FINAL: NO. 2 EAST BURKE 75, NO. 3 NEWTON-CONOVER 65
East Burke enters Thursday's contest with a 18-7 record, while Newton-Conover enters with a 16-9 record.
The Cavaliers start out on a 8-0 run early in Thursday's nightcap. The Red Devils committ six early fouls, including four offensive.
East Burke led 15-13 at the end of the first quarter.
Newton-Conover powered its way to a 32-28 halftime lead behind 10 points from Shuford, six points from Shane Laws and five points from Kevin Cline.
HALFTIME: NO. 3 NEWTON-CONOVER 32, NO. 2 EAST BURKE 28
Leaders
Newton-Conover: Tyoun Shuford 10 points, Shane Laws six points, Kevin Cline five
East Burke: Trevor Hyatt 12 points, Clay Byrd nine points
Clay Byrd, who scored nine points in the first half for East Burke, exploded in the third quarter, scoring 16 points. He made four of his five three-point attempts in the quarter, as well.
Byrd's effort, only with six points from Hyatt, carries the Cavaliers to a 51-44 lead entering the fourth quarter.
East Burke wins 75-65 behind 34 points from Clay Byrd, including 25 in the second half. Teammate Trevor Hyatt added 24 points.
Tyoun Shuford led N-C with 23 points, while Kevin Cline pitched in 13 points.