had 11 his players made it to the from the floor during the final period ACC player of the year add- points apiece, with Nolte making three ACC Insider bench for the timeout while UNC (23-10) made 12 of its ed 10 for Duke, which will play either No. 3-pointers, for the top-seeded and de- he’d called, Williams 24 attempts — seven of 11 Notre Dame or Miami on Friday night fending tournament champion Cavaliers was in a full state of red-faced rage. which came from either Johnson or in the semifinals. (29-2). “You try to do everything you can to fellow big man Kennedy Meeks, who They never trailed, led by 17 and shot get guys to play,” Williams said. “But at got out of his sick bed to give his team 47.5 percent in earning a return trip to the that point, it wasn’t a coaching ploy. It 19 unexpectedly effective minutes. FSU falls to Virginia semifinals. was just that I was extremely frustrated.” The Tar Heels’ 38-23 scoring advantage Justin Anderson came back for No. 3 He was especially frustrated with in the second half was similar to the Virginia, and Florida State threatened a NOTRE DAME 70, MIAMI 63. Check junior forward Brice Johnson, and he dominance it held on the Cardinals in comeback of its own. Saturday’s edition of The Gazette for more let him know it. Williams got right up Louisville on Jan. 31 until a late melt- Then helped the ACC basketball coverage. into the youngster’s face, or at least as down cost them an important road win. much as a 5-foot-8 coach can get into It’s the kind of lapse that has become the face of a 6-9 forward, and opened something of a UNC trademark this up a can of Bobby Knight on him. season, with similar lapses in effort Apparently, the Hall of Fame and concentration leading to several coach got his message across to his painful defeats against top teams. sometimes-inconsistent big man. “We’ve talked about that all year and Johnson missed five of his first six shots to see it in one of the biggest games and offered little defensive resistance to of the season was pretty upsetting,” Montrezl Harrell and a Cardinals’ front line Tokoto said of his team’s lackadaisical around the rim before Williams’ tirade. start. “Us being the team we are and He responded by scoring 18 points, being the competitive people we are, grabbing six rebounds and making the second half we turned it around and all eight of his attempts in didn’t let up and that helped us a lot.” the second half to lead a charge that In other words, they played with what sent UNC to a come-from-behind Williams likes to call a sense of urgency. 70-60 victory at Greensboro Coliseum to secure a spot in Friday’s semifi- ACC Insider Brett Friedlander can be nals against top-seeded Virginia. reached at [email protected].

OTHER CONFERENCE TOURNAMENTS ECU opens AAC tourney with OT win over UCF

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — B.J. Tyson had 19 just two missed fi eld-goal attempts for the fi nal points, Marshall Guilmette scored 18 and No. 8 3:05. seed East Carolina outlasted ninth-seeded Central No.4 Villanova 84, Marquette 49 — Big East Florida for an 81-80 overtime win in the American Sixth Man of the Year Josh Hart scored 20 points Athletic Conference tournament’s opening game on off the bench, and Villanova beat Marquette in the Thursday. Big East quarterfi nals. Guilmette made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 4:33 No.5 Arizona 73, California 51 — Stanley left in overtime and Caleb White added a jumper at Johnson had 19 points and Brandon Ashley added 3:31 to give the Pirates (14-18) all the points they 15, lifting Arizona past California in the Pac-12 would need at 81-78. quarterfi nals. Kasey Wilson pulled UCF (12-18) within one on No.9 Kansas 64, TCU 59 — Kelly Oubre Jr. scored a pair of free throws. But East Carolina had three a career-high 25 points, Landen Lucas added 13 offensive rebounds and one to hold UCF to and Kansas beat TCU in the Big 12 quarterfi nals.

the upcoming NCAA tournament’s top << FSU seeds and play in Charlotte next weekend. Continued from Page 1C In addition to the growth individual players experienced for Hamilton’s pro- center Kiel Turpin) — the fu- gram, he proved his coaching mettle yet ture indeed looks bright. again as FSU’s 76-73 second-round tour- Not only will Hamilton have a near nament win over Clemson on Wednesday full complement of players returning was his 236th win for the Seminoles. to next year’s team, he’ll add a talent- That means Hamilton is now tied with ed recruiting class that’s considered J.K. Kennedy (1949-66) as the all-time one of the tops in the nation. winningest coach in FSU history. “Obviously, we’ve had some chal- The win also was Hamilton’s 105th lenges this year,” Hamilton said after in ACC regular season or tourna- Thursday’s loss. “But I think we’ll be ment games, moving him into a tie a better team and better program with Maryland’s Bud Millikan and because of the adversity we faced.” Hamilton will have one of the league’s surpassing the win total of N.C. most talented and experienced back- State’s legendary Everett Case. courts next season as budding freshman Want to know how far Hamilton star Xavier Rathan-Mayes and juniors has taken the Seminoles’ program? Montay Brandon and Devon Bookert Before Hamilton arrived in Talla- will lead the returning players. hassee in 2002, Florida State had won In many ways, Thursday’s loss was a four ACC tournament games and microcosm of the Seminoles’ season. record two 10-win ACC seasons in the Florida State started slow as school’s first 11 years in the league. Virginia scored on eight of its first In Hamilton’s 13 years, the Seminoles nine possessions to take a 16-2 have won 10 ACC tournament games lead in the first 4 1-2 minutes. — including a 3-0 finish in Florida Then after the Seminoles rallied to State’s historic 2012 title run in Atlanta close within five twice in the final 10 — and had four 10-win ACC seasons. minutes of the contest, they simply didn’t 59428 have enough left to pull out a win against You can reach Richard Walker at 704- a Virginia team that likely will be one of 869-1841 or www.Twitter.com/JRWalk22. 52415