Controversial call impacts boys’ game
By Peter Vankevich
Ocracoke School boy’s team (4-11) lost a heartbreaker to the Columbia Wildcats 48-47 Tuesday during the match in the Ocracoke School gym.
Taking a 24-16 lead at the half, the third quarter saw the Wildcats rebound outscoring the Dolphins 21-10 to take a 37-34 lead. Matteus Gilbert, who is developing a reputation for being a strong second half player, scored all 10 points for the Dolphins. Fourteen of his game-high 19 points were in the second half.
The Dolphins rallied in the fourth quarter to regain the lead and the score went back and forth several times. With less than three minutes remaining, the Dolphins had a major setback when the referee got confused with two players, and called the foul on number 30, Evin Caswell. The foul should have been on number 20, Carson O’Neal as Evin was not even close to the play when the foul was called. In spite of practically everyone in the gym pointing out the number discrepancy, the referee refused to correct the mistake.
As a result, Evin fouled out and missed the crucial remaining minutes. Wildcat Keion Holloway hit the last jumper with about one minute remaining to take the lead and final score 48-47.
In the girls’ game, the Lady Dolphins (13-2) started slow, with an 8-7 first quarter lead, but got their game going when they went on a 16-1 run to close the half with a 24-9 lead. The final score was 43-24.
The team played without Sydney Austin who was still suffering from an injury in the first quarter of last Saturday’s game. Lucy O’Neal was high scorer with 21 points. Bricia Moreno was second high scorer with 16 points including four 3-pointers. Karen Perez added four points and Katie O’Neal two to round out the team’s scoring.
Coach Adam Burleson was very pleased with how well the team played without Sydney.
“Not only are we not getting Syd’s 20 points or so, but she also gets 10 rebounds per game,” he said.
The teams go on the road this weekend playing the Perquimans Pirates (Hertford County) Friday (Jan.23); girls starting at 5:30 p.m.; boys to follow.
On Saturday afternoon, the teams will take on the Gates County Red Barons, girls starting at 1 p.m., boys to follow.
Connections permitting, the games will be broadcast on WOVV, 90.1 FM on the island and online at WOVV.org.
