VGCC Vanguards finish home season with back-to-back wins

The Vance-Granville Community College men’s basketball team has overcome its recent struggles to finish its home schedule strong.

VGCC lost a close home game 91-89 to the Surry Community College Knights on Feb. 7. This came after VGCC had beaten Surry 80-77 in January. Mitchell Jeffries of Raleigh led the Vanguards in scoring with 27 points. Raymond Dunn of Henderson and Bryan Burrell of Raleigh each finished with 19 points, and L.C. Hester of Oxford added 10.

Next, on Feb. 11, VGCC traveled to take on nearby rival Louisburg College at Holton Gymnasium. The Hurricanes defeated VGCC 100-72. With 24 points, Bryan Burrell was the high scorer for the Vanguards, while Raymond Dunn contributed 15 points.

After these two losses, the Vanguards returned home for a two-game weekend. On Feb. 14, the Vanguards defeated the visiting Wilkes Community College Cougars, 93-83. With the win, VGCC snapped a four-game losing streak and swept the season’s two-game series with Wilkes CC. Jermel Richardson of Hollister led VGCC, scoring 23 points. Mitchell Jeffries (20 points), Bryan Burrell (17), Niles Forsythe of Warrenton (13) and Dane Williams of Henderson (12) were the other four players in double figures.

The next day, the Cougars of Central Carolina Community College traveled to Henderson. The result was a nail-biting 93-92 victory for VGCC. Just 13 days earlier, VGCC had lost to Central Carolina 80-76. Again, five players scored in double figures, including Mitchell Jeffries (20 points), Bryan Burrell (19), L.C. Hester (19), Dane Williams (11) and Raymond Dunn (10).

VGCC’s record stands at 14-11 (7-8 in conference play), ensuring that the team has a winning record in its first season as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The Vanguards will finish no lower than fifth in the nine-team conference (Region X, Division II).

For more information, visit VGCC’s web site ( http://vgcc.springerstudios.net/Athletics ).