Robertson scores 17 to lead Clayton to route of West Johnston

By: Zack Adams

2/6/18

CLAYTON -- Clayton (14-6, 7-1) came to play Monday night as the Comets ran bye Greater Neuse River Conference and county foe, West Johnston (5-16, 2-6), 63-35. The Comets knocked down seven threes in the ballgame, plus having the home crowd inside Jeff Adams Gymnasium just spelt "no potential comeback" for Scotty Williams' Wildcats on Monday.

Clayton got things going from the get go as MaCaleb Robertson hit a deep triple from "da-da-da-downtown" as Clayton PA announcer Daniel Manzer would say, on the opening possession of the game. That three also jump started Robertson's night as the senior would tally 17 points in the ballgame, 14 of which came in the first quarter. The Comets senior point guard knocked down five threes total in the game as to say the least, he was "feelin' it" last night in "Comet Country".

NC State football commit Devin Carter, have you heard of him? I think so, but Carter also had himself a stellar night on the hardwood as he finished with 11 points to go along with three blocks. Of those 11 points, four of which came off two massive throw downs including a poster on a West Johnston defender in the third. Dev Carter is well, very athletic if you did not know that already.

Shockingly, Donally Tyrell Jr. finished with a quiet 15 points. In most high school basketball games here in the Triangle, 15 points is a headliner or a team high but when Robertson and Carter stole the show with shooting (Robertson) and dunks/blocked shots (Carter), Tyrell Jr.'s 15 was "over-shined). The senior scored nine of his 15 came in the opening half.

Jalin Graham led West Johnston with 14 points. After having a quiet first half (6 points) for a guy averaging 14.2 a game, Graham exploded for eight points in the third quarter to lead him to meeting his season average. Andrik Cole had nine points to contribute to the West Johnston scoring.

The Clayton press really got to West Johnston in this game. After three, Clayton led West Johnston by 26, 53-27. But Clayton also really keyed in on the Wildcats leading scorer, Jakim Graham. Graham came into the game averaging 19.5 points per game. Also, Graham had scored at least 15 points in West's previous three games. Monday, Graham was held to just three points.

Next up, West Johnston travels to Cleveland tonight (Tues. Feb. 6) for another county rivalry game with the Rams in night two of a back-to-back. That one will tip-off at 8:00. As for Clayton, they'll host Smithfield-Selma on Senior Night Tuesday, or tonight. Tip-off for the Spartans + Comets is set for 7:30, following all of the Senior Night festivities.