Jeff Linville | The News

Surry Central’s Zach Wilmoth avoids a charge as he glides past a defender for two points against North Wilkes. He finished with 12 points, six boards, five steals and three blocks.

slideshow

PILOT MOUNTAIN — Surry Central snapped out of a cold spell in time for a late flurry, but couldn’t finish off North Wilkes in a 63-58 loss in the boys’ game.

The Golden Eagles had a 42-36 lead in the third quarter when the shots stopped falling.

The Vikings went on a 19-4 run for a nine-point lead with about six minutes left.

The Eagles responded with a strong defensive effort, holding North Wilkes scoreless for nearly five minutes to take a 56-55 lead with 1:13 remaining.

Both teams traded baskets before the Vikings got an inside basket to go ahead 59-58. On the next possession, North Wilkes stole the ball from the Eagles and converted inside again with 23.6 seconds left.

After an Eagle turnover on a scramble play, North’s Ethan Mitchell sank two free throws for the final margin.

It was a game of runs in the first quarter. The Eagles went up 7-2, then North Wilkes answered with a 12-6 run to take the lead at 14-13.

Surry Central’s Zach Wilmoth scored three times as his team retook the lead at 23-19 early in the second quarter. However, North would score last in the period for a 36-35 edge at halftime.

Muscular Josh Bare had 16 points at halftime with all seven baskets coming within five feet of the rim. At the foul line, he banked in both shots in the second quarter. He finished with 26 points to lead all scorers. Jordan Church added 16.

Colby Chilton led the Eagles with 13 points, and Wilmoth added 12. Luke Haymore scored 10, giving the Eagles three players in double figures. Samuel Harris and Brett Mosley scored six each.

Wilmoth led the team with six rebounds, with Chilton, Harris and Mosley getting five each. Chilton also added four assists and six steals, while Wilmoth had five steals and three blocks.

Surry Central plays again today at East Surry.

The girls play Wilkes Central at 4 p.m., and the boys follow at about 5:30 p.m.