The Hobbton Wildcats boys basketball program stepped into the week with a demanding two-day stretch, hosting Princeton Tuesday before hitting the road Wednesday at Western Harnett. Between the JV group earning a big season-opening win and the varsity squad pushing Princeton into overtime behind standout individual efforts, the Wildcats showed both growth and promise as they continue shaping their identity for the 2025 campaign.
JV
Hobbton’s JV opened its season on a high note Tuesday with a composed and energetic 40-37 victory over Princeton. The Wildcats controlled the first half and held steady down the stretch behind strong scoring efforts from three of their young standouts. Javarus Johnson led the way with 17 points, followed by 13 from Braxton McLamb and 10 from Travis Williams. Their early tempo and hustle laid the groundwork for the win, while the defense tightened during key moments to protect the narrow lead.
For JV head coach Dasmine Joyner, who was coaching in his first basketball game, the night was meaningful. Joyner said he leaned heavily on his leaders and was proud of the way they responded, especially in the second half. He noted that Williams tends to operate as a quiet but steady force on the floor, someone who works hard at practice and always gives the team energy. Joyner also highlighted the contributions of the freshmen, including Eli Davis and Johnson, who logged significant minutes and brought athleticism and composure to the rotation.
“The freshman class is something special. They work hard, and you are not going to outwork them,” Joyner said. He emphasized that the group’s ability to step in during critical stretches speaks well of the future. The win, he added, helps set the standard he wants the JV program to uphold, one built on buying in, competing, and supporting the varsity group as one united program.
Hobbton returned to action Wednesday, but this time the result went the other way as Western Harnett controlled the tempo and handed the Wildcats a 52-26 loss. The Hawks’ physical play and defensive pressure disrupted Hobbton’s rhythm early, and the gap widened as the game progressed. Despite the setback, Joyner stressed that early-season reps, especially in back-to-back situations, will prepare the Wildcats for stronger performances as the year unfolds.
Varsity
The varsity matchup with Princeton unfolded as a dramatic, momentum-swinging contest that ultimately ended in a 67-57 overtime loss. The Wildcats started the night with crisp execution, winning the tip and getting on the board early when Lathan Warren scored inside. Richard Simpson followed with the first of several three-pointers, and with additional scoring from Warren and Joe Corbett, Hobbton established an early 12-8 advantage. Princeton trimmed the lead late, but Simpson’s second three of the quarter allowed the Wildcats to finish the opening frame ahead 16-13.
The Bulldogs began to find success running the floor in the second quarter, capitalizing on long rebounds and missed Hobbton attempts. Several leak-out fastbreaks put Princeton in front 19 to 16, and the visitors extended the advantage before the Wildcats regained momentum in the closing minute. Javonte Johnson came up with a steal that led to a follow-up finish by Amir Tate, and Simpson then scored on the break at the horn to send Hobbton into halftime with a 26-25 lead. Tate’s steady presence around the basket helped anchor Hobbton’s offense, and he finished with 11 points, second only to Simpson’s game-high 27.
Hobbton fought for control in the third quarter, adjusting defensively into a 1-3-1 look that quickly disrupted Princeton’s flow and produced turnovers. Both teams struggled to score during a lengthy stretch, but Simpson’s baseline drive broke a tie and sparked a late run that included key baskets from both Simpson and Reggie Thompson. The Wildcats entered the fourth quarter holding a 36-30 lead and appeared to have momentum on their side.
The closing period, however, swung violently for both teams. Early scores were hard to come by as possessions stalled and turnovers piled up. Tate fouled out near the final minutes of regulation, removing an important scoring and rebounding piece for Hobbton. Princeton then capitalized at the free throw line, and Evan Pate, who had been held scoreless in the first quarter, surged as the game tightened. His and-one finish put Princeton ahead 55-54, and later, after several empty possessions from Hobbton, Cameron Harrison knocked down two free throws with 17 seconds left to create a 57-54 advantage.
With the length of the court to go, Hobbton needed a miracle, and freshman Isaiah Collins delivered one. As the final seconds ticked away, Collins rose on the right wing and buried a three-pointer to tie the game, electrifying the home crowd and sending the Wildcats into overtime.
Once in the extra period, though, Princeton seized control. Pate, who caught fire after halftime, continued his scoring tear and finished with a powerful 24-point performance. Harrison added a key early three, widening the gap to 62-57. With both Tate and Thompson fouled out, Hobbton struggled to generate clean looks, and Princeton closed out the win in the final minute.
Hobbton head coach Aydan Tart pointed to rebounding as the difference-maker, stating that the team gave up too many second chances and allowed Princeton to dictate key stretches. Tart said it was not one missed shot or one possession that decided the game, but rather a collection of small details that must improve. Still, he praised his team’s offensive chemistry, noting that for a first game, the ball movement and connection among players like Warren, Simpson, Corbett, and Tate exceeded expectations. He was especially encouraged by the poise of young contributors such as Collins and Idarius Eason, who stepped confidently into a pressure-filled moment. Tart described it as “baptism by fire” and commended the freshman for refusing to back down.
The Wildcats returned to action Wednesday at Western Harnett. Although they ultimately fell short, Tart said the group showed determination, even after falling behind by more than 20 points early. Turnovers in the opening quarter created too steep a hole, but Hobbton battled back to trim the margin to six in the final stretch. Tart said the effort to fight back impressed him and that the quick turnaround did not significantly impact the team’s legs, though an extra day of practice might have allowed them to clean up some of the issues they saw the night before.
As the Wildcats prepare for their county rivalry matchup with Midway, Tart stated that the focus will be on stronger rebounding, more consistent spacing, better ball movement, and tighter defensive positioning. With the chemistry showing early signs of promise, the coaching staff believes the next step comes from refining execution and minimizing the small mistakes that can swing games at the high school level. Check clintonnc.com for a score recap of their matchup against Midway, and next Tuesday’s edition for a full recap.