Staff report
GRANITE QUARRY — Concord knocked off Robinson last Friday, an unexpected result that sent shock waves throughout the South Piedmont Conference.
East Rowan was expected to lose big to the surging Spiders, who have gotten a lot healthier than they were in December, on Tuesday, but that didn’t happen. Concord was thrilled to get out of Granite Quarry with a 70-63 victory. Jayden Beyan scored 28, 14 in the first quarter, and Kyzen Coleman scored 20. That pulled the Spiders through. Concord (9-7, 4-3) is now tied for fourth in the South Piedmont Conference with West Rowan.
“We dug ourselves a hole by missing eight free throws, but then we battled our tails off to get back in it,” East head coach Trey Ledbetter said. “We executed very well offensively, took care of the ball, got great shots all night.”
The Mustangs compensated for a shaky start — and the 14-point deficit it got them — by significantly outplaying the visitors in the second quarter. Concord took a 39-33 lead to the second half.
After an even third quarter, the Mustangs (5-11, 1-6) were still very much in the game.
“We made 10 3-pointers, but when you live by the 3, you also can die by it,” Ledbetter said. “We cut their lead to two points twice, but they were able to hold on.”
Brady Ailshie led the Mustangs with three 3s and 17 points. Aiden Lino made two 3s and scored 14. Logan Bradley made two 3s and scored 12. Jaden Eudy scored eight, while Brayden Mulkey had seven.
“Proud of the effort from all of them,” Ledbetter said. “These guys have battled night in, night out, with every ounce of heart and will they have. There are a lot of games left, and we’re going to get some wins.”
Next for Concord is Carson. Next for East is their third meeting with West Rowan. West has won 65-59 and 64-55.
Concord 25 14 17 14 — 70
East 11 22 17 13 — 63
CONCORD — Beyan 28, Coleman 20, Childress 8, Sandford 5, Weatherspoon 4, Byrd 3, Hester 2.
EAST — Ailshie 17, Lino 14, Bradley 12, Eudy 8, Mulkey 7, Turner 3, Laughter 2.
