Matthew Gorry | The Elkin Tribune
Elkin’s Chris Hudspeth pulls up in transition Friday night against Alleghany.
Matthew Gorry | The Elkin Tribune
Elkin’s Sam Lane throws down a two-hand slam Friday night against Alleghany.
Matthew Gorry | The Elkin Tribune
Elkin’s Frank Miller fires a three-pointer Friday night against Alleghany.
SPARTA - The scope of the 1A side of the Mountain Valley Conference has shifted. At least for one night.
After being swept by Alleghany in all three meetings last season, the Buckin’ Elks exact revenge Friday night in a big way.
Elkin turned in arguably its best first-half performance of the season, jumping out to a 39-21 lead at the break before coasting to a 59-46 victory
“I feel good. We are actually better this season than last year. I say that because the kids have grown up and have an extra year of experience,” head coach Kenneth Abrams explained. “It was really sweet to get this one tonight; a little bit of revenge. We needed this win.
“Transition game worked for us tonight. I knew they couldn’t run with us. We had a good team effort; really solid team effort, especially on defense. It was a good win,” he added.
The Elks came out on fire and went up 13-4 in the opening three minutes after three three-point plays. Elkin pushed its lead out to 20-12 after one quarter of action.
In a team effort in the first half, Sam Lane, Frank Miller and Kody King powered the Elks to a 12-1 run to open the second half. Elkin went into the locker room in control up 39-21 in one of the most dominant halves of the season.
“Whenever you get that big lead, it seems like the kids have more confidence. And you can afford to make a mistake here and there,” Abrams said. “We went up eight or 10 points, I could see the light in my kids’ eyes. We just attacked the basket more aggressively. It was a face-paced game, which is how we wanted it.”
The pace slowed in the second half offensively as Elkin clamped down defensively. The Elks led 50-33 after three quarters.
Elkin made plays on both ends of the floor to seal the 59-46 victory and capture their second Mountain Valley Conference victory of the young season.
“We’re happy right now, but we’re still need to work,” Abrams said. “But tonight was a good solid team effort.”
Lane and Miller paced the Elkin offense with 17 points apiece, while King finished with a dozen points on the night. Tyrek Hayes added seven points as seven Elks scored in the game.
Elkin (5-3, 2-0), riding a four-game win streak, will take on defending conference champion Wilkes Central Tuesday night at home.
Reach Matthew Gorry at 835-1513 or mgorry@heartlandpublications.com.
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