Tag: Winston-Salem Wolves

Wolves Clinch Division With Win, Set Up Showdown For Title

The Winston-Salem Wolves clinched the ECBL Northeast Division with a win over rival Rowan County, 117-112, and simultaneously setting up a showdown with the Petersburg Cavaliers for the Northern Conference regular season title on June 4.

The Wolves entered the game with three significant players missing from the day’s roster: Jahlil Rawley, Mike Hughes and Chuck Gamble. The three guards, in combination with Mike Chambers, have been one of the most potent backcourts in the ECBL this season, so the Wolves would need to make adjustments to play with a different lineup than the one that has garnered so much success this season.

The modified roster struggled early, as hot shooting from Rowan County quickly built a sizable 15 point lead in the first quarter and the Wolves failed to score to keep pace. Head coach Antonio Robinson was forced to call an early timeout in an attempt to reorganize the defense and adjust, and the Wolves responded with a late run to close the gap, trailing by 6 at the end of the first quarter.

The Wolves were able to find their footing in the second quarter and surged back to take a brief lead, however Rowan County’s scoring touch kept the game tight and the score was tied at the half, then again at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The final quarter was a back-and-forth battle as the team traded the lead multiple times, but in the final two minutes the Wolves were able to get key defensive stops and score on back to back trips, with a deep shot from Joshea Singleton that gave the Wolves the lead for good. The Wolves closed out the game with a win, and that win sets up a final home game with not only playoff implications but the regular season title on the line for the Northern Conference.

The Petersburg Cavaliers played in the second day of of a back-to-back against the Hickory Hoyas, in a game rescheduled from earlier in the season, and the Cavs got the road win, which means they currently hold the best record in the North at 9-2. The Wolves are one game back at 8-3, but if the Wolves defeat the Cavs at home on June 4, they would hold the head-to-head advantage and both teams would finish with equal records. This means that the winner of that final game will be the regular season Northern Conference champion, with the winner also being the number one conference seed in the playoffs.

The Wolves have now made the playoffs in 3 of 4 seasons (the 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and is looking to be one of the top contenders for the ECBL title this season: Petersburg, Winston-Salem, Carolina Thunder (SC), PrimeTime Players and the Bishopville Devils are all having outstanding seasons. In the ECBL Mid-Atlantic, the Western Mass Zombies and the Hartford Shockers are battling for the regular season title.

Wolves Drop Home Game to Hickory

Winston-Salem Wolves vs Hickory Hoyas on May 7, 2023

The Winston-Salem Wolves dropped a home game against the visiting Hickory Hoyas, who came into the game in a must-win situation in their hunt for the playoffs.

The Wolves, who clinched a playoff spot with their win last week over the Carolina Chosen Lions, were looking to maintain their tie for first place in the Northern Conference, as the top two seeds have a first-round bye in the postseason.

Coming into the game, the Wolves were missing starting guard Mike Hughes and forward Trey Carrier, but were still looking to hold home court serve in the playoffs. The Hoyas held a 1 point lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Wolves were able to get back to back defensive stops in the second which led to fast break points, and led at the half 53-44.

The Wolves continued to hold their lead throughout the third quarter, with scoring coming from guards Jahlil Rawley, Chuck Gamble and forward Niquan Cousins.

However, in the fourth, it appeared the Wolves hit the wall and sloppy turnovers allowed Hickory to take advantage and come from behind to get the win, 106-98.

The Wolves next face another division rival, the Rowan County Bulls, at home on May 21. With only two games left in the regular season, the Wolves are looking to close out strong prior to the postseason.

Wolves Defensive Troubles Continue

Winston-Salem Wolves Julius Brooks dunk

The Winston-Salem Wolves continued to struggle in transition defense again on Sunday in a loss to the Carolina Chosen Lions 109-102 in Winterville, NC. The Wolves led briefly in the first quarter behind early offensive energy but trailed by 10 at the half. The second half saw the Wolves battle back, cutting into the lead slightly by the end of the 3rd and closing the gap to a single point in the 4th, only to suffer from continued struggles getting defensive stops in transition at key moments.

Bright spots for the Wolves were improved free throw shooting and the return of Joshea Singleton into the lineup, but the 2021 Wolves continue to search for adjustments that will allow them to return to form from their 2019 ECBL Northern Conference championship run.

The Wolves return home on April 24 to face division rival Rowan County.

Wolves Guard, ECBL All-Star Joshea Singleton Signs with BC Dviv of Albania

Joshea Singleton

Joshea Singleton, 6’4″ guard for the Wolves and ECBL All-Star, was instrumental in the Wolves’ 2019 run to the title game and now has moved to play this winter in VBET-A (Albania) for BC Dviv. Singleton can play multiple positions including PG, SG and SF and electrified Wolves fans with his high flying dunks and smart play. Singleton is settling in with BC Dviv, scoring 22 for his new sqaud in his most recent outing.

Joshea’s games can be watched online, streaming on YouTube live and on demand form Vivaro News.

Be sure to keep up with all of the current and former Winston-Salem Wolves in the Pros!

Winston-Salem Wolves Bar Code Champion Tee

Be more than a number. The Champion performance tee repping the City of Wolves is now available:

Lightweight Champion performance t-shirt. Made from rapid dry fabric, this tee is perfect for running, working out at the gym, or team sports. It features a reflective “C” logo and ensures UV protection.

• 100% polyester interlock
• Moisture-wicking rapid dry fabric
• 50+ UPF UV protection
• Smooth self-fabric collar
• Reflective “C” logo on left sleeve
• Champion script logo at center back neck

Winston-Salem Wolves Bar Code Champion Performance T-Shirt”