Wildcats control the boards against Gators

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on January 27, 2016 1:48 PM

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jhayes@newsargus.com

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Film often speaks in plain language.

And for Hobbton boys' varsity coach Alfonza Hooper, the glaring weakness of his team's December effort at home versus Spring Creek was singular -- a lack of intensity in the painted area.

Consider the Wildcats a quick study.

In a bruising, physically superior effort, Hobbton outrebounded the host Gators 36-17, and used its extra opportunities to emerge victorious, 62-49, in Carolina 1-A Conference play Tuesday evening.

Wildcat senior Hunter Britt led the Wildcats with six points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots -- but wasn't the only one with glass cleaning on his mind. By game's end, five of his teammates had hauled in at least two rebounds.

"That's been kind of our game plan all year, to go inside," said coach Hooper, "and that was the focal point (tonight)."

After a frenzied first half -- in which both teams accounted for 21 turnovers -- the Wildcats settled into a methodical pace on the glass. They feasted on a Spring Creek shooting slump that lasted the better portion of the third quarter.

A technical foul on the Hobbton bench allowed a brief surge by the Gators (3-14 overall, 2-6 Carolina), who were led by Najee Young's game-high 19 points.

Spring Creek struggled, however, versus Hobbton's patient half-court offense -- especially the shooting of Collin King. The senior guard moved freely without the ball and consistently found open shots, contributing 14 points on the night.

Hobbton frontcourt mates Nicholas Bryant and Jonathan Wright solidified the game plan by combining for a 25 points and 16 rebounds -- totals that impressed their coach.

"We know they (Spring Creek) can shoot the basketball, so we went to our zone matchup," Hooper said, "and rebounded (out of it) well."

Spring Creek head coach Taylor Jones -- whose young, three-point shooting team continues to evolve -- had mixed emotions following the contest.

"Right now, we have to hit shots, and when we don't ... some things you just have to fight through," he said, "but our effort was phenomenal. We've been in every ball game (this year) but two."