Hoggard 69 South Brunswick 34
The Hoggard girls basketball team overcame a slow start and rallied with a dominating third quarter performance to clinch its first regular season conference title since 2011 with a 69-34 win over South Brunswick on the final day of the regular season.
“On paper I don’t think anyone gave us a chance at the start of the year to be where we’re at right now,” said Hoggard Coach Boubacar Aw. “You have to give the girls all the credit. They put in the work over the last few years and they’re learning how to win. I’m just so proud of what they’re doing and excited to get back to work because the playoffs are a whole new game.”
With a six-point advantage after the opening eight minutes, the Vikings started the second stanza with quality possessions on the offensive end of the floor to extend their lead to double digits and outscored the Cougars 26-6 after the break to secure the victory.
Senior Julia Buehler knocked down a game-high 21 points, while Emma Haywood added 12. Tara Poteat and Madison Huckabee also finished in double figures with 10 points apiece.
“What can you say about Julia [Buehler]?” said Aw. “When I took over this program people in school laughed at the thought of us building a winning program. And it started with her. Julia is a natural scorer and has grown so much from her sophomore season to her senior year.
“Emma [Haywood] and Madison [Huckabee] are two of the toughest players on the floor at any time. They have worked hard and I’ve kept on them to get the most out of them.”
Hoggard earned a top seed in the 4A state playoffs with their 10th straight win and received a first-round bye through the opening round of the Mideastern Conference Tournament. The Vikings play the winner of No.4 Laney/No.5 Topsail on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Brunswick Community College.
“While its really great and I’m happy about this conference title, there’s still work to do. I need to continue to get on them because at this point of the season you can’t have an off night. We’re going to get back to practice and work hard over the next week to get ready for the playoffs.”
Hoggard 14-19-26-10=69
South 9-11-6-8=34
Hoggard stats: Julia Buehler, 21 points; Tara Poteat, 10 points; Emma Haywood, 10 points; Madison Huckabee, 10 points; Maddie Crumpton, two points; Venice Leone, four points; Olivia Hawkins, five points; Aleah Thompson, two points; Keeley Britt, three points.
New Hanover 74 Topsail 34
Senior Alex Simmons finished with 15 points as New Hanover closed the regular season on a four-game winning streak following a 74-34 win over Topsail on Thursday.
The Wildcats ended the year with a 10-2 mark in conference and 19-3 overall. New Hanover clinched second-place in league play and open next week’s conference tournament with a No. 2 seed against West Brunswick.
Keri White had 12 points for the Pirates. Topsail faces Laney in the opening round of the tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Brunswick Community College.
Ashley 59 West Brunswick 34
Ashley cruised to a 59-34 win over West Brunswick in the regular season finale for both teams on Thursday night.
Junior Chyna Cotton recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while senior Jada Bacchus chipped in with 13 points to go along with 12 points from freshman Lola Lovitt.
The Screaming Eagles improved to 8-4 in league play, 15-7 overall and secured a three-seed in next week’s Mideastern Conference Tournament. Ashley also qualified for the 4A state playoffs.
West Brunswick takes on No. 2 New Hanover in the opening round of the tournament at Brunswick Community College on Monday, Feb. 16. Tip-off is at 4:30p.m. No. 3 Ashley faces No. 6 South Brunswick at 6 p.m.
East Duplin 43 North Brunswick 41
