Boys basketball
New Hanover 74 Laney 71
The last meeting between these two crosstown foes came down to the wire earlier this season and Friday night’s contest was no different as New Hanover once again pulled out a one possession game following a 74-71 victory at Laney.
Ramello Williams had game-high honors with 22 points. Blake Smith came alive from long distance on 4-of-7 three-point shooting to finish with 12 points. The Wildcats connected on eight long ranges shots and finished 61 percent from the field.
Hayden Edgar and Freddie Taylor added 11 points apiece to put four New Hanover players in double figures. Edgar also pulled down seven rebounds and Taylor dished 14 assists.
Chris Bennett and Sherod Sidbury each recorded double-doubles for Laney. Bennett finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Sidbury contributed 12 points and 12 boards. Cam Sidbury added 15 points in the effort. The Bucs fell to 2-6 in conference and 9-11 overall.
New Hanover remains in a tie for first-place in the Mideastern Conference with a 7-2 mark in the division, improving to 17-5 overall.
Hoggard 45 West Brunswick 42
Trailing by one at the break, a big defensive effort during the third quarter of play helped Hoggard extend its winning streak to eight straight as the Vikings avenged an early season setback to West Brunswick with a 45-42 victory.
Robert Wilkerson led all scorers with 15 points on seven fields and 1-of-1 from the free throw line. The Vikings outscored West Brunswick 12-5 during the decisive third period to grab a 35-29 advantage moving into the final frame.
Steinman and Greg Blanks each hit a shot from downtown to key a 10-0 run after the break. Steinman connected on three trifectas in the game to finish with 13 points. Grantland Adams chipped in with six.
West Brunswick was led by Bryce Ahrens’ 11 points and Josh Woodard added 10. The Trojans were 11-for-17 from the foul line, but connected on five three-point field goals.
Hoggard remains tied for the division lead at 7-2 in conference and 14-6 overall. West Brunswick dropped to 6-2 in league play and 14-6 this season.
Ashley 67 Topsail 57
Four players were in double figures for Ashley on Friday night as the Screaming Eagles kept pace in league play with a 67-57 win against Topsail.
Altavon Mack continued his impressive play as of late with a team-high 15 points. Bryston Davis chipped in with 13, while Jordan Gagum and Jiques Morant added 12 each. Ashley moved to 6-2 in conference and 12-7 overall.
Cape Fear Academy 44 Parrott Academy 31
Girls basketball
New Hanover 43 Laney 31
A strong back court continues to play a key role in New Hanover’s success this season. The combination of Ayonna Cotten and Azariah Fields pushed the Wildcats win streak to 12 straight on Friday following a 43-31 result against Laney.
Cotten had 10 points, while Fields contributed seven points, five assists and four rebounds. New Hanover remains unbeaten at 9-0 in conference and 19-2 overall.
Hoggard 58 West Brunswick 33
The Vikings grabbed a bounce back win in emphatic fashion Friday night with a regular season sweep over West Brunswick. Senior Alani Fisher led the way with a game-high 22 points.
Fisher knocked down six shots from long range as Hoggard drained 11 total three-pointers. Lola Lovitt went 4-for-10 beyond the arc and finished with 17 points. Lovitt also pulled down 12 rebounds. Tara Poteat added six points, five assists and six steals.
Hoggard remains one game back from top spot in the division at 8-1 in league play and 17-3 overall.
North Brunswick 57 Croatan 35
North Brunswick continued its impressive run this season with a dominating 57-35 result over Croatan. Taylor Perkins and Jada Bellamny combined for 29 points. Winners of seven in a row, the Scorpions are 6-0 in the East Central Conference and 16-2 overall.
Wilmington Christian 58 Bethel Christian 22
Freshman Lydia Bradshaw dropped 20 points to guide Wilmington Christian. Bradshaw also pulled down seven rebounds and dished six assists, while Abby Squired recorded a double-double with 13 points and 22 rebounds.
Topsail 27 Ashley 26
Cape Fear Academy 32 Parrott Academy 28
Fayetteville Academy 49 Coastal Christian 25
