Boys Basketball: Prairie Ridge edges out Hampshire

Updated: December 15, 2011 10:13PM

The Hampshire basketball team is eight games into their season and one thing is for certain. They are tired of losing close games. The early season trend continued on Thursday night as the Whip-Purs dropped a Fox Valley Conference Crossover game to Prairie Ridge 38-36.

The game was back and forth from the opening tip until the final horn. Each team seemed to match basket for basket the entire game and the Wolves (2-5) were able to hang on to defeat Hampshire (2-6, 0-1).

The Whip-Purs put together another valiant effort, but once again couldn’t finish with a win.

“It’s getting really frustrating losing so many close games”, said Hampshire coach Bob Barnett. “We seem to have a chance late in every game, but either turn the ball over or miss the shot we need.”

“It’s getting old for all involved. Tonight I was happy with our defense, and luckily it’s still early in the season to get this turned around”.

Hampshire had a balanced scoring effort on Thursday. Shane Hernandez and Tyler Crater each scored 10 points for the Whip-Purs.

Prairie Ridge was very happy to get a win over a tough Hampshire team.

“I think we played very well tonight,” said Prairie Ridge coach Corky Card. “Hampshire is such a good team both with their inside and outside game, and I was so pleased with the defensive effort we put together.”

The Wolves are starting to get their roster together as players are returning from their Class 6A State Football Championship. One player from that team that controlled most of the game was Sean Valentine who led all scorers with 22 points.

“This was my third game of the season and I’m finally getting my basketball legs,” said Valentine. “We played so great on defense and kept up the intensity all game long.”

Both teams will now head to holiday tournaments. Prairie Ridge will play in the Jacobs tournament starting on Saturday. Hampshire will play in the Chuck Dayton Tournament in DeKalb beginning on Thursday December 22nd.

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