Roger Whitehead
RAMSEUR — Eastern Randolph High School dropped a 59-56 verdict to visiting Union Pines in nonconference boys varsity basketball action last week.
The Wildcat girls improved to 3-2 with a 64-58 triumph over the Vikings, pulling out the win in overtime. In the boys game, Eastern Randolph suffered a cold-shooting third period to drop to 3-2.
Eastern Randolph rallied from a 27-20 halftime deficit to gain a tie to send the contest into the extra period. The Wildcats came out the second half and outscored Union Pines 19-9 in the third period.
Logan Castleberry led ERHS with 26 points, including four 3-pointers. Shelly Lowe chipped in 11.
In the boys game, Eastern Randolph seemed in control early on, taking a 18-15 first-quarter lead. The Vikings carried a 43-33 lead into the final eight minutes.
The Cats found their offense in the fourth quarter, rolling up 23 points, but UP fought off the late challenge.
ERHS had a balanced scoring attack with Steven King, Antwon Brickhouse and James Cannon all collecting 12 points. Jake Millikan scored 11.
Holiday cage tourney
ASHEBORO – Action in the 18th annual Holiday Basketball Tournament tips off this weekend with Asheboro High School serving as host.
The girls edition gets under way Saturday as all six Randolph County public high schools, North Moore and Jordan-Matthews of Siler City take part. Four games will be on tap each day of the tournament, with afternoon and evening sessions. The girls event is Dec. 20, 22 and 23.
First round play has North Moore facing Providence Grove at 2 p.m. followed by Asheboro versus Jordan-Matthews at 3:30. In the evening, it’ll be Eastern Randolph against Trinity at 6:30 p.m. then Randleman meeting Southwestern Randolph at 8.
The semifinals on Monday will feature both losers bracket starting at 2 p.m. and winners bracket at 6:30 p.m. Competition closes on Tuesday with the seventh place game at 2 p.m., fifth place at 3:30 and championship tilt at 8. The boys bracket will follow the same setup and will be played Dec. 27, 29 and 30.
Grapplers place
WINSTON-SALEM – Eastern Randolph posted a 4-5 record in the two-day Mount Tabor Super Wrestling Duels.
The Wildcats got off to a fast start, rolling up a 3-1 record the first day but notched just a single win on the second day.
Several ER matmen enjoyed success in the tournament as Garrett Grevenstuk (119), Bryant Beane (130), Eric Tozzi (145) and Jacob Deaton (215) all racked up 9-0 records. Ryan Reneck (112) and Cody Muelbach (145) both were 8-1.
After losing to Surry Central (48-26) in the opening match, Eastern Randolph rolled to wins over Mount Airy (48-24), Mount Tabor (42-26) and East Wilkes (54-24). A.J. Sudsberry had a 2-1 ledger.
Eastern Randolph moved to 5-10 on the season.
