South Lenoir falls to Ashley at Brandon Ingram Invitational

South Lenoir falls to Ashley at Brandon Ingram Invitational

South Lenoir couldn’t overcome missed opportunities at the free-throw line Friday night, falling 49-45 to Ashley High School in a Brandon Ingram Invitational matchup.

The Blue Devils dropped to 7-6 on the season, while Ashley improved to 4-12.

South Lenoir went 10-of-27 from the free-throw line and missed nine attempts in the fourth quarter in a game decided by four points.

Keyon Jones led South Lenoir with 16 points and was named the game’s MVP. Finley Tollens and Kahliel McKoy added 10 points apiece.

Ashley was led by Gavin Brock with 16 points and Roy Hodges with 14. Jaylyn Mills finished with six points and provided an interior presence for the Screaming Eagles.

Ashley head coach Wes Gulledge, a former Kinston High School head coach, credited his team’s defensive effort and reflected on returning to a familiar place.

“I thought we did a good job on 2 (Gavin Brock) tonight. He didn’t get to the basket and finish. He is a great athlete for South Lenoir,” Gulledge said. “They’re low with 30 (Jaylyn Mills) inside, they have some pieces. South Lenoir is a good ball club.

“I enjoyed seeing fans on the sideline. I just enjoyed coming back and seeing everyone I’ve seen that I spent my lifetime with. This was my home away from home. I had a lot of success and I have made a lot of great friends.”

South Lenoir head coach Vance Wade was blunt in his assessment following the loss.

“Nothing went good. We struggled at the beginning. We never competed like we normally compete,” Wade said. “They beat us in every phase. It’s all about effort. You can’t turn it on or turn it off.”

Despite the setback, Wade believes the loss can serve as a turning point.

“This can be a motivational springboard. You’ve played one of the worst games ever, the only thing we can do is go up,” he said. “We will get better. Monday is coming.”