Staff report

GASTONIA — North Rowan’s boys understood that Piedmont Community Charter School was strong, but the Gastonia team proved to be even better than expected.

Even with four men in double figures, the Cavaliers, seeded 20th, ended the season with an 86-72 setback in the second round of the 1A state playoffs.

“Film really didn’t do Piedmont Charter justice,” North coach Jason Causby said. “Their team speed was very good.”

Fourth-seeded PCCS (22-5) shot the ball extremely well — seven 3-pointers, 55 percent from the field and  13-for-17 at the foul line.

“They made seven 3-pointers and we made two,” Causby said. “That’s what gave them separation throughout the game.”

PCCS led by 10 after the first quarter. North trailed 45-33 at the half and couldn’t make a run, even with a 28-point fourth quarter.

PCCS point guard Bobby Erwin averages 16 and stepped it up against the Cavaliers, racking up 22 points and six assists.

Victor Plessmoses had 17 points and nine rebounds. Xavier Wilder scored 14.

George Maxwell went 8-for-9 from the foul line and poured in 23 in his final game for the Cavaliers (15-13). He finished his career with 929 points for the green and gold. Chowan football recruit Amir Alexander scored 16 and total 789 for his career.

Jayden Polk scored 15, while Dyzarious Carpenter had 10.

North coach Jason Causby has 273 career wins. Bob Hundley, who coached North’s 196 state champs, is second on the county’s all-time wins list for boys basketball with 274.

North Rowan     13    20   11    28 — 72

PCCS                   23    22    18   23   — 86

NORTH —  Maxwell 23, Alexander 16, Polk 15, Carpenter 10, Tarver 3, Alford 2, Charleston 2, Morrow 1.

PCCS — Erwin 22, Plessmoses 17, Wilder 14, Carmichael 12, Littlejohn 6, McCrary 6, Peprah 5. Grant 4.