By Ryan Bisesi
rbisesi@salisburypost.com
ROBBINS — Late in the first half against North Moore on Friday night, North Rowan was called for a technical foul for having six players on the floor.
The way the game was going, the Mustangs would have thought North was playing with at least that many.
The gold and green highlight machine took its show on the road for another long Yadkin Valley Conference road trip and the hardest part was getting there. Once the Cavs were settled in, it was clear no Senior Night magic would be taking place in a 99-40 victory that clinched the third straight YVC title outright.
For the second straight game, the Cavs showed a level of play most 1A teams can’t reach. They’ll hope to resume that Tuesday at home against North Moore in the conference tournament.
“They go 10, 12 deep and still not lose a lot,” North Moore coach Grant Smith said. “I certainly wish them well moving forward.”
Junior Oshon West surpassed the 500-point mark for his two years at North (20-3, 15-1) with 18 points. West played his freshman year at North before heading to North Hills Christian last year.
“He’ll get 1,000 before it’s all over,” North coach Andrew Mitchell said. “I like to see these guys accomplish goals and hit milestones. Whenever they’re aware of it, it’s a good thing.”
Michael Connor scored 19 to lead the Cavs, who emptied their bench by the middle of the second quarter. Every player on the roster scored except for one. Malik Ford scored 12 and Pierre Givens and Joe Robinson scored nine apiece. For Robinson, it was a career high.
Defensively, the Cavs excelled again after allowing 19 points against Gray Stone Tuesday. The Mustangs didn’t score until midway through the first quarter.
“We came out and played defense like we worked on all week,” West said. “Coach told us to play defense like that, we’ll win.”
The North bench wanted to eclipse the century mark in the final minutes of the half, but Mitchell told his guys to lay off in the final minute.
“I think 100 points is overrated,” Mitchell said. “I want to get 100 points against South Davidson or Albemarle. If we get 100 points, that’s how I want to get it.”
North scored the first 11 points and led 15-2 just three minutes into action. Michael Connor started the game off with a steal and a layup and Michael Bowman followed on the next possession. Ford slammed home a dunk shortly thereafter and the Cavs’ swagger was all over the court.
“Any time you can finish No. 1, it’s a blessing” Mitchell said. “We’re thankful and humbled by that.”
Givens hit a 3 for a 15-2 edge and Connor scored two more baskets off steals and the rout was on. West hit a trey for a 24-5 advantage. North’s reserves came in with 2:20 left in the quarter and kept pounding. It was 36-8 after one quarter with the Cavs on pace for triple digits. They settled for their highest point-total of the year. North defeated Gray Stone 91-37 on Jan. 6.
“They’ve got so much talent at all their positions,” Smith said.
Halftime saw North go up 52-23. Givens hit a layup to start the half and Ford threw down an ally-oop.
“I was kind of hoping to get to 100,” Bowman said, “but it’s alright.”
NORTH ROWAN (99) — Connor 19, West 18, Ford 12, Givens 9, Robinson 9, Chambers 6, Bowman 6, Barber 6, Ellis 4, Kelly 3, Tate 3, Bates 2, Watlington 2, Holshouser.
NORTH MOORE (40) —Davis 12, Morrison 8, Marley 7, Bullard 5, Auman 4, M. Chisholm 2, P. Chisholm 2, Person.
N. Rowan 36 16 22 25 — 99
N. Moore 8 15 6 11 — 40