Basketball Recap: Dynamic Duo of Jeffery Patton and Jaden Starkey Lead Hammond Academy of Science & Tech to Victory

Hammond Academy of Science & Tech hadn't done well against Tri-Township recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Saturday. The Hammond Academy of Science & Tech Hawks came out on top against the Tri-Township Tigers by a score of 39-31. The Hawks have seen this before: they got the W the last time they saw the Tigers, too.

Jaden Starkey

Points

02/13/25 @ Southland College Prep	17
02/22/25 @ Tri-Township	16
12/26/24 @ Legal Prep	15
02/04/25 @ Portage Christian	14
01/16/25 @ Calumet Christian	14
+ 8 more games

Leading Hammond Academy of Science & Tech to victory were Jaden Starkey and Jeffery Patton. Starkey went 8-for-11 to rack up 16 points in addition to six rebounds and three steals, while Patton posted 17 points along with eight boards and four steals. Starkey has become a key player for Hammond Academy of Science & Tech: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least 15 points, but 6-14 otherwise.

Tri-Township's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Cody Vernich, who went 5-for-12 on his way to 14 points. That's the most points Vernich has posted since back in November of 2024. Another player making a difference was Hector Osornio, who had eight points and five steals.

Hammond Academy of Science & Tech's record is now 8-15. As for Tri-Township, their loss was their fourth straight at home, which dropped their record down to 4-16.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Hammond Academy of Science & Tech will venture away from home to face off against Calumet New Tech at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Hammond Academy of Science & Tech is facing Calumet New Tech at the right time seeing as Calumet New Tech is stuck on a six-game losing streak. As for Tri-Township, they will head out on the road to take on South Newton at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.