Doubling down hard, decisive in ‘The Valley’
26-point 3rd quarter leads FHS boys to blowout at HVA
HARDIN VALLEY — Both the Hardin Valley Academy and Farragut High School boys basketball teams have had their share of offensive struggles this season, and when the two District 4-AAA rivals collided Friday night, Jan. 4, it seemed to be a microcosm of the season.
At least that was the case early. But the Admirals would find some production after halftime and cruised to a 58-38 victory at HVA.
Farragut, which used a late second-quarter surge to open a 22-14 halftime lead, exploded and scored 26 points in the third stanza.
The Ads (7-12 overall, 3-4 in District 4-AAA) got a huge lift from freshman guard Dillon Atwell, who scored 11 of his game-high 18 points in the third stanza.
“Our shots weren’t falling (early), so we knew that we were going to play tough defense,” Atwell said. “We were able to do that, and then in the second half our shots started falling and we were able to come in and get a big district win on the road.”
FHS also got 11 points from junior guard Robby Geron and 10 from senior wing Will Brown.
“Robby, Will and Dillon are a big part of what we do,” FHS head coach Jon Higgins said. “... We’re at our best when Robby and Will are making plays and Dillon is hitting shots.”
Jude Wren scored nine points against the Hawks (8-8, 2-5) while Admirals Andrew Howell, Saish Malluri and Trey Nesbitt also made big shots.
Hardin Valley was without senior guard Cartez Campbell, who was on a football recruiting trip.
“Other guys have to step up their game,” HVA head coach Shane Chambers said. “Not having Cartez was not an excuse. ... We just didn’t have the energy and intensity tonight.”
Senior Bryce Jenkins led the Hawks with nine points. Rob Krakoviak added eight while Tyson Adams finished with six.
