Midway traveled to Sampson on Thursday for the conference championship game in the Sampson County Middle School conference.
In the end, Sampson prevailed in a thrilling, scrappy game of basketball. After controlling the game two separate times, it almost got away from the Dark Horses. They held on for a 39-36 win when things were all said and done, and they cut down the nets for yet another championship.
The Dark Horses started the season 1-3, and have been prone to slow starts in games this season. This was not the case in this game, as Sampson jumped out to a 17-4 lead after the first quarter. They then went cold, as the Midway defense got things moving their way. Sampson did not score in the second quarter, and Midway cut the lead to 17-12 entering halftime.
In the third quarter, Sampson built their lead back up. It was 27-16 in favor of the Dark Horses, following the conclusion of the third.
With just under five minutes to go, Sampson’s lead was 37-26. Midway responded quickly with a 10-0 run, cutting the lead to 37-36. After a pair of free throws by Sampson, Midway was unable to connect on the 3-pointer at the end of the game to tie things up.
As the horn sounded, it deemed Sampson the tournament champions, and Ron Davis, their head coach was very pleased.
“It has to be the most satisfying season I have had since I have coached here,” said Davis. “I am very proud of our guys. Our identity is to defend well and rebound, and that is what got us here and that is what won us this game. These guys have been great to be around, and I am going to miss them, as all but 3 are heading to 9th grade.”
Sampson finishes their season at 13-3. Midway fell to 11-2, and finished the season as co-regular season champions along with Sampson.
It was truly a great night of middle school basketball, as fans poured into the Sampson Middle gym to support their respected teams. Each team had a great season, and capped it off with an exciting finale to the middle school year.