Hornets take care of Tar Heels

The Hornets of the 5-7 mite Washington Youth Basketball League age group knocked off the Tar Heels on Friday, 36-26.

Both teams played gritty defense throughout the contest, but it was the Hornets offense gave them upper hand.

Jerai Davenport controlled the offensive tempo by burning the Tar Heel defense, scoring early and distributing to his teammates. He finished with a game-high 16 points on the night.

Joel Branch was Davenport’s go-to man in the paint in the second half. He ended with 14 points.

The Tar Heels stormed back in the second quarter with great tight defense led by Katria Lawerance, but couldn’t chip away at the deficit in the second half.

Luke Ross led the Hornets in scoring with six points.

The Hornets will play the Pirates Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., while the Tar Heels face off against the Nets at 6:30 p.m.

Pirates win big against Indians

The Pirates of the 5-7 mite Washington Youth Basketball League age group won big against the Indians on Friday, 32-14.

“The first quarter we couldn’t produce any kind of points, but I was glad they were having fun,” said Head Coach John Lampkins. “They decided to come out here and start making baskets.”

Both teams were defensively sound in the first quarter. The Pirates scored just four points, while the Indians were held scoreless.

Pure scorers Max Vansant and Zion Riddick led the charge for the Pirates out of the gate in the second quarter, as the team outscored their opponent 10-2.

Lampkins’ squad would never look back, staying defensively poised throughout the second half and maintaining the offensive consistency.

Vansant and Riddick finished with eight a piece, while EniJae Vincent concluded with six of his own.

“I’m proud of them,” said Lampkins. “If they keep that up, they have a good chance of making it to the championship.”

For the Indians, Jeremiah Glaspie scored a game-high 10 points.

The Indians square off against the Heat Sunday at 1:30 p.m, while the Pirates look to stay hot against the Hornets Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Pacers cruise to victory against the Thunder

The Pacers of the 8-9 boys Washington Youth Basketball League coasted to victory against the Thunder on Friday, 39-10.

What started as a closely contested defensive showcase in the first quarter would turn out to be an offensive exhibition down the stretch.

“Defense. We strive on defense,” said Head Coach John Lampkins. “We know we’re going to have to tough shooting nights, but if our defense can stay strong then we’re in there.”

The Pacers’ defense stayed strong throughout the night, but their offense came alive in the second quarter, overcoming the first quarter deficit with a 14-0 run. Jaylen Lampkins, who is just six-years-old, proved to be the floor leader tonight. The coach’s son hit contested mid-range jumpers and made excellent decisions throughout the contest.

“Being a coach’s son he has a lot to deal with, and I’m proud of him that he comes in here and have fun,” said Lampkins. “If continues to let the game stay fun to him, he can develop a lot faster.”

Lampkins managed to share the basketball and give everyone on the floor a little piece of the action, including Wallace Burrus, who finished with a game-high 14 points. Jamarion Windley also ended with nine points.

For the Thunder, the fearless sharpshooter Gus Vansant led his team with four points.

“Hands down, we have some talented players on our team, and if they keep playing like they’re playing, we’re going to be hard to beat,” said Lampkins.

Clippers survive vs. Heat

In a game that wasn’t decided until the final minute, the Clippers squeaked out a victory against the Heat on Friday, 29-24.

Turnovers were the story of the first half for both squads, as Larry Ebron kept the Heat offense under a constant array of pressure. On offense, it was his brother Messiah that led the charge and regulated the offensive tempo.

The Clipper led by five at the break, but it wasn’t long until the Heat fought their way back on the back of Gary Payne’s jump shooting. He finished with eight points.

Using their height, the Clippers were able to win the battle of the boards and earn second chance points in the paint. However, the Heat cut the Clippers lead to just one point heading into the fourth quarter.

The Ebron brothers and Christian Norman took control of the final minutes offensively, scoring effortlessly and widening the margin. Messiah finished with 14 points, while the elusive Jawson Deloach recorded six points.