Wayne Prep plays first varsity basketball games, falls to Harrells Christian
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HARRELLS — After years of playing as a middle school or junior varsity program, Wayne Prep played their first varsity basketball games in school history on Thursday night. Unfortunately for both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, they did not come out successful as the girls lost 57-20 and the boys lost 66-54.
The Crusaders (1-1) had three players in double figures — led by Lekea Boney’s 29 points. Isabella Rumbold and Georgia Pope both finished with 10 points a piece.
On the boys side, the Generals made waves before the season after WJG Sports Rookie of the Year Ta’korrie Faison transferred to the charter school from Goldsboro High to play with his younger brother Jaquan Green. But Faison did not suit up as he sustained a hand injury in practice.
Wayne Prep’s entire team is made up of sophomores and freshman, as the school does not yet offer 11th grade or 12th grade. The 2023 class will be Wayne Prep’s first graduating class. In their first varsity contest, the age showed as multiple turnovers were made, defensive assignments missed and bad shots were taken. But the flashes of what the team could be with years of experience was apparent as well. From 6-7 wing Kayleb Coles shooting threes and dunking to Amari Latham’s big offensive put backs to Jaquan Green making big plays in the iso game. Coles and Latham finished with 13 points each.
The Generals just couldn’t overcome the Crusaders’ (2-0) threesome of Tyrrone Barbee, Samiir Gibbs and Devin Gardner — who combined for 57 points including 35 of 37 points in the second half. Gibbs, a freshman point guard, really stood out with his ability to control pace, hit tough contested layups and defend. Gibbs finished with 23 points, including 11 in the fourth.
The Crusaders will be back in action Tuesday vs Epiphany School. Wayne Prep will hit the floor looking for their first varsity win school history on Tuesday at Thales Academy in Rolesville, NC.
