David Crockett takes a pair from Hampton despite late rally

Published 3:09 pm Tuesday, December 19, 2023

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STAR CORRESPONDENT

On Monday evening at Van Huss / White gymnasium, the Hampton Bulldogs tried to overcome a double-digit deficit, and despite a valiant effort from senior point guard Michael Anspaugh, who struck for 17 of his game-high 23 points in the third quarter, saw the Bulldogs fall short by a 77-71 count to David Crockett.

“We didn’t show up in the first half,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “We had seven total rebounds. We didn’t shoot the ball well, didn’t play defense. We didn’t play until the second half. We will try to build off the second half.”

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Crockett ( 10-2 overall) scored seemingly at will in the first half as they scored a 24-15 first-quarter advantage, with forward Drake Shingledecker scoring eight of his 10 points in the stanza. The Pioneers opened a 47-30 halftime advantage and looked to put an end to the competitive nature of this contest quickly.

The Bulldogs (4-5 overall) came to life with Anspaugh dropping three consecutive treys amid his 17-point explosion, and the Hampton defense finally showed up as the ‘Dogs shaved seven points off the Pioneer lead to make it a 61-51 game going into the final period.

“Anspaugh got on a hot streak there,” Smith said. “Dylan scored nine points and Tuff Robinson hit a couple of big threes. Crockett has got a good team. They have length and speed and they made big free throws down the stretch.”

Guard Brody McGuire hit all 10 of his fourth-quarter free throws as Crockett held off Hampton’s furious charge. Chance Point had a put back of a missed shot to bring Hampton to within three at 67-64 with 2:33 remaining in regulation but McGuire hit six free throws to make it a 73-64 contest and that was as close as the ‘Dogs would get.

Geno Carrico scored 15 points and Hayden Campbell was good for 14 for the Bulldogs, while Coin Beason led the way for Crockett with 21 points.

Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith was honored pre-game by being named 2022-23 Coach of the Year, an honor most deserved.

BOYS

David Crockett 77-71

David Crockett (77)

McGuire 12, Hensley 3, Gouge 12, Shingledecker 10, Beason 21, Cash 11, Eaves 8.

Hampton (71)

Trivett 9, Anspaugh 23, Point 4, Robinson 6, Campbell 14, Carrico 15.

David Crockett 24 23 14 16 – 77

Hampton 15 15 21 20 – 71

3-point goals: DC 5 (Beason 2, Gouge 2, Hensley 1), H 6 (Anspaugh 3, Robinson 2, Trivett 1)

GIRLS

David Crockett 70, Hampton 51

The Lady Pioneers led 16-4 after the first quarter was in the books – relying on an eight-point run – and the Lady Bulldogs were good for just two first-period field goals. Crockett took a 26-16 lead into the halftime break with post Aaliya Story good for eight first-half points.

Hampton (6-7 overall) had eight first-half turnovers. The Lady Bulldogs never led in this one and dropped its second straight game and third in the last four.

Crockett (10-1 overall) was led by 20 points from Brylee Tullock and 18 from Story. Macy Henry took top scoring honors for the ‘Dogs with 13 points.

GIRLS

David Crockett 70-51

David Crockett (70)

Ferguson 10, Britton 7, Tullock 20, Story 18, Doner 4, Wynn 3, Bird 6, Shaffer 2

Hampton (51)

Helle 9, Henry 13, Hicks 9, Estep 6, Smith 10, Carrico 4

David Crockett 16 10 21 23 – 70

Hampton 4 12 12 23 – 51

3-point goals: DC 6 (Tullock 3, Ferguson 2, Britton 1), H 8 (Hicks 3, Smith 2, Henry 2, Helle 1)