In the nightcap game, the Midway Raiders pulled away from the Hobbton Wildcats to get a 49-34 win Thursday night.

The Wildcats jumped out to an 8-4 lead on the Raiders before coming alive in the second quarter. The first quarter score was tied at 8. It wasn’t until two minutes into the second quarter that Midway would see their first lead. At the half, they were up 21-12. In the third, the Wildcats rallied a bit to be down by 7 after three quarters, with the score 36-29. In the final frame the Raiders continued to build their lead to win by 15.

Scoring for the Raiders were Austin Raynor with 10 points, Austin Marley with eight, Sha’king Warren with seven, Jamar Autry with six and Greg Orr with five points.

For the Wildcats Raekwon Bryant had 12 and Josh Blue had 10.

“We are pleased to be 2-1,” said Midway coach Matthew Creech. “I thought points came at a premium for both teams.We were fortunate in the first half to get some scoring from our bench from Sha’king (Warren). In the second half, I though our offensive execution was much better. We took the ball inside a little more and were able to convert some from the free throw line. Our defense played well and we are pleased to get a road win.”

Hobbton coach Alphonso Hooper said his team couldn’t execute and it cost them.

“It was a tough game tonight against Midway,” Hooper stated. “We just couldn’t put it in the basket. The first quarter we played with them with the 8-8 score. We were getting touches inside with our post players but just couldn’t score. The guys fought hard. I think one time we cut it to six and were in the ball game. We had some problems with our guards. We just have to finish and make plays, which we didn’t do tonight. Midway just out executed us tonight. They made the plays when they had to.”

Josh Blue makes a short jumper for the Hobbton Wildcats. Blue scored 10 in the game against Midway.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Josh-Blue.jpgJosh Blue makes a short jumper for the Hobbton Wildcats. Blue scored 10 in the game against Midway.

By David Johnson

Sports Writer