Conference play to begin Friday

Big East

Rocky Mount (10-2) vs. Wilson Fike (7-6)

Season so far: Only 12 games into the 2017-18 season, the Gryphons sit at 10-2, the same number in the win column as last year’s team.

It’s been a different climate and attitude so far, said Rocky Mount coach Michael Gainey, whose record last season was 10-12.

A newfound composure was on display Wednesday against host Nash Central, when the Gryphons trailed for much of the game — at points by double-digits — but chipped away to earn a comeback win in its final non-conference tuneup.

“There’s a lot of teaching that’s being done,” Gainey said after that game. “Young kids get out here and think they know the game of basketball but they’ve got a lot to learn. We try to tell them, ‘Buy in.’ That’s our biggest slogan this year — buy in.”

It’s been a fairly balanced effort so far, with senior Rodney Alston’s 15.3 points per game leading the way. Javeon Jones (9.1), Jamar Ellis (9) and Shyheim Battle (8.8 points per game, 5 rebounds) are chipping in aswell.

So far, the results have been there. But Gainey, in his 21st year as head coach, knows the real season begins today.

“Like I told the guys, the non-conference stuff, it looks good and sounds good. Coming on friday is when it all kicks in,” he said. “We’ve been 0-10 going into conference, ended up tied for first.

“I’ve been in it so long — it’s nice to have a nice record, but don’t get too hip hip hooray.”