The North Surry Greyhounds pulled off a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback to secure their second-round playoff victory against the Community School of Davidson Spartans on February 28, 2025. With only 25 seconds of lead time during the first three quarters, the Greyhounds found themselves trailing 48-41 with less than five minutes remaining. A remarkable final performance saw North Surry score 28 points, including 23 points within the last 4:39 of the game, culminating in a 64-58 win.
Entering the final quarter with only 36 points on the board, the Greyhounds embarked on a 23-8 run, demonstrating their resilience and sealing their third trip to the Sweet 16 within four years. Kam McKnight was the standout player, leading the charge with 22 points, 12 of which came during the decisive fourth quarter. After breaking the scoreless streak of more than three minutes, CSD's Dermot Lowry managed to hit two free throws to bring the game closer, slashing the Hounds' new lead to only two points.
Despite North Surry’s struggles with three-point shooting earlier, including only three successful shots from beyond the arc, the team utilized their excellent performance at the free-throw line to dominate. They hit a season-high of 25 free throws during the game, converting 19 of those opportunities solely during the last period. Fisher Leftwich played onboard, adding another 19 points to the score, along with Julius Brintle’s contribution of 10 points.
The Hounds faced tough competition against the Spartans, who were led by Lowry, the senior sharpshooter. Lowry unleashed his shooting prowess, hitting 5-of-8 three-point attempts for 29 points, underscoring his capability as he also marked six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, significantly keeping the Spartans within reach for much of the game.
While North Surry struggled to knock down three-pointers, their aggressive play both defensively and at the free-throw line provided the spark they needed. The team managed to ignite their offense with Kam McKnight’s pivotal sequence of plays—beginning with his pair of free throws, then assisting Brintle, and finally scoring to convert the squad’s first lead since starting the match. This shift came as McKnight forced a turnover within the full-court press, letting the Greyhounds capture the momentum.
The win for North Surry not only advances them but also draws parallels with their 2022-23 season when the team made it to the Sweet 16 following an 18-game winning streak. Back then, they hosted Lincoln Charter but faced disappointment with an overtime loss. This time, they prepare for another showdown with Lincoln Charter, who is coming off impressive wins against Providence Grove (82-56) and Mount Pleasant (70-65) for the Sweet 16, earning them the No. 6 seed from the 2A West.
Lincoln Charter had previously split from their meetings with the Community School of Davidson, losing their encounter on December 17, 2024, 75-70 before claiming victory during their rematch on January 28, 2025, with a score of 56-48. Now, the Hounds look to flip the script and advance far this season, aiming to avenge their last playoff defeat against the Eagles.
The upcoming playoff matchup promises to be exciting, with North Surry boasting their extensive defensive skills against Lincoln Charter. The resilience shown by the Greyhounds over the years gives them ample hope, and the recent victory seems to bolster their confidence heading forward.
Looking back on yesterday's game, North Surry's ability to rise back from the brink of elimination showcases their tenacity at such high-stake moments. Coach insists the pressure has only made the team stronger, and with fans rallying behind them, they believe they can go far this year.
North Surry ended the game against CSD with contributions from various players, showcasing teamwork and fight throughout. Aside from McKnight’s 22 points, Leftwich and Brintle’s contributions proved necessary as they beat the Spartans soundly late, gritting out their way to victory.
The final score summarizes the thrilling fourth-quarter performance of the Greyhounds: North Surry 64, Community School of Davidson 58, as they continue to push forward, aiming for the state championship and seeking redemption for past losses. Fans and players alike await the upcoming battles, excited with the season still alive and championship aspirations burning bright.
North Surry's basketball team has shown remarkable improvement through the seasons, proving they can stand tall under pressure. This resolve will be tested as they gear up again for another matchup against Lincoln Charter, as they cannot afford to overlook any part of their game during their path to the Sweet 16. Clearly, the Greyhounds have hit their stride at the right time, and many anticipate their performance against Lincoln Charter to be nothing short of electrifying.