LANDIS — Bryan Withers didn’t even notice the score until about a minute left in the first quarter when an assistant nudged him.
“He told me, ‘They haven’t scored,’ ” Withers said.
That first period ended with South up 18-0 and the Raiders cruised from there to an easy 73-39 victory.
South was led by Josh Medlin (23 points) and Shawn Spry (14), while receiving contributions from 11 players, including Chandler Corriher, who was one of three Raiders with eight. He drilled two 3-pointers.
“The guys really like Chandler because they know he can shoot,” Withers said. “Even when he missed, they were good shots.”
Tvadis Wesley also had eight points and Withers wants him to shoot more. But his defense was a key.
“His stuff doesn’t show up in the scorebook,” Withers said. “He gives us that certain toughness.”
But with all the scoring, it was hard to overlook the defensive effort early. It was what propelled South to a 5-3 record and a share of the North Piedmont Conference lead after the league opener.
“It was hard for them to even get a shot,” Withers said. “We were really aggressive defensively. Shawn was all over the place. Josh and Wesley played well.
Medlin scored seven of his points and Qwan Rhyne had six of his eight in the first period.
“I was worried about this game,” Withers admitted. “We were coming off that Kannapolis win (Friday) and I didn’t know how they would react.”
Withers was also a little worried after the Raiders built a 39-10 halftime lead. The Raiders gave up 18 in the third.
“I could see the intensity going away,” he said, “but it’s human nature.”
The first-quarter defense won’t soon be forgotten.
“I had never been in a quarter like that,” Withers said.
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NOTES: South Rowan takes on Central Davidson at home on Thursday.

WEST IREDELL (39) — Weaver 11, Messick 11, Sells 10, Reed 7.
SOUTH ROWAN (73) — Medlin 23, Spry 14, Corriher 8, Rhyne 8, Wesley 8, Holbrook 3, Oulette 2, Carter 2, Garlin 2, Tyler 2, Miller 1, Goldston.

W. Iredell 0 10 18 11 — 39
S. Rowan 18 19 21 15 — 73