A very intriguing game out east, as Goldsboro hit the road to take on Princeton. Both teams have a combined record of 35-3, as this looked to be a heated battle and a big win for either team. Both teams got going, but Goldsboro faced some early foul trouble, as Princeton was able to get out to a 14-12 first-quarter lead. At the start of the second quarter though, Goldsboro started to get things going and was able to turn a first-quarter deficit into a 9-point lead late in the quarter. 2023 Ta’Korrie Faison continued to be dominant and a force around the basket, attacking the boards and finishing strong while 2023 Tajmari Joyner also chipped in as well. But Princeton, led by 2023 Aden Taylor, was able to go on a late 5-0 run to cut the lead before halftime, finding themselves down 28-23.
Coming out in the second half, Goldsboro continued to attack and stay aggressive on both ends. They continued to pick up defensively and create havoc against Princeton, as well as attacking the offensive end. It is how they were able to build their lead back to double-digits midway through the third quarter, and eventually leading 51-39 at the end of three. Goldsboro was able to maintain its double-digit lead throughout much of the fourth quarter, but credit to Taylor and Princeton for never giving in, as they were able to cut it down to as many as five at the final buzzer but Goldsboro was able to walk away with the win.
Final: Goldsboro 62 – Princeton 57
Stats:
Goldsboro: Amari Latham 20pts, Ta’Korrie Faison 18pts, Tajmari Joyner 17pts
Princeton: 33pts
Thoughts:
New ECU commit 2023 Ta’Korrie Faison (Goldsboro) has certainly had a strong season putting up some impressive stats. He continues to be a physical presence for this team, and has a great knack for attacking the boards, creating second-chance points, and finishing strong and through contact. You can see that he is still working on his outside consistency to add more to his game, but you can’t deny his lunch-pail mindset around the basket, his athleticism, and his overall physicality.
2023 Aden Taylor (Princeton) is another prospect that has had a great year, as the unsigned senior should be catching more eyes with his overall production. He is a 6’2 guard that knows how to be effective, how to create and make plays off the dribble, finds ways to get downhill and covers a ton of ground, and just does so much for his team. Really impressed with how he was able to finish over and around defenders in the lane, get to the line consistently, and his ability to compete on the boards.
Other players that captured my attention: 2024 Amari Latham (Goldsboro) continues to be an intriguing prospect with his size, his length and mobility, his versatility, and athleticism. Made several plays around the basket and flourished well out in transition. 2023 Tajmari Joyner (Goldsboro) also played really well in this game. Played hard, great motor, and was extremely active in getting and scoring around the basket in this one. One of those guys that has had a strong season and continue to be consistent, but that might not get all the attention.
