Staff report

CHINA GROVE — Xavier Phillips, the newcomer to the starting lineup for Carson’s boys basketball team, didn’t score on Wednesday, but coach Brian Perry was more than satisfied with his contributions in the Cougars’ South Piedmont Conference opener.

“He did a great job of playing his role,” Perry said. His rebounding got us extra offensive possessions, and he got the ball to the right spots.”

Phillips had five rebounds and five assists as Carson overwhelmed Lake Norman Charter 86-62.

Carson made 15 3-pointers and led by 30 after three quarters.

CP Perry had 26 points, six assists and five rebounds for the Cougars (4-0, 1-0). His nine-point first quarter got the Cougars rolling.

Jacob Mills also scored 26 and added five assists and six rebounds. Mills made four of his six 3-pointers in the third quarter.

Jonah Drye scored 17, with a 12-point explosion in the second quarter.

Drew Neve had 13 points and 12 rebounds.

LN Charter    8   23   13  18   — 62

Carson          19   27   28   12   — 86

LN Charter — Morgan 14, McConneyhead 11, Carter 9, Propst 8, Smith 7, Holder 6, Hull 3, Wilkie 2, Charlery 2.

Carson — Perry 26, Mills 26, Drye 17, Neve 13, Martin 4.