Greene Central advances to title game, North Lenoir falls on Day 2 of Parker’s BBQ Christmas Tournament

Greene Central advances to title game, North Lenoir falls on Day 2 of Parker’s BBQ Christmas Tournament

North Lenoir dropped a 75-64 decision to D.H. Conley on Day 2 of the Parker’s BBQ Christmas Tournament despite a fast start.

The Hawks came out firing, scoring 25 points in the first quarter to take a 25-16 lead, with Cris Veal and Julian Veal each scoring eight points in the opening period. North Lenoir cooled off in the second quarter, however, managing just four points as D.H. Conley outscored the Hawks 20-4 to take a 36-29 lead into halftime.

Conley extended its advantage to 53-36 entering the fourth quarter. North Lenoir mounted a late push, scoring 28 points in the final period, with the Veal brothers combining for 15 points in the quarter, but the deficit proved too much to overcome.

Julian Veal led North Lenoir with 16 points, while Cris Veal added 15. AJ Black and Reggie Sanders each scored nine points, Jaquel Gardner finished with six, and Zymeir Rosber added four.

North Lenoir will play again on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Greene Central continued its unbeaten run, improving to 7-0 with a 52-37 win over South Central in semifinal action.

The Rams took control early, leading 17-11 after the first quarter behind two 3-pointers from Sam Avent and seven points from DJ Williams. Williams added eight more points in the second quarter as Greene Central built a 32-16 halftime lead.

South Central made a push in the third quarter, outscoring the Rams 14-3, but Greene Central steadied itself in the final period. Williams finished with a game-high 22 points to lead the Rams.

Avent scored eight points, Josh Cetnar added seven, and Nick Avent finished with five.

Greene Central will play J.H. Rose in the championship game Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at Ayden-Grifton.