Bears take key sub-region contest, host Jefferson Friday
By Allen Smith Staff Writer

Brian Bell lays the ball in on a fast break.

Burke County looks to extend its winning streak this week when they host Jefferson County Friday night. Last week, the Bears defeated Harlem, Liberty County and Evans to go 6-0 on the season.

In the 62-52 win over Liberty, the Bears led at the end of the first period but trailed at the half 27-26. Both Dustin Golden and DaVonda Lewis scored most of their points in the second half. Golden had 14 of his 17 points in the final two periods. Lewis had 8 of his 10 during the same time.

“Last night at Liberty was one of our biggest wins so far,” coach Purvis Dukes said.

Last year, the Panthers won the region and went as far as

the final four. So defeating them at their place was huge for the Bears. And, it was the first subregion contest of the season.

“We were down at the half for the first time this year,” Dukes explained. “We came out in the second half and put it all together. I was really pleased with the guys’ efforts. In the last three or four games we had four guys averaging in the

double-digits. That’s the making of a good team. Guys are sharing the ball and that’s what you’ve got to have in order to have a good basketball team.”

Against the Evans Knights, the Bears were a head shorter in key positions when the game started. It did not matter to the Burke County squad. The Bears ran through the taller players and continued to ramp up its

lead. They led 29-23 at the half, 48-36 at the end of the third; and won the game 70-62.

In the win, Julius Patterson had 18 points. Both Michael Simpson and Lewis had 13 each. Lewis’ first 9 points came on a trio of 3-pointers. Maurice Doyle had 11 points, and Golden sunk 5-6 from the line in the fourth to add 9 of his own.