Hilliard leads Asheboro over Eastern Randolph County 78-42

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RAMSEUR — In the second games of the season, Asheboro swept Randolph County foe Eastern Randolph at ERHS Tuesday night as the boys picked up a 78-42 win and the girls earned a 64-43 victory.

“Believe it or not, this is one of the better teams I’ve had in terms of talking on the floor,” AHS coach Brian Nance said. “They don’t mind talking to each other. We really want those loose balls and to make the hustle plays. It makes up for our lack of size.”

Asheboro (2-0) led by as many as 17 in the first quarter and as many as 30 in the second, forcing 26 turnovers.

Saegan Hilliard had 17 points, 12 assists, and 7 steals to pace the Blue Comet effort…..

“We wanted to pressure them early,” Nance said. “We knew we had a step on them with their kids not being in basketball shape yet. Eastern Randolph isn’t nearly as good as it’s going to be later in the season.”

Eastern Randolph coach Seth Baxter said he was disappointed with his team’s effort at the beginning of the game.

“It was nonexistent,” he said. “I can take losing — Asheboro’s a good team, but it’s about heart and desire. I’m sure 20 of our turnovers were on the first or second pass — we didn’t get a shot off. But, we had two kids who’ve never played varsity step on the court. We’ll work hard and continue to get after it.”

Asheboro leaders, Saegan Hilliard and Dayshun Jones each notched 17 points for AHS, while Antonio Thomas added 12.