By JOE SIMON
j_simon@ncnewsonline.com

It took some time, but Wilmington High found its niche in District 10, Region 2-AA.

The Greyhounds beat Lakeview, 50-41, last night, marking the second straight game they’ve defeated an opponent ahead of them in the standings. Wilmington (4-4, 8-11) beat Reynolds earlier this week.

“Our whole attitude has changed,” Greyhounds coach Mike Jeckavitch said. “We’ve taken the mentality that every game is a playoff game.”

Curtis Bretz led Wilmington’s charge. He scored a career-high 21 points, including 17 in the first half, when the Greyhounds took a 29-20 lead. Darryl Pace registered a double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds, and Anthony Derrick scored 11, dished out five assists and grabbed six rebounds.

“(Bretz) was definitely the catalyst tonight,” Jeckavitch said. “It seemed like he could not be stopped. He stepped up big time. He’s our senior leader right now.”

The Sailors cut Wilmington’s lead to seven with two minutes to play, but the Greyhounds made 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch to seal the win. Jeff Kepner netted 11 to lead Lakeview (5-3, 13-6), which came into the game in second place. Reynolds was in third when the Greyhounds beat the Raiders.

“We’re a young team,” said Jeckavitch of their late-season success. “It took them a little longer to get into the flow. They’re all working hard in practice and that work is finally paying off.”