Hobbton Middle's Raquan Bryant,. No. 22, defends the ball as Sampson middle's Prentic Murphy searches for a teammate. (Stephanie Gore/Sampson Independent)

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Middle school Wildcat Omar Farrior tries to catch up with Clinton's Derek Bryant, No. 5, off the dribble in a game Monday night. (Stephanie Gore/Sampson Independent)

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Strong team defense Monday afternoon gave Sampson the needed edge to take down Hobbton Middle’s Wildcats 40-23.

Sampson coach Ron Davis said the visiting Wildcats were a good basketball team, but his boys, he stressed, had great momentum and intensity, both which contributed to the win.

“Our intensity, particularly on defense, was just a a little better than Hobbton’s, and that propelled us to the win,” Davis said after the game.

Sampson jumped out to an early 11-2 lead in the first quarter, led by Dark Horse Raheem Skinner. “That pretty much set the tone for the game,” Davis said. “Our defensive effort was great and it showed in our ability to keep Hobbton from scoring.”

It also allowed some quick baskets for the home team, and by the half, Sampson had a decisive 22-7 lead.

“We came back in the second half with that same intensity,” Davis said, “and we were able to continue it throughout the remainder of the game. It was a great team effort.”

By the end of the third quarter, Sampson led 30-10.

Davis said he was able to give all of his team members an opportunity to play, something that every coach likes to be able to do, and he touted the young Horses for their attitude.

“They really do have a great attitude and I believe that makes for the success of this team,” Davis said.

Sampson’s record improves to 3-0. Statistics for Hobbton were not called in.