By Marny Hendrick

sports@salisburypost.com

LANDIS — The Carson Cougars came out firing on all cylinders on Friday night at South Rowan and cruised to a surprisingly easy 83-56 South Piedmont Conference win over the Raiders.

South was coming off a tough and close overtime loss to West Rowan the night before but were never able to get untracked in this one as Carson hit four three pointers in the first period to lead 21-9 and never looked back.

“South played a great game last night and you never know how they might react after that tough loss,” said Cougar head coach Brian Perry. “It was really nice to see us come out, hit some shots, get off to a good start and keep the pedal down for the whole game.”

Carson (11-9, 7-7  SPC) rode a pair of three pointers by Cameron Prugh plus one each by Owen White and AJ Banks in the first period to build a big lead. The inside game of Jamarius Hairston, Brenden Westbrook and Ryan Bearden took charge for the Cougars in the second period as they lead reach 44-23.

Things went further south for the Raiders (0-19, 0-13 SPC) after intermission as they managed just five points and trailed 67-28. A strong final period made the final score more respectable as they posted 28 points behind 12 by Tre Littlejohn and a trio of threes by Colson Childers.

Hairston led four Cougars in double figures with 18 followed by Prugh with 14 and 11 each from Owen White and Westbrook. Bearden dominated inside with 5 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Littlejohn topped the Raiders with 18 while Ian Bradshaw had a strong showing with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Childers added nine.

Carson returns to action on Tuesday at home with a tough test against the top SPC team Concord Spiders. Perry says it will be an important game with just two weeks left in the regular season. “We will really have to get back against them and our transition defense will have to be really good to compete with them.”

Carson  (83) — Hairston 18, Prugh 14, White 11, Westbrook 11, Perry 8, Banks 7, Herron-Cutherbertson 6, Bearden 5, Williams 3, Whicker.

S.Rowan (56) — Littlejohn 18, Bradshaw 11, Childers 9, Hester 6, Shaver 6, Rhyne 2, Butler 2, Peacock 2, Kluttz, Greer, Barringer.

Carson   21  23  23  15  — 83

S. Rowan   9  14   5   28 — 56