Record-setting 3-point shooting lifts Gaston College past Cape Fear Community College

Six days since a disappointing loss in its Region 10 opener, Gaston College found its footing - and its 3-point shot - in a convincing 85-60 victory over Cape Fear Community College on Saturday afternoon at Gastonia's Ashbrook High gymnasium.

The Rhinos knocked down a school-record 15 3-pointers as Jordan Guthrie and Dee Merriweather hit six apiece and Asil Hoyle added three.

The key to Gaston College's success was unselfishness, according to head coach Jamie Rosser.

"When the ball doesn't stick, it's hard to guard," said Rosser, whose team had 24 assists on its 30 made field goals. "The pass is always faster than the dribble. And if you're sharing the ball like that, it's always fun basketball."

The Rhinos improved to 10-4 overall and 1-1 in Region 10 six days after losing 86-75 at home against Brunswick Community College in a game in which Gaston College led by nine at halftime.

"What we wanted to do today was to make up for last week's loss," Rosser said. "But we also wanted to channel the last three practices we had and take it to the game. And that's exactly what we did."

Guthrie had all six of his 3-pointers in the opening half and finished with a game-high 22 points. Merriweather hit five of his six 3-pointers in the second half and finished with 18 points. Hoyle hit two of his three 3-pointers in the second half and also had 18 points. Hoyle also had four assists and Tyree Bracey (12 points, 6 rebounds), Yarayah Evans (5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocked shots), Jamal Ukaegbu (4 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists), Dedrick Givens (4 points, 4 rebounds) and DaMarco Watson (9 assists, 7 rebounds) were key contributors to another balanced attack.

"My freshmen Asil and Tyree played well, sophomores Dee Merriweather and Jordan Guthrie made shots, Yarayah went out there and played tough, Dedrick Givens came off the bench and gave us minutes.
"But look at DaMarco Watson. He had zero points. But he had nine assists and seven rebounds. When you have a team that's unselfish, you can really have fun."

Guthrie and Merriweather credited their teammates for their help in their hot-shooting games.

"It feels really good to knock down shots," Guthrie said. "But I have to give credit to my team for getting me open. Coach has been talking about being unselfish - and I think we showed that unselfishness tonight."

Merriweather, whose father Marty came in from Memphis, Tennessee, to watch him play, said recent practices also helped.

"We had intense practices," Merriweather said. "But it translated to the game today. It helped us get better."

The previous school record for 3-pointers was 14 in the team's 2021-22 finale against Hosanna Bible College last season. The previous high for 3-pointers this season was 11 against Double Exposure Hoops Academy on January 11.

Gaston College returns to action on Wednesday at Ashbrook against Hosanna Bible College at 8 p.m.