Bears, Lady Barons bow out of state tournament

Published 8:58 am Friday, March 8, 2024

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Hertford County’s varsity boys and Gates County’s varsity girls saw their respective basketball seasons come to an end on Tuesday night in the third round of the NCHSAA State Tournament.

In Goldsboro, Hertford County rallied in the second half, but fell to second-seeded Goldsboro, 62-60.

The Bears (who ended their season at 21-9 overall) trailed 27-18 at halftime before outscoring their hosts, 42-35, in the second half.

Shimere Garris led the seventh-seeded Bears with 22 points. Rimiez Williams added 18 points while senior Keveon Rodgers chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds in the final high school game of his career.

Gates County’s girls made the long bus ride to Lake Waccamaw where they took powerful East Columbus (24-1 overall) into overtime before being handed a 54-47 setback.

The Lady Barons scored only 13 points in the first half, but staged a big comeback in the second half where they forged a 40-40 tie at the end of regulation.

London Barber led Gates County with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Kyndall Banks added 10 points, six steals, and five rebounds.

The Lady Barons, who feature just one senior on their roster, finished the season at 22-5 overall.