On Jan. 13, the Central Forsyth Bulldogs beat the North Forsyth Raiders after an incredibly close game and an intense fourth quarter. With a final score of 54-49, both varsity boys teams played an excellent match using man-to-man defense.
North’s starting five was junior Kobo Moor, senior Sam Hazlewood, sophomore London Callaway, senior Michael Arkinrinmade and senior Patrick Carnes.
With about three minutes left in the quarter, there was a scuffle between players at the Bulldogs’ end of the court that had the audience passionate and on their feet. As a result, North was fouled and number four on Central’s team scored two points from a free throw. The end of the first quarter had North down seven points with a score of 8-15.
In the second quarter, the Raiders nearly tied it up. Two minutes in, junior Grant Sagro ran the ball down the court and scored a two-pointer. The Raiders also received a flagrant foul, which cost them two points to the Bulldogs. When the buzzer went off, the score was 29-31.
At halftime, North’s cheerleading team gave an exciting performance, rallying up the crowd for the next half. Throughout the game, they continued to exude school spirit for the players.
Jan. 13 was also Teacher Appreciation Night. Each player got to choose one teacher to express their gratitude toward. CJ Haglund, number 12, chose Laura McGray, an English teacher, because she is outgoing and always makes sure her students understand the assignment. Brycen Strickland, number 21, appreciates Lacy Elder because she is “always in a good mood.” The players each got to walk with their teacher across the court for a picture and a certificate.
By the end of the fourth quarter, tensions were high and the score was close. Moor pulled off an impressive move to keep the ball in by leaping over the ball, throwing it under him and launching himself horizontally into the bleachers. His, as well as the rest of the team’s, efforts, led to a rapid-fire two-pointer that was erased because a foul was called.
With the audience on their feet again, Central made both free throws, leaving the score at 54-57 with 17 seconds left in the game. Callaway, number two, knew what was on the line and took a shot from behind the three-point line just after the referees blew the whistle. The ball flew through the net, but it was too late. North was fouled, and Central made both of their free throws, leaving the final score to be 54-59.
It was a tough loss for the Raiders, but a game well-played, too. Assistant Coach Tri Ware says, “Everybody showed a lot of effort. We always preach, ‘play to the last whistle.’” The team will be carrying this philosophy over to the next game, which is against Denmark this Friday, Jan. 16. To prepare, the team will “go look at the film, come back tomorrow and attack the day.”
