Middle school basketball action wrapped up with a sweep for the Raiders on Tuesday, as the Midway Middle Raiders earned a 42-5 win in the girls game before holding off the Hobbton Middle Wildcats 33-29 in a tightly contested boys matchup.
While the final scores tell two very different stories, both games offered clear signs of growth, effort, and competitive spirit from programs preparing for tournament time.
Girls
Midway 42 Hobbton 5
Midway’s girls set the tone early and never let up, controlling the pace on both ends of the floor and executing their game plan with discipline. Defensive pressure, clean ball movement, and steady scoring allowed the Lady Raiders to pull away quickly and maintain control throughout.
Despite the lopsided score, Hobbton girls coach Kelvin Stevens focused on development and resilience, pointing to a roster that has continued to evolve throughout the season.
“It’s been pretty difficult,” Stevens said. “These two girls that came up, it’s their first year playing, so they’re still learning the basketball routine and everything. But they’ve been a big help. They learn a lot in practice, and they’re willing to ask questions, either to us or their teammates.”
Stevens credited his returning players for embracing leadership roles and helping guide the newcomers.
“My two point guards, Aubrey and Kimberly, they’ve really stepped up,” he explained. “They leave everything on the court. Sometimes they get frustrated with themselves, but we just tell them to do their best and leave it all out there.”
Interior play also stood out as a positive.
“With Nicole on the inside, she’s been big for us,” Stevens added. “She had a couple blocks tonight and really helped in the middle. The girls that started the season with us have been working hard for the ones who are new, and I’m really pleased with the effort.”
Midway girls coach Allen McLamb praised his team’s focus and execution while also acknowledging the Wildcats’ fight.
McLamb said he was proud of his girls for sticking to the game plan, adding that while Hobbton is undermanned right now, he believes the Lady Wildcats have a bright future and credited them for continuing to compete.
Boys
Midway 33 Hobbton 29
The boys’ contest was a grind from start to finish, marked by physical defense, key runs, and momentum swings.
Midway opened with a 5-1 lead behind Ja’Kevon Cash, but Hobbton answered as Sawyer Warren scored four straight points to tie the game at 5-5 with three minutes left in the first quarter. Kyrie Best then gave the Wildcats the lead by jumping a cross-court pass for a steal and finish.
Ty’Kevon Cash quickly answered with a layup, and after missing two free throws, he immediately redeemed himself by stealing the ensuing inbound pass and converting at the rim. Another Midway basket pushed the Raiders ahead 12-9.
Hobbton countered inside as Milo Brewington finished a post move off an assist from Terrell Williams. With 3:38 left in the half, Midway held a slim one-point edge before Brewington scored again to briefly put the Wildcats in front.
Tanner Register responded with a corner three to reclaim the lead for Midway. Jeremiah Lyons fought on the glass for Hobbton, drawing multiple fouls after offensive rebounds, but the Wildcats left points at the free-throw line.
Turnovers plagued both teams late in the half, but Midway closed strong with a buzzer-beating three from Register to take an 18-14 lead into halftime. Register and Ty’Kevon Cash combined for all 18 Midway points in the first half, while Brewington and Warren led Hobbton with four apiece.
Lyons opened the second half with a basket, but Cash answered on the next possession and continued his scoring push as Midway built a 24-16 lead. An offensive rebound putback brought Hobbton within five, but a key sequence followed when the Cash brothers connected. Ty’Kevon broke down the defense, drew help, and Ja’Siyen Cash knocked down a three to extend the lead to 30-19.
Camden Brown kept the Wildcats within striking distance with strong post play, but Midway still held a 30-19 advantage at the end of the third quarter.
Hobbton made one last push, trimming the deficit to 32-24 with 2:55 remaining. Defense dominated the closing minutes, with scoring hard to come by. Brewington added two late points, and Warren buried an elbow three as time wound down, but the rally fell short as Midway secured the 33-29 win.
Hobbton boys coach Jackson Temple said the performance reflected steady progress.
“We have grown as a team this year,” Temple said. “Our players have stuck together through adversity and continue to give great effort. Our goal is to peak at tournament time, and we are well on our way. We rebounded better and handled their full-court press better tonight, and I’m proud of how our kids continue to compete.”
Midway boys coach Josh Bullard credited his team’s resolve.
“We knew it was going to be a hard-fought game,” Bullard said. “We didn’t finish as well as we need to, but we found a way to win.”