Carolina Forest’s Robert Gray exploded for 23 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double as the Panthers (1-0) successfully opened their season with a 69-57 victory over visiting North Myrtle Beach.
Gray’s point and rebound totals were game-highs, but it was his work on the boards that proved the difference for the Panthers. Carolina Forest (1-0) outrebounded the Chiefs (2-1) 41-26, including a 20-4 edge in second-chance points.
Gray was the recipient of several put-backs in the paint and teammates Melquan Nelson (12 points, eight rebounds) and Aaron Williams (10 points, three rebounds) also contributed to the Panthers’ inside dominance.
The Chiefs, who were playing their third straight road game to open the season, were led by Matt Lindsay’s 16 points and Jaquan Grissett’s 14 points. Lindsay had a team-high six rebounds but the Chiefs couldn’t hang with the Panthers on the glass.
Carolina Forest returns to action Wednesday night when Loris pays a visit to the Black Hole. The Chiefs take a week off before getting another crack at Carolina Forest, this time at North Myrtle Beach.
