Lillian Otto WEXFORD– Hopewell took on Deer Lakes on Wednesday night in their WPIAL 4A Quarterfinal Matchup at North Allegheny High School.
The game opened evenly, with Justin Shegog scoring the first basket for Hopewell. James Armstrong answered Deer Lakes, and the two teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter. Shegog hit a three from the corner and scored on a layup, while Armstrong added multiple layups and converted a steal into a score. The first period ended tied, 13–13.
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In the second quarter, Deer Lakes built a lead with quick inside scoring, forcing a Hopewell timeout. After the break, Hopewell managed to keep pace, but Deer Lakes’ perimeter defense made it difficult for Hopewell’s guards. Hopewell ran more offense through Armstrong, but Deer Lakes still carried a 33–20 advantage into halftime.
Down 13 at the start of the third quarter, Hopewell began to narrow the gap. Armstrong opened with a rebound put-back, and Brody Rock hit a three-pointer for his first points of the game. Hopewell’s defense improved, limiting easier Deer Lakes opportunities and forcing tougher shots. Hopewell kept pace through the quarter, and a half-court buzzer shot by Jack Biega gave them momentum heading into the 4th. After three quarters, Deer Lakes led 49–38.
In the fourth quarter, Hopewell continued to work through Armstrong, scoring on multiple possessions including a feed from Rock. Hopewell slowly cut into the lead and got within seven points with about four minutes remaining. Justin Shegog hit two clutch three-pointers late in the game, first cutting the lead to six, and then bringing it to a single possession at 62–59 with 1:29 left in the game.
Deer Lakes responded quickly though and rebuilt a five-point lead. After a foul and a turnover by Hopewell, Deer Lakes quickly extended the margin to nine, and just like that the game was out of reach. Hopewell fouled to try and extend the game, but Deer Lakes was able to close out the game with a final score of 71–59.
I was able to connect with Coach Doug Biega after the game to get his thoughts on the game and the season overall.
“Definitely a lesson learned,” said Coach Biega. “When you play teams that have been there and done that, they sort of show you how to play until you adapt. And until you are a team that has been there and has done that, you’re in learning mode. But they showed a lot of heart and grit and came back and had it down to one possession in the 4th quarter. I’m super proud of them and that’s all you can ask for”
The season is not over though. Because Hopewell made the WPIAL 4A Quarterfinals, and that 5 teams come out of the 4A Division for the PIAA State Playoffs, games will continue in the consolation bracket to determine the 5th team who goes to the PIAA State Playoffs.
Hopewell will host Belle Vernon on Monday, 2/23 at 7 PM in the first game of the consolation bracket at Hopewell High School.
Game Recap:
1ST QUARTER
2-0 Justin Shegog hits the first shot of the game
4-4 James Armstrong spins to the basket for two
7-6 Shegog drills a three from the corner
9-8 Armstrong gets another layup to fall
11-11 Shegog gets two off a layup
13-13 Armstrong gets the steal and converts it into two
13-13 End of 1st Quarter
2ND QUARTER
14-17 Tre Cameron makes 1 of 2 free throws
16-21 Armstrong muscles in for two
18-23 Jeremy Benninghoff with a nice take to the rim
19-31 Armstrong makes 1 of 2 free throws
20-31 Cameron makes 1 of 2 free throws
20-33 Halftime
3RD QUARTER
22-35 Armstrong gets the rebound and the put-back
25-37 Brody Rock gets his first points on a three-pointer
27-37 Armstrong makes 2 of 2 free throws
29-41 Another basket drops for Armstrong
31-43 Armstrong hits a two-pointer
33-45 Rock gets a backwards layup to fall
35-47 Armstrong gets the bucket plus the foul
38-47 Jack Biega drills a half court buzzer beater
38-47 End of 3rd Quarter
4TH QUARTER
39-47 Armstrong makes 1 of 2 free throws
41-51 Armstrong scores on a feed from Rock
43-53 Cameron gets the steal and the bucket
45-55 Armstrong for two
47-56 Benninghoff hits a floater
49-56 Armstrong hits another shot, decreasing the deficit
51-58 Shegog makes 2 of 2 free throws
54-60 Shegog swishes a three-pointer
56-60 Armstrong gets another rebound and put-back
59-62 Shegog drills another clutch three
59-71 Final
Individual Points:
James Armstrong: 28
Justin Shegog: 15
Tre Cameron: 4
Jeremy Benninghoff: 4
Brody Rock: 5
Jack Biega: 3
