When the North Hagerstown and South Hagerstown boys basketball teams meet on the court, one thing is certain—it’s going to be an exciting game with plenty of emotion from players, coaches and fans. Friday’s game at Hub Arena at North Hagerstown High School was no different.
The Rebels and Hubs have new head coaches this season. Former South head coach Kevin Naylor took over at North this season and one of his former players, Shane Santell, was hired at South to be their new head coach.
Santell had his Rebels ready to go. South dominated the first half of play and led by as many as 16 points. Juniors Lance Ford and Elijah Creary led South with seven points each in the opening half to pace a balanced Rebel attack to a 32-18 halftime lead.
The Hubs, who showed little life in the first half, responded to Coach Naylor’s spirited halftime speech and cut the South lead to only eight points after the third quarter. Junior Nas Keyes led the North charge with 10 points in the third quarter.
North went on a 16-0 run to end the third quarter and start the fourth quarter to finally take the lead. The Hubs exploded for 31 points in the fourth quarter and was led by senior Damiere Branch (11 points), Keyes (nine points) and senior Theo Madison (eight points).
Once seizing the lead, the Hubs held off the Rebels over the final three minutes to win another spirited and exciting city rivalry game, 73-66.
Keyes led the Hubs with 23 points, while Branch had 15 points and Will Bonds added 14 points in the win. Lewis Berry and Javontay Lewis led South with 14 points each.
North Hagerstown improves their record to (4-7 overall, 2-4 CMC) while the South falls to (4-8 overall, 1-6 CMC). The Hubs now leads the all-time series, 82-63.
Article by Dave Foltz, Hagerstown, MD
“I’m a lifelong resident of Washington County (MD) and have played, coached and covered local youth and high school sports for the last 30+ years. I work full time for the State of Maryland and currently coach high school football and basketball. I’m also President of the Washington County Athletic Association which organizes one of the largest high school all-star basketball events (The Roundball Classic) in the country, held each March in Hagerstown.”
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