Gaston College takes impressive road win to extend winning streak to eight

Gaston College's basketball team extended its winning streak to eight games and solidified it position to pursue a Region 10 title after Wednesday's 104-89 win at USC Salkehatchie.

Playing the nation's highest scoring team - the host Indians average 112.2 points per game - the Rhinos never trailed and overcame foul trouble to their top scorer and rebounder Kaleb Siler to improve to 25-3 overall and 10-2 in Region 10.

"Anytime you can go on the road and beat a good team like Salkehatchie it proves that you're coming together as a unit and guys are buying in," Gaston College coach Benny Moss said. "It was truly a 'next man up' mentality. When guys get in foul trouble like Kaleb did tonight, DeAngelo (Canty) came in a contributed. That's something I really like about this team.
"They're there for each other."

Ryan Evans (21 points, 8 rebounds), E.J. Joyner (18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists), Canty (13 points, 8 rebounds), Jozohn Price (11 points, 5 rebounds), Tony Goodman (9 points, 3 assists), Siler (8 points, 8 rebounds), J.R. Watson (7 points, 7 assists), Tin Tikvesa (7 points, 7 rebounds), Kush Carter (6 points, 3 assists, 3 blocks) and Spencer Breeden (4 points, 4 rebounds) led the Rhinos' balanced attack.

Gaston College now prepares for its home finale and "Sophomore Day" on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Gastonia's Ashbrook High School gymnasium against Region 10-leading Brunswick Community College (23-3, 9-1).

"I'm happy for the 10 sophomores," Moss said. "What a great job they have done with us in re-establishing the program. It's a tribute to the guys that came in as freshman last year and the guys who came in as transfers this year that have helped us take the next step.
"We have to do what we have to do to make sure those guys go out winners on their last home game.
"And what a great opportunity we have in playing Brunswick. You've got the two teams fighting at the top. They're a good, well-coached team and it'll take a special effort from us to take care of business and win the game."

Rhinos' sophomores that will be honored in a pregame ceremony are Carter, Joyner, Watson, Evans, Canty, Price, Michael Reaves, Breeden, Ben Stevens and Siler.