Warriors in control

DENVER - After struggling offensively in the first half against South Caldwell, East Gaston had to rely on its defense to lead the way in a 50-43 victory on Saturday night in the first round of the Fifth-Third Bank Classic hosted by East Lincoln High School.

The Warriors limited South Caldwell to four points in the third quarter and two points for the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. The Spartans then `connected on five three pointers to make the game close.

"Well we just talked about that we were playing hard, that we were struggling offensively to make anything and just keep playing hard," said East Gaston head coach Ken Howell. "I'm real proud of our effort and I thought our guys played extremely hard."

While East Gaston did struggle connecting on field goals, they connected from the foul line, finishing the game 12-15 from the line with all 12 free throws being made by Rico Pagan.

"We're a really good free-throw shooting, and the last game we came out and shot terribly from the free throw-line, so we've been really working on that, and I thought we were much better tonight. 12 of 15 will get it done," said Howell.

Pagan finished the game with 19 points, Nick McRavion grabbed 10 rebounds and Rob Fisher and John Floyd tallied seven rebounds to lead East Gaston (8-2, 1-1 Big South Conference) will play East Lincoln on Monday at 8:30 p.m.

*Forestview 70, Providence 54 - After losing to Providence in the first round of last year's tournament at East Lincoln, Forestview was determined not to let that happen again as they jumped out to an 21-point lead on their way to a 70-54 victory.

"Defense was a little but more aggressive this time. Last year we played primarily zone, this year we're man-to-man. A little difference in defensive tactics," said Forestview head coach Dan Ghent.

That defense was key as the Jaguars held Providence to six points in the first half. Forestview received exceptional play from their guards as DeJuan Means scored 21 points, Jack Sumner added 17 points, and Preston Holmes tallied 14 points. The Jaguars were able to take advantage of the full-court pressure applied by Providence and score convert on multiple fast break attempts.

"I thought we did a good job against pressure at times, and made them pay for trying to trap us," said Ghent. "We got some easy layups and had good shot selection. We had a good team effort tonight.

Forestview will play Ardrey Kell (who defeated Southlake Christian) at 5:30 p.m.

*East Lincoln boys 61, Mooresville 52 - Keith Rendleman scored 33 points (12 rebounds), and Kendall Bethea added 16 points (including nine free throws in the fourth quarter) to lead East Lincoln. The Mustangs (5-3, 3-1 Southern Piedmont Conference) will play East Gaston on Monday night at 8:30 p.m.

Fifth-Third Holiday Classic at East Lincoln
Boys
All games in new gym
Saturday's results
Ardrey Kell 76, Southlake Christian 37
Forestview 70, Providence 54
East Gaston 50, South Caldwell 43
(4) East Lincoln 61, (5) Mooresville 52

Monday, Dec. 29
Southlake Christian vs. Providence, 1 p.m.
South Caldwell vs. Mooresville, 2:30
Ardrey Kell vs. Forestview, 5:30
East Gaston vs. East Lincoln, 8:30

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Seventh-place game, 1 p.m.
Fifth-place game, 4
Third-place game, 5:30
Championship, 8:30