Hopewell Township – It’s been a rough stretch of games for the Hopewell 8th grade boys basketball team as they’ve went up against some very talented programs.
That was the case again this afternoon as they hosted Avonworth at the Hopewell Junior High School.
Although the game ended in a loss, it was both positive and encouraging that this team was able to stay very competitive for three quarters before running out of gas in the final frame.
1st Quarter Recap-
*Guard Josh Gill got things going early as he connected on a 3-pointer to open up the scoring, Hopewell 3-0.
*Later, Andrew Arzberger with a strong drive down the lane. Andrew was fouled shooting and went on to make both free throws, Avonworth 7-4.
*Gill comes in with a steal at midcourt, takes it in strong and finishes a layup, Avonworth 9-6.
*Right before the buzzer, Ryan Gaguzis hits a deep 2 to cut the deficit to six.
End of 1st Quarter: Avonworth 14 Hopewell 8
2nd Quarter Recap-
*Zack Sampson gets Hopewell going in the second frame with a steal and layup, Avonworth 16 Hopewell 11.
*Gill once again is aggressive in the paint and is fouled shooting, Avonworth 16 Hopewell 12.
*The last basket of the quarter comes from Roman Crisci, who converts on a floater in the lane, Avonworth 16 Hopewell 14.
Halftime- Avonworth 16 Hopewell 14
3rd Quarter Recap-
*The big problem was Hopewell’s inability to rebound on the defensive end, who gave Avonworth countless second, third and even fourth chances. If you want to pull the upset, you can’t allow that to happen.
*Hopewell’s only field goal this quarter was a 3-pointer from Gaguzis, Avonworth 21-17.
End of 3rd Quarter- Avonworth 28 Hopewell 19
4th Quarter Recap-
*Crisci with a strong drive right at his defender, Avonworth 28-21.
*Sampson with his second field goal, a fadeaway from the baseline, Avonworth 35-23.
*With 2:41 left, Gill with a nice entry pass to Arzberger, who converts, Avonworth 35-25.
Final Score: Avonworth 40 Hopewell 25
