Under the bright lights of the old Sampson Middle School gym, now Sunset Avenue Elementary’s court, the middle school Dark Horses and Raiders renewed a familiar rivalry. Before the ball ever tipped, the night carried extra meaning. The facility’s court was officially dedicated to longtime coach Charles Strickland, a figure whose influence on Sampson County basketball stretches across decades. As part of the tribute, Sampson Middle’s boys broke out their vintage Rams uniforms, a nod to the era when Strickland’s program forged memories within those same walls.
Once play began, the girls game set the tone early with a defensive battle full of effort and hustle, while the boys matchup showcased a Sampson Middle team that ignited quickly and never let up. In the end, Midway’s girls claimed a convincing 45-2 win, while the Sampson boys rolled to a strong 56-30 victory.
Girls…