WILMINGTON- The New Hanover High School basketball teams returned to their home floor at Brogden Hall on Wednesday night for the first time this season. The historic gymnasium on Market Street was closed for the last few months to have air conditioning installed as a result of the $160 million school bond passed by voters in 2014.
Boys basketball
New Hanover 60 West Brunswick 48
A big second quarter push gave New Hanover a 10 point lead at the break and the Wildcats broke things open in the second half en route to 60-48 result against West Brunswick. Four players were in double figures for the black and orange.
The Trojans kept things close over the opening eight minutes of play and trailed by one until Mideastern Conference Player of the Year candidate Ramello Williams took over on both ends of the floor. A couple of quick baskets by Williams pushed New Hanover’s advantage to six to start the second period as the Wildcats built a 34-24 advantage at halftime. Williams finished with a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The New Hanover back court did a great job keeping control of possessions by limiting turnovers, while staying relentless on defense. A decisive 12-1 over a four-minute stretch to open the third quarter put things away. The Wildcats cushion ballooned to 20, 54-34, moving into the final frame.
A big night on the glass by Hayden Edgar contributed to the effort. Edgar had 13 points and nine rebounds. Josh Aldrich was 4-of-5 from the field and finished with 10 points. Blake Smith also knocked down a pair of treys and chipped in 10.
New Hanover grabbed its fourth win in a row to move to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in conference. West Brunswick dropped to 5-2 on the year and 0-1 in league play.
W. Brunswick 14-10-10-14=48
New Hanover 15-19-20-6=60
North Brunswick 58 South Brunswick 55
Girls basketball
New Hanover 67 West Brunswick 20
The Wildcats continued its early season success on Wednesday with a dominating 67-20 victory over West Brunswick to open conference play. New Hanover has now won four straight to improve to 4-1 on the year.
Senior guard Ayonna Cotten poured in a game-high 17 points, while Kayleigh Merrell finished with 16 points. Merrell was a force in the paint on both ends of the floor. She pulled down eight offensive rebounds and nine overall. Cotten hit 5-of-8 attempts from long range.
W. Brunswick 3-5-5-7=20
New Hanover 16-16-23-12=67
North Brunswick 65 South Brunswick 52
North Brunswick continued its impress run to start the season on Tuesday night as Taylor Perkins and Jada Bellamy filled the scoring column. The Scorpions overcame a six-point deficit in the opening period in a 65-52 triumph to remain unbeaten at 9-0 overall.
Perkins led the way with 24 points, including 9-of-14 from the free throw line. The senior guard knocked down two treys during a second quarter run that gave North Brunswick a 31-30 edge at halftime. Bellamy chipped in 17 points, with 10 over an eight-minute span after the break.
Aliah Johnson added nine in the win. Three players scored in double figures for the Cougars. Morgan Allred had 16 points. Abigail Spivey added 13 points and Kiara Grainger finished with 10.
N Brunswick 15-16-22-12=65
S. Brunswick 22-8-16-6=52
