VGCC Vanguards take on JV Tar Heels
The Vance-Granville Community College Vanguards men’s basketball team made history on Jan. 16, playing the University of North Carolina JV team at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill. Not only was it VGCC’s first foray onto one of college basketball’s most well-known courts, but it was also the first time that a UNC JV game had ever been broadcast on the radio. Henderson-based WIZS 1450 AM carried the Saturday morning game live.
The first meeting of the two programs marked the realization of a longtime goal of VGCC head coach Michael Woody, giving his players a unique experience. “Playing in the ‘Dean Dome’ and bathing in that basketball environment is truly a dream come true for all who participated and witnessed VGCC’s historic competition against one of the most storied programs globally,” Woody said.
Unfortunately for VGCC fans, the result of the contest was a 119-69 victory for the hot-shooting Tar Heels. Aaron Robinson of Graham (12 points) and Darius Williams of Hemingway, S.C., (10 points) were the only Vanguards to score in double figures. Anthony Mims of Henderson led in rebounds, with four.
Meanwhile, in Region X conference action, the Vanguards lost to Patrick Henry Community College, 72-67, on Jan. 13, to Louisburg College, 101-53, on Jan. 18, and to Lenoir Community College, 102-83, on Jan. 19. All three games were on the road.
At Patrick Henry, Joseph Avery of Fayetteville was VGCC’s leading scorer, with 19 points. Williams posted 9 rebounds to lead in that category. Ty’Quon Reid of Durham led in assists (6) and steals (4). The Vanguards made what a Virginia newspaper called “a valiant comeback effort” in the second half that almost upset the nationally-ranked Patriots.
In the game at Louisburg, another nationally-ranked team, Reid had 12 points to lead the Vanguards, but was followed closely by Williams, with 11 points. Reid also had three steals. Donal Gooch of Raleigh contributed four rebounds.
Reid had another big game versus the Lancers of LCC, putting up 31 points, six assists and three steals. Tyrek Beverly of Oxford contributed 16 points. Gooch led in rebounding, with 10.
VGCC returns home on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m., to face another conference opponent, Catawba Valley Community College, at Aycock. Admission is free.
Above: VGCC’s Darius Williams (2) in action versus the UNC JV squad. He scored 10 points in the Jan. 16 game. (VGCC photo/Mark Dolejs)
