The Hobbton Wildcats and the Midway Raiders girls’ basketball teams squared off Thursday night in the first game of the regular season. The Raiders got a huge win with the final 78-31.

In the opening minutes of the game, both teams were equal. The score was tied at 7, 9 and 11 before the Raiders began to open up the lead taking a 19-13 lead into the first break. After that, it was all Raiders as they had a 14-point lead at 35-21 at the half. The last two quarters were all Raiders, who doubled up Hobbton by a score of 56-28 after three quarters and ultimately cruising to the 47-point win.

Alyssa Wrench had a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Raiders. Leah Williams had 10 points, Tatyana Soloman had 12, JJ Sankey had 11 points and Hannah Lucas had nine.

Nina Devone scored 21 points for the Wildcats.

Midway coach Allen McLamb said, “We came out sluggish but still played the hard. They (Hobbton) played hard the first half. They got us out of our rhythm the way we’ve been doing. In the locker room at the half, we made some adjustments and got our minds back where they needed to be and I though we played a good second half.”

Hobbton coach Leonard Henry said he was proud of the fight his team showed.

“I’m very proud of our girls,” said Henry. “They came out with a fight. In the second half, we had some trouble handling the ball, but I’m very proud of what we did. Hats off to Midway, they did a wonderful job tonight. We don’t have much time to get ready for Union coming in tomorrow (Friday) and I’m looking forward to that.”

Leah Williams drives around Hobbton’s Anesha Dunn on her way to the basket.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Leah-Williams-Copy-2-.jpgLeah Williams drives around Hobbton’s Anesha Dunn on her way to the basket.

Nina Devone moves around Tatyanna Solomon for two of her game-high 21 points.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Nina-Devone.jpgNina Devone moves around Tatyanna Solomon for two of her game-high 21 points.

By David Johnson

Sports Writer