Even without star point guard, Grafton still powerful in downing New Kent 78-45

New Kent's Austin Pierce takes advantage of a baseline screen set by teammate Kenny Woodley to drive to the basket and away from Grafton's Evan Sperling.

Alan Chamberlain photo

Grafton’s Clippers, the number one-ranked team in state Division 4 basketball, entered New Kent’s gym Friday night and did not damage their rating. The Clippers posted a 78-45 win over the Trojans.

The story behind the game, however, was the absence of Clipper standout point guard Cle’von Greene, the Bay Rivers’ leading scorer at better than 23 points per game. Sources say Greene has been dismissed from the team due to an incident involving an alleged stolen cell phone.

Greene’s departure deals a serious blow to the Clippers’ quest for a state championship, but other talented players populate the roster, ensuring the team should go deep into post-season play.

“They’re still very formidable, but you could see they missed him, especially Sperling,” New Kent coach Ronnie Cox said after Friday’s game, pointing to Clipper center Evan Sperling.

Sperling had a less than stellar night, missing two dunk tries while sinking just two of eight first half free throws and finishing with 16 points. He came in averaging over 19.

“Evan is a tremendous, gifted player, but not having a good point guard feeding you the ball makes a difference,” Cox said. “Ryan [Lugg] did a real good job frustrating him. Evan is usually a pretty cool customer, but I think Ryan got into his head a little bit.”

New Kent, meanwhile, exhibited improvement over the 83-21 debacle earlier this season on Grafton’s floor where they trailed 50-4 at the half. Just over a minute into Friday’s rematch, the Trojans had equaled their entire scoring output before halftime of the first game and led 4-2. The Clippers, however, got back on track behind three consecutive three-point baskets from Brent Parker that put the visitors in front to stay.

Despite falling behind 28-12 after one quarter, the hosts maintained their poise, making another run at the Clippers behind three baskets in the paint from Jason Whitlow and Lugg’s steal and lay-in to pull within 12 at 32-20. But a subsequent 8-0 Clipper run doubled the score on the hosts (40-20), and Grafton pulled away from there.

“I was impressed by our kids tonight,” Cox said. “We kept our heads up, and we weren’t intimidated by them.”

Trey Cox’s 12 points and 10 from Whitlow led New Kent, now 5-10. Lugg and Kyle Claytor each scored six followed by Justin Cox’s five, Kenny Woodley’s three, Austin Pierce’s two, and Cameron Claytor’s one.

“Our focus is to try to get better and play for the [conference] tournament,” coach Cox said. “We’re not panicking as much. We’re just maturing, and we’re seeing the benefits of staying disciplined.”