CRYSTAL LAKE – After not winning a game during the COVID-19-shortened spring, Hampshire’s boys basketball team started the 2021-2022 season with an 0-3 record.
The losing is finally over for the Whip-Purs and coach Mike Featherly.
Connecting on 8-of-11 from 3-point range for 73% in the first half and leading Hononegah, 35-21, after 16 minutes, the Whip-Purs held off a valiant Indians’ fourth quarter rally on Saturday.
Paced by two late free throws by Joey Costable, the Whips were able to hold on for a 54-51 win over the Indians in the final round of the Tom Mueller Thanksgiving Tournament hosted by Crystal Lake Central.
“We had spurts in the first three games where we played well.” Featherly said. “We couldn’t put four quarters together. Today, we played a complete game. These kids work incredibly hard. We have 16 kids who can play and it is hard to find playing time for them. The kids found a way to win.”
Gavin Khounnoraj and Jeffrey Cruickshank each buried a pair of 3s in the first half as the Whips opened a 14-point advantage. Overall in the first half, Hampshire made 12-of-20 shots and committed only six turnovers.
Hononegah whittled away at Hampshire’s double-digit halftime lead and got to within 48-45 on a 3 by Owen Hart with 1:55 left in the game.
A 3 by Sam Ptak gave the Whips a 51-45 lead with 1:22 remaining. Hampshire, which made 4-of-16 free throws in the final 8 minutes, got two free throws with 1.3 seconds left from Costable to seal the win.
Costable led Hampshire with 12 points.
“We had 100% effort today,” Costable said. “We wanted to win every quarter. The coaches have encouraged us and stayed positive. We have momentum going into [Fox Valley] conference play.”
Cruickshank and Khounnoraj added eight points each for Hampshire. Ptak, with a pair of 3s, and Adam Ugochukwu (eight rebounds) scored six apiece.
Hononegah was led by Dominic Commisso with 12 points and eight rebounds. Hart and Isaiah Houi had 10 points each.