Byrd’s Rebels want to fly up and down the court

New additions, returnees give ND coach more depth and options

CALPYSO — Two new ready-for-prime-time arrivals. A four-year returning starter who can scorch the net from near and afar. A solid shooting guard who emerged last winter. While North Duplin coach Jeff Byrd’s squad has hoops abilities, the Rebel’s schedule is filled with strong 1A and 2A foes. “It will get us prepared for conference play,” said Byrd, whose team faces 2A James Kenan and East Duplin (twice each), plus Wayne Christian, and will play in the University of Mount Olive Winter Classic that features 2A and above schools. “It’s a pretty decent schedule,” Byrd said. “It’s going to help us.” North Duplin’s 1989 1A state championship player added, “We have more depth this year and we’ll play a little more up-tempo.”

New blood stirs the pot

ND had a strange 2022 campaign, which started with four straight wins and spiraled downhill to a 9-15 ending. Most games were out of reach early as the Rebels never got on track. Two transfers – Micah Lesesane and Dylan Tyndall — add significantly to the lineup. Lesesane is a 6-foot-3 junior to clog up the paint, while Tyndall is a versatile 6-0 senior. “They make us long and lengthy,” Byrd said, “especially with the other guys we have.”

The frontcourt is sturdy on one side with 6-3 sophomore Trashawn Ruffin, who played plenty last season, plus 6-foot junior Branson Martin. And Thomas Morrisey, a 6-1 forward, brings experience and another wide body in the paint.

Armwood ready for round four

Yet getting Dujuan Armwood back is also key to the Rebels’ fortunes. Armwood was at Southern Wayne.

The senior, who led ND’s gridiron team to nine wins has been a starter for four seasons, though at another school for the previous two. He is quick, speedy, can drive it to the rim or pull up and hit a jump shot. “He’s a big factor and for many reasons,” Byrd said. “First off, he’s a competitor and a guy you have to prepare to face.” Meanwhile, Byrd’s son Brady emerged as perhaps the best shooter in Duplin County. Junior Luke Kelly and sophomore Anthony Kornegay, and Tev Collins – the point guard for ND’s junior varsity team that won 15 games – should provide backup, as will senior post player Seniors Joey Parrish and Xander Mele could also be in the mix during a long season. “We’re more athletic,” Byrd said. “I’ve never been able to play man-toman defense here until this year.” Start with win over Panthers Armwood fired in 15 and Martin 11, Tyndall nine, Ruffin eight and Lesesane six last Friday during a 6753 win over East Duplin in Calypso. Tyndall and Ruffin each hauled down seven rebounds and ND had 21 assists. It was the first win over a county rival, all three of which are 2A schools, in a number of years. ND led 27-21 at halftime and put it in the bank with a 23-17 push in the final eight minutes. Eleven Rebels scored and they were 5 of 12 from beyond the 3-point line.