The time has come for No. 7 ranked Farmville Central’s boys basketball team to start their climb to the top of the 2A basketball scene.

In the last ten years, the Jaguars have thrived by performing well at the start of the year and using that momentum to prepare for spring basketball.

2024 has been a promising year for the reigning 2A champions, as they have secured two victories in conference away games this week. On Friday night, they emerged triumphant with a score of 82-59 against Washington.

Alex Moye was the top scorer with 23 points in a well-balanced offensive effort, as almost all of the team’s starting lineup scored in double digits. This was a career-best for Moye.

Moye, MJ Williams, and Hampton Evans were instrumental in starting the offense strong by contributing 15 out of the team’s 22 points in the first quarter.

After trailing 22-14 in the first quarter, the Pam Pack fought back. Gary Payne dominated in the low post, scoring 6 of his 14 total points for the game.

However, Farmville Central had a solution.

In the second quarter, J.D. Daniels’ skill at driving to the basket and scoring caused trouble for Washington. Five players from the Jaguars team scored during this time, and their proficiency at scoring near the basket created opportunities for Tyler Whitehurst to make three-point shots from both corners in the first half.

Williams and Daniels took Farmville to the locker room with a 12-point lead, the biggest of the evening.

In the third quarter, the Jaguars quickly increased their lead to more than 20 points. Moye easily weaved through the defense and even made a buzzer-beating three-point shot at the end of the quarter. He scored a total of 23 points, with 11 of them coming in the third period.

In the fourth quarter, Moye continued to perform well, scoring an additional 6 points. Chris Rhodes also joined in on the excitement, making three three-pointers in the second half. Chaise Smith, a standout sophomore guard for Washington, contributed 10 of his 14 points in the third and fourth quarters.

The Jaguars, with a current record of 11-1, will proceed with their six-game away series on Tuesday as they head to West Craven. Farmville Central is currently undefeated with 3 wins in league games.

On Saturday night, Washington will hold its 252 versus 919 showcase, with their 8-4 record at stake against Goldsboro.

Farmville Central Scoring:

• Moye, 23
• Williams, 11
• Daniels, 10
• Whitehurst, 10
• Evans, 9
• Rhodes, 9
• Barnes, 4

Washington Scoring:

• Smith, 14
• G. Payne, 14
• Davenport, 12
• Williams, 11
• Daniels, 6
• J. Payne, 2

Source: highschoolot.com