SSS pulls away from West in conference opener
2 min readSmithfield-Selma’s hot start to the season continued in their conference opener Tuesday.
The Spartans (3-0, 1-0 Greater Neuse 3-A) ran away in the fourth quarter of their 82-63 home win over West Johnston. After going 2-23 last year, SSS has already exceeded their win total by starting the season 3-0. They’re coming off of two wins over Harnett Central to begin the campaign.
In the first half, the Spartans looked to pull away early thanks to a balanced effort. However, senior guard Demari Brockington and sophomore forward Will Bostic kept the Wildcats close. Senior Dylan Gottuso was hot from distance early in the contest for Smithfield-Selma while junior Jalen Hinton facilitated well.
Smithfield-Selma led by two at the half, but West Johnston (0-2, 0-1) started the second half strong with buckets from Xzavier Monk and Noah Ford. The Spartans went on a 9-0 run in response to regain control in the third quarter.
Leading 51-49 after three, SSS used a 23-7 run to break the game open. The Spartans forced turnovers that led to transition opportunities on the other end. Despite being closer than the score indicated, the Wildcats couldn’t muster up another run to get back in the contest.
Gottuso and Hinton had 14 each for Smithfield-Selma while Tyrin Altman, Clevonte Watson and Jaylen White added 11. Monk and Ford had 16 apiece for the West Johnston with Bostic (14) and Brockington (10) finishing in double figures.
SSS travels to Triton and West Johnston hosts Harnett Central Wednesday.