MOORESVILLE—The slender 6-foot-7 scout inconspicuously exited Mooresville’s gym — believe it or not — before the first quarter of the Blue Devils’ game against East Rowan had even ended.
Mooresville put on such an impressive display in the first eight minutes that he didn’t need to watch any more.
But even after he left, the Blue Devils continued to show that they’re probably West Rowan’s toughest competition in the 3A North Piedmont Conference.
Mooresville jumped out to a 21-5 lead, led by 36 points after three quarters and cruised to a 79-56 win against East Rowan on Tuesday night.
The win puts the Blue Devils (13-4, 5-2) alone in second place behind the Falcons — who have taken notice. That scout was none other than West forward Junior Hairston, who was joined in the crowd by head coach Mike Gurley.
“(Mooresville) starts five seniors, and they are very quick, very athletic and they are very well-coached,” East coach Derek Kurnitsky said. “They’re good. They’re a legit playoff team that will go a couple rounds.”
Mooresville took apart the short-handed Mustangs (2-16, 0-7), who played their second game without injured star Matt Belk.
The Blue Devils hit 12 of their 17 shots in the second quarter alone, and committed only three turnovers in the first three quarters.
Mooresville put five players in double figures, led by Rakeem Brawley’s 15 points.
“They’re a lot quicker than us, so I didn’t want to press them,” Kurnitsky said. “If I pressed them, we’d give up layups at the other end, and I’ve only got nine guys.”
Caleb Miller led the way for East, scoring 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting. Kenny Abel pitched in with 12, and Adam Shepherd added eight.
Miller hit 3-for-6 from behind the 3-point arc and has now scored in double figures in his last five games.
Miller, who scored at least 10 points in three of East’s first 13 games, made an adjustment to his shot before the A.L. Brown contest, when he had 22 points to start the successful string.
“When you shoot the basketball, you have to stare at the rim, and he would stare at the basketball,” Kurnitsky said.
Said Miller, “I’ve just been staring at the rim and been trying to stay on balance. My teammates were throwing good picks for me and getting me open in the corner. That’s all I can ask for.”
The fiery Kurnitsky kept his emotions in check throughout the game. He encouraged his players and set goals before the fourth quarter that included talking to each other on defense and running an effective half-court offense.
East responded and outscored Mooresville’s reserves 25-12 in the final period.
“We have not quit,”Kurnitsky said. “We have played hard, we have competed, and that’s all I’ve asked. We’re behind the eight-ball without Belk, but we cannot use that as an excuse.”
EAST ROWAN (56) — Miller 13, Abel 12, Shepherd 8, Taylor 7, Cauble 6, Whitley 5, Talbert 5, Lefko, Harwood.
MOORESVILLE (79) — Brawley 15, Winford 14, Brice 13, McCorkle 12, Fish 11, McConnell 8, Lackey 6, Locey 4, Holly 3, Puckett 2, Vineyard 1.
East Rowan 7 15 9 25 — 56
Mooresville 21 30 16 12 — 79
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