FAIRLEA- After a crushing 62-48 loss to Princeton back on January 13, the Greenbrier East Spartans looked to avenge that defeat on Tuesday night, Feb. 10 at home against the Tigers in a crucial regional battle that would go a long way towards seeding in the regional tournament in a few weeks.
After jumping out to a big lead early, the Spartans were able to hold on for a thrilling 75-69 win, their 10th victory of the season.
Nathan Dixon had the hot hand early for Greenbrier East and was feeling “it” from all over the floor. He finished the first quarter with 14 points, but Princeton’s star, Jayce Gum, answered often and finished the quarter with nine points, on three 3-pointers. Brody Hamric had an impressive driving one-handed dunk that got the crowd fired up early as well as the Spartans led 24-19 after one quarter.
Dixon and Hamric started the second period with back-to-back buckets then over the next couple possessions, Sam Hawver scored four straight points for a 30-23 East lead. Gum was held down in the second quarter for the most part, but right before halftime, he scored five points and the Tigers kept hanging around as the Spartans (10-5) held a 40-34 lead at the break.
Dixon started the third like he did the first and scored the first eight Spartan points, including two 3s and then midway through the quarter, Greenbrier East had built a 52-36 advantage and looked like they were going to run the Tigers back to Princeton with a blowout loss to take back with them.
But that didn’t happen.
Wyatt Cline, Brad Mossor–a WVU football commit–and Gum all played well and kept the Tigers (6-8) within striking distance. In fact, Gum scored the third period’s final eight points and what looked like a Spartan domination was just a 57-51 advantage heading to the fourth.
Princeton actually took the lead with 5:10 to play at 60-59 after a jumper from freshman guard Ty Hawkins, but Hawver answered on the other end for the Spartans. Burns then scored three quick points to give East a 65-60 lead, but he then missed five consecutive free throws that could have all but iced the game, but he followed those miscues up by making four of his next five over the next couple of minutes, and then Dixon iced it with two of his own as the Spartans escaped with a much-needed victory.
The Spartans shot 56 percent from the field and were led by Dixon with 28 points. Hamric had 15 and Burns added 13. Braylen Godfrey scored 9 and Hawver had 8.
The Tigers shot 47 percent from the field and Gum led them in scoring with 28 points. Hawkins added 16 for Princeton.
The Spartans have a day off and then will return to their home court this Thursday night, Feb. 12 for an anticipated matchup with the Woodrow Wilson Flying Eagles. East beat Beckley 58-56 back on December 16 at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center.
