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Both East Rutherford teams had a great season, but the boys and girls fell in heart breakers at regionals this week from Greensboro.
East Rutherford boys led the entire way against North Rowan, but it wouldn’t hold up.
The Cavs fell down by three with under 15 seconds to go and East had two more looks from three, but missed both as the season ended in the Elite Eight of the 2A basketball playoffs.
North Rowan shot just 25 percent in the first half as East Rutherford held a 26-19 lead at the break. North Rowan nearly shot 50 percent in the second half and had four more blocks as East Rutherford lost 58-55.
Sadly, both Travis Waldroup Rodriguez and Devonte Boykins careers as Cavaliers are over with as well.
Similarly, East Rutherford girls led Franklin the whole way, but Rachel Camp fouled out late with 42 points. The Lady Cavs had a five point lead to start the final quarter, but the Lady Panthers were 51 percent from the field and 84 percent from the foul line in a 80-76 loss.
Camp, who goes down as the ladies best basketball player in Rutherford County sadly ends her high school career after leading them to the Elite Eight in 2A.
ACC player of the year: Many people are picking Jabari Parker or Marcus Paige for ACC Player of the Year, but they are wrong. If we are picking the best player in the conference, it has to go to T.J. Warren of N.C. State. Despite the overall record of N.C. State, Warren leads the conference in field goal percentage and points per game. The last time that happened, there was a guy by the name of Tim Duncan. We all know he had a great career at Wake Forest, but he is still doing well as a San Antonio Spur 17 years later.
Parker is definitely the ACC Freshman of the Year, but just because he may only be at Duke for one season, that doesn’t mean he should get the nod for ACC player of the Year.
If we want to talk about who means the most to a team, look no further than last year’s first team All-ACC selection in Joe Harris (Virginia). Harris doesn’t have the numbers that he posted last season, Harris has a better and more mature cast than a year ago. Harris will probably make second team this season.
ACC tourney teams: There is no doubt in my mind that Virginia Syracuse, Duke, North Carolina and Pitt are going to “The Big Dance.” Pitt is supposedly on the fence, but I think they are going to be okay. N.C. State, Florida State and Clemson are still bubble teams. I really believe all three get into the NIT unless they show extremely well if not win the whole ACC tourney this week.
And for those who wonder, here is my All-Rutherford County high school basketball teams for this year.
All Girls team
Rachel Camp (ER) Player of the Year. The best to ever step foot on court in Rutherford County. Over 3,000 career points.
Tia Bristol (RS) Fearless. 15.1 points, 10.3 rebounds per game
Te’Ja Twitty (RS) Tough inside and just a sophomore. 19.5 points, 14.2 boards per game.
Shay Dewberry (ER) Lightning fast down court and through the lane.
Justine Greene (ER) The best shot blocker of all in the county this season.
Tamara Blanton (ER) Became a notable three point shooter this season.
Kyra Davis (CH) Tough season for the Lady Trojans, but was a standout all along.
Rachel Tevis (TJCA) Led them to the 1A playoffs this season.
All Boys team
Devonte Boykins (ER) Player of the Year. You have to account for him at ALL times.
Travis Waldroup-Rodriguez (ER) Just edged by Boykins, despite slightly better offensive numbers.
Desmond Whitesides (R-S) Nobody played with more heart than him, nice second half season.
Jaylen Hollis (R-S) Extremely athletic, especially inside. 17 points, six boards per game.
Rashaun Whitesides (R-S) Height fools opponents, tough on the glass. 17 points, eight rebounds per game.
Kaleb McEntrye (ER) Best perimeter defender this season, got hot from 3 late.
Shakari Jackson (ER) Stellar second half season after slow start.
Tyrell Boykins (CH) Athletic scorer who posed biggest Trojan threat on court.
Jaylon Simmons (TJCA) Confidently could score from about anywhere.
Efrim Borders (TJCA) Quickest of all Gryphons, who could score and play a little defense too.
Nick Mintz (TJCA) Stepped up when needed at 11 points per game.
Mason Fenner (TJCA) 40 three point baskets as a Gryphon this year.
