The Hobbton Wildcats hosted the North Duplin Rebels on Friday night, with the visiting Rebels sweeping all three contests on the hardwood. North Duplin claimed a 57-42 win in the junior varsity game, pulled away for a 47-7 victory in the varsity girls contest, and closed the night with a 65-49 win over the Wildcats in the varsity boys matchup.
JV
The night opened with the junior varsity matchup, where North Duplin established control early and carried that momentum throughout the game. Despite Hobbton’s effort, the Rebels were able to maintain separation and pulled away for a 57-42 victory.
Varsity girls
In the girls contest, North Duplin set the tone from the opening tip. The Rebels scored 22 unanswered points in the first quarter and followed with 14 more in the second to take a commanding 36-0 lead into halftime.
With the outcome well in hand, North Duplin utilized its bench in the second half, adding six points in the third quarter and five more in the final frame.
Hobbton was able to get on the scoreboard with a free throw and a three-pointer from Valarie Bartello, while Jamiyah Oates also connected from beyond the arc. Despite the Wildcats’ continued effort, the Rebels secured a 47-7 win.
Varsity boys
The varsity boys game proved to be a tale of two halves. Hobbton came out strong and controlled the early action, building a 20-13 lead by the end of the first quarter and maintaining a 32-26 advantage at halftime.
After the break, North Duplin returned with renewed energy while the Wildcats began to fade. The Rebels tied the game at 33 with 5:20 left in the third quarter. Hobbton continued to battle and briefly regained a one-point lead at 40-39 with 1:30 remaining in the period, but North Duplin edged ahead 41-40 by the end of the third.
The Rebels then took full control in the final quarter, outscoring Hobbton 24-9 to pull away for a 65-49 win.
North Duplin was led by Jae’lyn Ingram with 20 points, while Noah Price added 14. Carrell Phillips chipped in eight points, and Lucas Dail finished with six.
For Hobbton, Reggie Thompson scored 11 points, Amir Tate added nine, and Richard Simpson, Isaiah Collins, and Idaris Eason finished with eight points apiece.