Rocky Mount's all-time leading scorer Tashawn Mabry has seen his budding freshman season at Modesto Junior College (Calif.) come to a tragic end.Mabry, who abruptly left Rhode Island back in August, fell to the court with two minutes left in Pirates' opening game of the 73rd Modesto JUCO Tournament against Lassen JUCO last Wednesday. He had to be carried off the court.
The Pirates recovered from a 21-point deficit to win the game 93-91, but Mabry, who was felt to be their most gifted player, suffered a snapped Achilles tendon.
The freshman forward, who was averaging 13 points, eight rebounds and five blocks a game, underwent successful surgery this past Monday to repair the injury. But according to Modesto head coach Paul Brogan, both Mabry and his mother insist he will be back next season. Rehab time will require a minimum of six months.
On another note, former Gryphon point guard Billy Young, who helped Mabry guide RMHS to a state title last season, was already at Modesto and turned Mabry on to the Pirates. It was upon Young's urgence that got him to California after only a disgruntled week's stay at Rhode Island.