Basketball Recap: Jazziyah Smith and Brianna Stanley Secure Win for New Hanover

New Hanover lost to Topsail back in January, but they didn't allow them the same satisfaction on Friday. The New Hanover Wildcats walked away with a 46-37 win over the Topsail Pirates. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Wildcats.

Jazziyah Smith

Points (Career)

02/21/25 vs Topsail	16
01/30/25 @ West Brunswick	14
11/20/24 vs Cape Fear Academy	14
02/04/25 vs North Brunswick	12
02/18/25 vs West Brunswick	11

New Hanover was led to victory by Brianna Stanley and Jazziyah Smith. Stanley went 6-for-11 on her way to 17 points and four steals, while Smith dropped a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Those 16 points gave Smith a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Londyn Doughty, who posted two points in addition to eight boards and three steals.

New Hanover smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 12 consecutive contests.

Topsail's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ava Kita, who earned 17 points and six steals. Kita has been hot, having posted two or more steals the last six times she's played. Reed Garofano was another key player, putting up six points along with five rebounds and four steals.

New Hanover's record is now 19-7. As for Topsail, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 19-7.

Coming up, New Hanover won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against Hoggard at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Hoggard will roll in looking for their 17th straight victory, something New Hanover surely won't give up without a fight. Topsail does not have any more games scheduled as of now.