Basketball Recap: Dynamic Duo of James Armstrong and Zach Kovell Lead Hopewell to Victory

After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Mohawk Area, Hopewell was happy to have turned things around on Monday. They came out on top against the Ellwood City Wolverine by a score of 69-60. For the Vikings, this counts as revenge for the 52-34 win the Wolverine walked away with the last time they faced one another back in December of 2022.

Hopewell was led to victory by Zach Kovell and James Armstrong. Kovell went 11 for 21 on his way to 24 points and five assists, while Armstrong dropped a double-double on 17 points and 12 rebounds. Armstrong is crushing it when it comes to boards: he's pulled down at least ten every time he's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Brody Rock, who went 5 of 7 on his way to 13 points.

Ellwood City's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Kaleb Servick, who almost dropped a double-double on 13 points and nine assists. The dominant performance also gave Servick a new career-high in blocks (three). Aaron Lake was another key player, dropping a double-double on 16 points and ten rebounds.

Hopewell's victory ended a four-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 3-2. As for Ellwood City, they now have a losing record at 2-3.

Hopewell will take on Lincoln Park Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Hopewell is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 64.4 points per game this season. As for Ellwood City, they wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next match, a 51-45 win against Laurel on the 10th.