STAFF REPORT
UNIONVILLE — Community saw three players reach double figures and the Community Vikings rallied past Fayetteville City on Tuesday night to take the 2023-2024 season opener.
Fayetteville was hot out of the gates thanks to the offensive efforts of Eli Groce, who penciled 10 in the scorebook in the first frame, including a pair of 3-pointers, while the Vikings relied on a balanced scoring effort through the first eight minutes.
Landon Berman, Charlie Haskins and Landon Lovvorn each knocked down a pair of baskets, while Jaxon Williams added one, and the Vikings trailed just 19-14 after the first period.
Relying on the same balanced scoring effort into the second period.
The steady flow on the offensive end of the court allowed Community to finish the second with four players in the scoring column.
Having found a steady rhythm on the offensive end of the court, Community held a slim, 31-30 lead over the Tigers at the half.
But that all changed after the half.
Charlie Haskins and Lovvorn each dumped in six more points in the third, including a pair of 3-pointers from Lovvorn, as the Purple and Gold outscored the visitors on an 19-8 run to blow the game open.
Although Fayetteville rallied for 13 in the fourth, the Vikings’ early lead held strong and Community was able to land the first win of the season.
Haskins’ 18 points led all scorers, while Lovvorn scored 14 and Berman added 11.
Willoughby led the Tigers with 18 points.
The Vikings will hit the road on Friday for first road game of the year, facing Santa Fe at 7:30 p.m.
Fayetteville 19 11 8 13 — 51
Community 14 17 19 9 — 59
Fayetteville: Samuel Willoughby 18, Shamon Hobbs 12, Eli Groce 12, Conner Townsend 8, Manny Eddings.
Community: Charlie Haskins 18, Landon Lovvorn 14, Landon Berman 11, Jaxon Williams 6, Jonathan Lawell 5, Josh Powers 5.
3-Point goals: Community (4): Lovvorn 2, Lawell, Powers; Fayetteville (6): Hobbs 3, Groce 2, Townsend.
Halftime score: Community 31, Fayetteville 30.
