It may be many years before either side is no longer referred to as “Williamston,” “Riverside,” or “Plymouth.”

Refer to them by any name, but it is important to acknowledge that Washington County and Martin County are rivals.

No. 22 Washington County remained unbeaten with a 63-56 victory against Martin County in a crowded gymnasium where standing room was the only option.

In 2018, Washington County combined Plymouth and Creswell high schools to form one school. Similarly, Riverside and South Creek, two schools in Martin County, were also formed through consolidation in 2008. Jamesville and Williamston merged to create Riverside, while Roanoke and Bear Grass came together to form South Creek. Currently, these two schools are playing under one name until the official consolidation is complete.

Although they may have different names, the two schools located less than 30 minutes apart on U.S. Highway 64 have always regarded each other as a significant game on their schedule.

The phrase “Standing room only” did not remain true for the entire game. A scuffle occurred with 2 minutes and 15 seconds left, causing the baselines to be cleared in order to prevent any further escalation.

It was a highly physical competition filled with fouls and minimal shifts in the lead, but the difference in score remained within single digits for the majority of the game.

In the third quarter, Brandon Carter Jr. scored 17 points to lead the Panthers (15-0, 8-0). He frequently drove to the basket, helping to increase their lead from a narrow 24-21 at halftime.

The team from Martin County (12-7, 5-2) lost only one other game in the Four Rivers 1A/2A Conference, against Bertie. Jysen Shepard and Kel’Javious Moore each scored 13 points for Martin County.

Scoring Summary

The group from Martin County consisted of Jaquavion Sheppard (10), Jordan Matthewson (11), Kwhali Basnight (2), Jysen Shepherd (13), Kel’Javious Moore (13), Ty’quaious Baker (5), and Shyikeam Reid (1).

Washington County: Ke’Vontae Lucas 9, Brandon Carter Jr. 17, Amari Chesson 16, Mike’Hi Melvin 3, Christian Phelps 10, Jah’vier Ford 3, Ja’Quay Brown 4, Juelz Ford 3

Source: highschoolot.com