Prep Hoops 10 Best: Hampton vs. Bethel
In my first ever time watching a Bethel-Hampton game, I left thinking it may not just be one of the oldest rivalries in the state, it may quite possibly be the best! The gates were sold out after the first…
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Continue ReadingIn my first ever time watching a Bethel-Hampton game, I left thinking it may not just be one of the oldest rivalries in the state, it may quite possibly be the best! The gates were sold out after the first quarter of the girls game, and it was one of the loudest gyms I had ever been in as both groups of fans were unbelievably passionate. The Crabbers of Hampton, who were favored, got off to a slow start as Bethel scored the first 11 points of the game, and they led Hampton 21-14 at the end of the first. Hampton clawed back to tie it up at halftime, and the second half was nothing but back-and-forth action that was so entertaining to watch, capped off by Bethel point guard Miles Barrett hitting a three to send it to overtime. Hampton pulled away in overtime to win 71-66, but it should be an early contender for the game of the year because it will be hard to top the atmosphere, level of play and tradition of this rivalry in Hampton.
MVP | Jalen Ray | Hampton ’17
Ray was lights out at the beginning of the game, then after a small lull in the second quarter he picked it back up in the second half. Ray finished with a game high 34 points, six of which came in overtime to set the tone for the Crabbers. His improvement from being just a shooter to an all around scorer is impressive.
Play of the Game
With time running down and the Crabber’s face guarding Bethel star Cam Bacote, 5’8” point guard Miles Barrett pump faked and hoisted up a contested three that rolled around every part of the rim and went in to tie the game with just over two seconds left, forcing overtime.
Best Offensive Performer | Jalen Ray | Hampton ’17
Not only did Ray have a big night, scoring 30 points for the first time this season, but the Hofstra commit was huge down the stretch. He scored 22 of his points in the second half and overtime, and was the catalyst for them when they needed a big shot down the stretch.
Best Defensive Performer | Jeremiah Owusu | Bethel ’18
The UVA football commit was all over the floor before fouling out in overtime. He had an unreal block at one point in the second half, where he came all the way from the opposite wing to helped and swatted a shot that he had no business getting to. Owusu was also fantastic on the glass, and he finished with 14 points and 14 rebounders.
Best Guy off the Bench | Jacquez Yow | Hampton ‘18
The 6’4” combo forward did a little bit of everything for Hampton, even if it didn’t show up on the stat sheet. He guarded multiple players for Bethel, including 6’11” Dajour Dickens and did a good job defensively while still contributing four points and three rebounds for the Crabbers.
Best Intangibles | Mastadi Pitt | Hampton ’17
The Norfolk State commit, playing on a bad wheel, went on a stretch of 12 points in the second quarter when Hampton was down to bring them back. He was also big in crunch time, hitting a tough step back three-pointer to break a tie with just over 1:30 left to play. He also didn’t turn the ball over once despite being the primary ball handler for most of the game.
Best Under the Radar Performer | Dashon Coleman | Bethel ’17
Coleman stepped up big for Bethel, hitting four three-pointers and finishing with 14 points. He had the first five points of the game for the Bruins, and each of his three second half triples were big shots with the score close and them begging him to shoot it. He was somewhat of an x-factor for them throughout the game.
Best Underclassman | Zaiyen Chapman | Hampton ’19
Chapman, who played a sixth man role for Hampton, showed great energy on both ends of the floor. An athletic off guard, he defended with intensity, kept plays alive and penetrated the defense to break it down and make plays for others. While he didn’t shoot it particularly well, he still showed great promise and a bright future moving forward.
Best Feel for the Game | Cam Bacote | Bethel ’17
Bacote was impressive in that he was aggressive without being selfish, and he played well both on and off the ball. He was face guarded and denied the basketball for much of the game, but he moves so well without the ball that they ere still able to get it in his hands and let him make plays. He finished with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists with just one turnover as well.
Best Aspect of the Environment | Cheerleaders Battles
Many games have cheerleader battles throughout that the crowd likes to hype up, but it got so intense that both cheerleading squads were told to sit down and that they couldn’t battle anymore. What was even better was that the sold out crowd was divided down the middle, and they were backing their squads by chanting with them at deafening sound levels. One player even had to plug his ears when the crowd got too loud! What an environment.