Although the junior varsity Wildcats would scrap it out until the final buzzer, Friday’s game would go to the ‘Dogs. The final score was 55-47, Wallace-RH.

“Unfortunately we lost another close one, but we played a tough, hard game,” head coach Angelo Surles commented post game. “I am proud of how the guys battled.”

As for their fight on the court, a defensive bark from Wallace-RH early into the game would hold Hobbton to a scant two points, while the ‘Dogs moved up six on the board.

However, as the final minutes shed from the clock, the Wildcats would kick off the cat and dog tussle after leaping ahead 10-8.

Wallace-RH would grab the lead early into the second quarter, but Hobbton would remain right on their tail.

By mid-quarter, Wallace-RH would move their way to a six-point lead, but the ‘Cats would rally to recapture the lead with 2:30 remaining in the half.

By the buzzer, the Bulldogs recovered for a 25-24 lead.

Following the break, the ‘Cats lost some steam, allowing Wallace-RH to run ahead for an eight-point victory.

“With the effort we came out with, we should have had a a victory. But, again, we had a poor shooting night. We took 55 shots and probably 40 were layups. We also missed 20 free throws,” Surles stressed.

According to the coach, 50 percent from the line and 50 percent from two, and the ‘Cats would have had a chance for a victory.

“This was another close game that we lost this year,” Surles shared, adding that the Wildcats have only lost two double-digit games all season.

Leaders were Justin Brock with 3 points; James Askinson with 2 points; Arell Owens with 13 points; Jonathan Faison with 6 points; Gabriel Barksdale with 12 points; and T.J. DeVone with 11 points.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com