The Hoggard Vikings won the last time they faced the Ashley Screaming Eagle, and things went their way on Wednesday too. Hoggard sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 47-44 victory over the Screaming Eagle. Given Hoggard's advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 142nd, while the Screaming Eagle are ranked 336th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Hoggard got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Hunter McGrath out in front who scored six points. Jayzion Davis was another key contributor, scoring 12 points.
When it comes to explaining why Ashley lost, one person who can't be blamed is Quinn Bentley. Despite the final result, he scored 19 points along with two steals and two blocks. Bentley is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 18 or more in the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Tanner Putnam, who scored eight points.
Hoggard is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four matches, which provided a nice bump to their 11-6 record this season. As for Ashley, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 4-13.
Hoggard and the Buccaneers will face off at 7:30 p.m. on January 26th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Laney is looking to tack on another W to their five-game streak on the road. As for Ashley, they and the Wildcats will face off at 8:00 p.m. on January 26th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. New Hanover will be coming into the matchup with an undefeated record on the line.
