High school boys basketball: Mustangs get first win, hold off Raiders in Pauley’s debut

Key Takeaways:

• East Rowan ended a 14-game losing streak with a 60-53 win over South Rowan.
• Brody Thomas led the Mustangs with a career-high 26 points.
• South Rowan’s losing streak extended to a county-record 57 consecutive games.
• The game marked the debut of South Rowan’s interim head coach, Justin Pauley.
• Free-throw shooting was decisive, with East Rowan making 16 of 25 attempts versus South Rowan’s 6 of 20.

East Rowan Secures First Win of the Season

In a thrilling South Piedmont Conference matchup on Friday night, the East Rowan Mustangs clinched their first victory of the season by defeating the South Rowan Raiders 60-53 on the Raiders’ home court. This win not only halted East Rowan’s 14-game losing streak but also marked a significant milestone for head coach Trey Ledbetter, who celebrated his first win since returning to lead the team.

A Career Night for Brody Thomas

Leading the charge was junior forward Brody Thomas, who poured in a career-high 26 points. Thomas showcased his versatility by dominating the offensive glass, running the floor effectively, and driving aggressively to the basket. He also contributed from beyond the arc and was reliable at the free-throw line. “South really focused a lot of their defense on taking Logan Bradley away, and that left some driving lanes open for Thomas,” Coach Ledbetter explained. “He took advantage.”

Challenges and Changes on Both Sides

The Mustangs faced a tumultuous week, dealing with the loss of freshman Brady Ailshie to injury and making roster adjustments that included bringing up junior varsity players like Parker McGinnis. “We pieced it together with jayvee kids,” Ledbetter noted, highlighting the team’s resilience.

For the Raiders, the game marked the debut of interim head coach Justin Pauley, who stepped in over the Christmas break following the departure of Daniel Blevins. Pauley’s introduction aimed to rejuvenate a team grappling with an extended losing streak, now standing at 57 consecutive games—a county record.

A Competitive Battle Until the End

Despite both teams being eager for a victory, the game remained fiercely competitive. East Rowan held the lead for most of the game, but South Rowan consistently challenged that advantage. The Raiders mounted a notable 12-0 run bridging the first and second quarters, briefly taking the lead at 18-15. Key contributions came from players like Carter Rohletter, who hit multiple three-pointers, and Jelani King, who returned to action to add 11 points, numerous rebounds, and five blocked shots. “King changes some things for South,” admitted Ledbetter. “We weren’t expecting him.”

Decisive Moments and Key Plays

A critical factor in the game’s outcome was free-throw shooting. The Mustangs capitalized on their opportunities, going 16-for-25 from the stripe, while the Raiders struggled, hitting just 6 of 20 attempts. “East won the game at the foul line—while the Raiders lost it there,” the match report summarized.

In the final quarter, East Rowan made decisive plays to secure their lead. Logan Bradley, who had been closely guarded throughout the game, hit a crucial three-pointer and a challenging floater. Jaden Reid added a tough follow-up shot, navigating around King’s defense to extend the Mustangs’ advantage.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the victory, Ledbetter expressed optimism: “It’s always fun to win.” The Mustangs aim to build on this momentum as they progress through the season. For the Raiders, Pauley’s debut signals the beginning of a new chapter as they continue to seek their first win and break the daunting losing streak.

Game Statistics

Final Score:

East Rowan 15 18 8 19 — 60

South Rowan 11 10 11 21 — 53

Scorers for East Rowan:

• Brody Thomas: 26 points
• Aiden Lino: 12 points
• Corbin Krider: 9 points
• Logan Bradley: 5 points
• Jaden Reid: 5 points
• Shive: 2 points
• Parker McGinnis: 1 point

Scorers for South Rowan:

• Carter Rohletter: 14 points
• Jadon Moore: 11 points
• Jelani King: 11 points
• Brooks Overcash: 7 points
• Corbin Goodman: 6 points
• Littlejohn: 4 points

The victory for East Rowan not only ends a challenging period but also sets the stage for potential growth and success in the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, South Rowan continues to strive for improvement under new leadership, holding onto hope for a turnaround in the games ahead.