Nick Perry, CFNN Reporter

The 3A NCHSAA basketball state playoffs are underway! On Tuesday, the 11th seeded Colts hosted 22 seed East Wake and came away with a historic 63-48 win! The victory advances the Colts to the 2nd round for the first time in fifteen years. The Colts had not made it past the first round since 2005, so getting that win was great not only for the team, but for the school as well.

Freshman Tremayne Parker scored a game-high 22 points, adding 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. Parker found his rhythm early in the contest, hitting back to back jumpshots to keep the Colts steady.  He also showed some cat-like agility as he added in several acrobatic layups to the delight of the home crowd.  

‘’If you don’t believe in yourself then no one else will,’’ Parker said. “We worked hard to get here.  We’re going to keep working.”

Senior Marquail James also added 14 points to the Colts tally.  James pressured the Warrior defense with several penetrating drives to the basket, helping the Colts gain momentum and stretch their lead to 10 points at the half. James seemed to be everywhere on Tuesday evening.  He pulled down rebounds on both ends of the court. He picked up two key steals. He out-hustled everyone on the court.

“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,’’ James said afterward. ’’Because I’m a senior, I want it more than anyone else, so I am going to play the hardest I possibly can. It’s win or go home, and I’m not ready to go home yet.”

As time ran out, Parker intercepted a desperate East Wake pass, starting a fast break and throwing an alley-oop to Senior Stud Marquail James for a strong dunk. The gym erupted and the fans went crazy. That about summed up the night for the Colts.  They moved faster, shot better, and hustled more than their opponent. The boys looked like a team ready to make a run through the playoffs.

Coach Alphonsa Kee was elated after the game. “A tremendous program win. Our team was able to benefit from a talented and tough PAC 9 Conference, he said. “Young kids grew up fast and veterans showed great effort and true leadership.”

On Thursday, the Colts face 6th seeded West Carteret from Morehead City. The Patriots boast a record of 21-4, and are a traditional coastal powerhouse. Good luck to the team!