Gaston College celebrates "Sophomore Day" with win to close out season
You could not have scripted Gaston College's final game of its first season any better.
The Rhinos finished with an 18-10 overall record on a night in which four honored sophomores all had big nights in a 106-93 win over Hosanna Bible College at the South Point High School gymnasium.
With Jaylen Bates (36 points, 5 rebounds), Damon Davis (14 points, 4 assists), Kalil Camara (13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocked shots) and Zavion Jackson (8 points, 7 rebounds) leading the way in their final games, Gaston College scored the game's first 15 points and led 26-3 before crusing to a comfortable season-ending win.
The four sophomores were honored before Monday's game.
"It was a great night but it is a bittersweet night" said Rhinos coach David "Dickey" Nutt, whose team won six of its last seven games and went 8-6 in Region 10 Division I competition to finish one game out of first place. "It is a shame that we are not eligible for post season play being a startup program and in its first year, because these guys are just now playing their best basketball. As we know, it takes time to jell and mature as a team, and this team is just as good if not the best team in the conference at this moment."
"I really am proud of our sophomores. Those guys came and committed to me and (associate head) coach (Jamie) Rosser and our program when we didn't have uniform, a place to play or practice or even a ball and they said 'we will do it.'" Damon Davis, Zavion Jackson, Kalil Camara and Jaylen Bates. There will always be a special place in my heart for these guys and this whole group for committing to come play for us here at Gaston College. The foundation had to be set with guys with outstanding character first and foremost, and these guys have it. I could not be more proud of a group of guys that have overcome so much to make this happen. For this, I am most thankful."
Also contributing to Monday's win for the Rhinos were freshmen DaMarco Watson (9 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists), Joshua Johnson (8 points), Dee Merriweather (8 points) and Jared Funderburk (7 points). "DeMarco Watson has a chance to be preseason player of the year next season in conference play with a really good summer. He turned out to be one of our most valuable players. I have really enjoyed watching him develop over the last 6 months."
Bates' 36 points and Watson's 13 assists were Gaston College single-game records for this season.
"We have several guys returning for next season and then we will add to this group with some very strong recruiting," Nutt said.
Monday's crowd, arguably the biggest for a home game this season, included Gaston College's women's cross country, beach volleyball and softball teams as well as the baseball team along with numerous students and supporters.
"We appreciate our fans and students coming out tonight and making this indeed a home court advantage," Nutt said. "The noise in this place was crazy tonight.
"On a final note, we thank all of our venues this year - South Point High, North Gaston High, Gaston Christian and Piedmont Charter - for hosting us for our home schedule. We also thank our broadcasting stream team, which proved to be the best in the country this year with all of our sports."
