Mike Vukovcan It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to say this, but the Hopewell HS Boys basketball team will be playing in a very important game in late January.
Tonight, the Vikings will host Avonworth in a contest that could have huge playoff implications for both programs.
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Hopewell enters tonight with a section record of 2-3, while Avonworth sits at 3-2. Here’s a look at the updated standings in Class 4A/Section 2. Keep in mind that the top 4 teams in the section qualify for the playoffs.
SECTION 2/4A:
Quaker Valley: 5-0
Central Valley: 3-2
Avonworth: 3-2
Hopewell: 2-3
Beaver: 1-4
Ambridge: 1-4
Hopewell has 5 section games remaining with each of the teams so tonight’s game could both impact the Vikings chances of qualifying along with possibly improving their place in the section depending on where they finish as one game separates 2nd and 4th place.
Vikings Sports Now spoke with Hopewell HC Doug Biega to get his thoughts on tonight’s important game and how his team is different from when these two teams played earlier this season, a game in which Avonworth won 69-62.
“It’s definitely the biggest game for the program in recent memory, just based on the calendar and the standings,” said Biega.
“I feel the last time we played, Avonworth gave us on the job training as far as competitive nature. They mauled us for 2+ quarters before we rallied to cut it to 3. Hopefully, that’s the biggest difference, that we learned to compete at a high level no matter the opposition.”
Although he won’t admit to it, things are probably a bit ahead of schedule for Biega and this program. However, playing a meaningful game on January 23rd and fighting for a playoff spot this late in the season isn’t something that he’s complaining about.
“I’ve maintained from the beginning that I can’t predict numbers or outcomes,” said Biega. “But I can control the fact that we will try as hard as we can and let the chips fall where they may. And thus far, I’m very proud of my guys.”
Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM at Hopewell High School. No snow is in the forecast for tonight so if you’re schedule is open, head over to support this team in what should be a very entertaining game.
