Gaston College shakes off rust of month off with win over Gaddis Watts Prep Academy

After nearly a month away from its last game, Gaston College showed predictable rust before the Rhinos' balanced offense led them to a 111-67 victory over Charlotte's Gaddis Watts Prep Academy on Sunday at the Ashbrook High School gymnasium.

Gaston College trailed 35-34 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the first half before a 40-9 mid-game surge led to the comfortable 44-point victory.

"Thank goodness we could get a win and have something to build on," said Rhino's head coach Jamie Rosser, whose team improved to 8-3. "We did what we were supposed to do and got the win. But we still have a lot of work to do."

Gaston College plays one more non-league game on Wednesday, at 6 p.m. against Double Exposure Hoops Academy of Charlotte before beginning its Region 10 schedule next Sunday at 2 p.m. against Brunswick Community College. Both games will be played at Ashbrook.

"It's tough playing a game after a long break," Rosser said of his team, who last played on December 10. "We're just thankful that it wasn't a conference game, and we have some time to tune up."

Yarayah Evans (19 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) led a balanced attack in a game where all 11 Rhinos scored three or more points.

Other big contributors were Jamal Ukaegbu (16 points, 8 rebounds), Michael Smith (14 points, 7 rebounds), Dedrick Givens (10 points, 6 rebounds), Kirk Scoggins (10 points), Joshua Johnson (9 points, 5 rebounds), Asil Hoyle (9 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Ajaden Gray (9 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists).

Gaston College had 29 assists on its 41 made field goals. "We're trying to preach that a lot," Rosser said. "We don't want the ball to stick. Typically, when you make plays without dribbling, you can be successful."

Demetrius Martin had a game-high 23 points to lead Gaddis Watts, whom the Rhinos beat 125-75 in its November 2 regular season opener.

"I take my hat off to Gaddis Watts," Rosser said. "These guys travel around all over and play these games and are almost always overmatched. But to come out and fight the way they do says a lot about them."