Gaston College returns to action after impressive first-half start

Gaston College's basketball program restarts after 23 days off on Saturday when the Rhinos begin their second semester schedule on Saturday at 2 p.m. against Charlotte's GaddisWatts Prep Academy at North Gaston High School.

"We are glad to be back in the swing of things after being off for Christmas Break," said Gaston College head coach David "Dickey" Nutt, who guided the Rhinos to a 9-5 record in the first semester. "It's always a good time to spend with our families, but we also know that being off three weeks can pose some problems. We have spent the last few days getting our conditioning and fundamentals back in place to prepare for the upcoming conference run."

Following Saturday's game, Gaston College returns to competitive Region 10 play with home games against USC-Salkehatchie next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at North Gaston and against Cape Fear Community College next Saturday at 2 p.m. at North Gaston High School.

The eight-team region features five teams that have either been nationally ranked or received votes for national rankings already this season.

Spartanburg Methodist (11-2, 1-0) is atop the league standings by virtue of a 69-56 win at Gaston College on Dec. 8 with Gaston College (9-5, 1-1) and Cape Fear (7-5, 1-1) currently tied for second; The Rhinos won 78-75 at Cape Fear on Dec. 4 in the school's first conference game in 50 years.

"I am very pleased with first semester grades with our guys which speaks volumes in reaching goals and living the right way," Nutt said of his team. We look forward to getting back on the floor for competition and know that conference play will be challenging with five of our eight members either in the top 25 or receiving votes."

The Rhinos started their first season in 50 years with six straight victories and have been led by a balanced attack.

Sophomore guard Damon Davis (15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists) leads the team in scoring and passing. Sophomore forward Kalil Camara (10.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists), who committed to NCAA Division I Jacksonville in December, leads in rebounding.

Freshmen Da'marco Watson (11.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists), Dee Merriweather (11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists), Naysean Baisy (9.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists), Dedrick Givens (6.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists), Jared Funderburk (6.4 points), Joshua Johnson (5.7 points, 2.4 rebounds), sophomores Jaylen Bates (11.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists) and Zavion Jackson (6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds) have been other top contributors.

"I want to encourage anyone that loves basketball to find a schedule and come watch these guys play," Nutt said. "I think you would be pleased to see this team perform."