Rangers Stun Teays Valley in MSL Clash, 71-63

Article presented by McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It!

Sensational sophomore Jovon McBride scored 26 of his game high 31-points in the third period for Hamilton Township as they rolled into Ashville and handed Teays Valley a 71-63 loss Friday night.

The visitors were magical after the break, sinking 82-percent of their shots from the field and 86-percent from beyond the arc in a 39-point third period. While mostly fueled by McBride, Josh Woods, Nick Tuff and Brad Butcher added long range shots to create a separation Teays Valley couldn’t overcome.

McBride credited his teammates. “When they see I’m hot, they do a good job of feeding me the ball.” And when the Vikings adjusted their defense, the supporting cast became lethal from the field. “They collapse on me in practice and I kick it out – trust my teammates.”

Through the first 16 minutes, the Rangers and Vikings battled to a 27-27 score at the half. Brody Fields hit a shot to give the Vikings a short-lived lead. That’s when McBride took over and Teays Valley fell behind quickly.

“We’re a third quarter team” Hamilton’s Brenden Mathews told on the Litter Media Radio Post Game Show. “We kinda regroup at halftime and collect ourselves… and this group really believes. They believe they can win these tough games and execute down the stretch.”

It’s been a tough stretch these last five games for the Vikings. For the first time this season, they’ve dropped back-to-back decisions and suffered their third loss in the last five games. Making matters worse, point guard Kole Nungester suffered a knee injury just 48 seconds into the contest. That forced the Vikings to play short-handed without their floor general.

Sam Miller (23-points) and Brody Fields (18-points) combined for 13-points in the third, but the Rangers were still wracking up points and McBride was putting on a show. With 5:36 remaining, he had a breakaway dunk to put Hamilton ahead 40-31. When the dust settled after the third, the Rangers held a 56-44 lead.

“Jovon McBride is a special talent” said Mathews. “He does a really good job of getting his teammates involved as well.”

Teays Valley gave a bit of a run in the fourth quarter, managing to whittle the lead down to five points twice, but the Rangers went back to Franklin County victorious, improving to 8-4 in the Mid State League Buckeye Division.

The loss prevented MSL leader Teays Valley (13-6/10-2) from clinching a share of the league title Friday, slipping to 10-2. They need a win to nail it down. That could come next week as they wrap up league play with Amanda Clearcreek Tuesday and Logan Elm Wednesday.

Hamilton Township (13-7/8-4) now has its sights set on Bloom-Carroll next Tuesday.

The Central District draw is Sunday afternoon. Litter Media’s Mike Smith will be following the draw and have details posted Sunday afternoon.

TEAMS	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Hamilton Twp.	15	12	39	15	71
Teays Valley	15	12	17	19	63

SCORING:
RANGERS: Jovon McBride, 31; Josh Woods, 11; Hamidou Diallo, 11; Daviace Packnett, 6; Nick Tuff, 5; Brad Butcher, 3; Kadan Ahr, 2; Jaden Jarrell, 2 – 71
VIKINGS: Sam Miller, 23; Brody Fields, 18; Kaden Purdon, 10, Owen Hoffhines, 8 – 63

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