Rocky Mount vs Northern Nash

It’s a big rivalry night as Rocky Mount faces Northern Nash. As we approach the game tonight, I wondered what the coaches think about the game. I asked both coaches a few questions and here are their responses. Thanks to Coach Drake and Coach Gainey for taking time to answer questions as they prepare for the game tonight.

1. How long have you been coaching in this rivalry?

Coach Drake: 10 years

Coach Gainey: 14 years

2. What does this game mean to you, your school and community?

Coach Drake: “This game demonstrates the spirit of high school basketball to the highest level for our community and school. When the schedule comes out the only date they are asking for is when Northern Nash plays Rocky Mount. I am glad to just be a part of the rich history this rivalry continues to bring each year.”

Coach Gainey: “It is another game to me that helps our athletic program with funding. To the school and community it is a long time rivalry that I don’t think will ever die. People are always asking when is this game. We have 4 other teams that we play and I would for them to put emphasis on those as well.”

3. What is your most memorable moment and one you would like to forget in this rivalry?

Coach Drake: The most memorable moment is when Senior Adam Renner hit the game winning shot at the buzzer in front of our student section.

Coach Gainey: I have been in this sit for quite a while. The most memorable contest against Northern Nash when Moe Deloach played and we were up about 20 points and I made the mistake of subbing to take off the pressure and we lost that game. The next time we met, I kept the pressure on and we put 100 points on the scoreboard. Lesson learned.

4. What is one thing you are telling your team to expect during the game?

Coach Drake: anything can happen

Coach Gainey: Big city lights and records do not matter in this contest.

Since 2009-10 Rocky Mount leads the series 20-11.

One of the players to watch tonight for Northern Nash is Caleb Davis. He’s averaging 12.3 points a game.

For Rocky Mount a player to watch is Jackson Thompson with 11.0 points a game.