Wildcats crank up offense in second half
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on December 4, 2009 1:46 PM
CALYPSO -- Hobbton had the final offensive outburst Thursday evening.
The Wildcats used a game-ending 10-2 run to turn back North Duplin 67-46 in a non-conference game closer than the final score indicates. The teams played at a frenetic pace and combined for 42 personal fouls.
"I thought our guys played hard, but we just have to get better at guarding people," said North Duplin head coach Ricky Edwards. "We gave up too many baskets in transition and too many big three point shots."
The teams traded baskets during a choppy first quarter and Hobbton found its range from the field in the second period. Tied at 13-13, the Wildcats scored eight consecutive points and maintained the lead at halftime.
Hobbton guard Mallard Newkirk stepped up his game after the break. He scored 12 of his game-high 17 points in the final two periods as the Wildcats extended their lead to double digits.
"(Newkirk) really started to put pressure on us in the third quarter," said Edwards. "He started pushing the ball up the floor, and once he hit a few shots it really got their offense going."
North Duplin exceeded the foul limit and Hobbton pushed farther ahead. The Cats' game-ending surge clinched the road victory. Hobbton's Joe Shoonmaker tallied 15 points and five rebounds, while teammate Xavier Thompson chipped in 13 points.
James Kornegay led the Rebels with 11 points. Marcus Kornegay provided 10 points and six rebounds. Alan Schilling knocked down 10 points.
"We had Shayne Deaver go down with an injury and that kind of threw off our rotation," said Edwards. "I thought some of our guys off the bench really stepped up and did their best to help us out."
The Rebels (0-2 overall) entertain North Johnston on Monday.