A strong first half gave host New Hope Christian early control of a non-league game on Tuesday on its way to defeating visiting Wellington for the first time in program history, 85-59.
“I was pleased with all phases of our game tonight,” New Hope coach Shane Roese said. “It was our first win against Wellington in five or six tries.
“We have had some teams capable of beating them, but this group has belief in their abilities that made the difference tonight.”
The Statesmen shot 62 percent (31 of 50) from two-point range and 37 of 68 (54.4 percent) overall from the field, compared to the Jaguars hitting on 22 of 52 (42.3 percent) attempts.
New Hope forced Wellington to 17 turnovers while committing just nine itself. The Statesmen outscored the Jaguars 14-0 in transition points and dominated the paint, 58-18.
Clayton Rhyne continued his torrid scoring pace with a game-high 34 points on 15 of 22 (68.2 percent) shooting. The senior wing also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out six assists.
“Clayton was on the attack all night and was able to get to the paint and finish,” Roese observed.
Lane Bruning posted a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds, as did Xander Rink with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Rink shot a crisp 6 of 8 (75 percent) from the field.
“Lane was physical and aggressive on the boards tonight and had his best overall game so far this season,” Roese praised. “Sophomore Xander Rink came off the bench and guarded their big and shut him down in the second half and gave us a nice scoring lift.”
Rhyne helped the Statesmen get out to a 25-14 lead after a period of play by scoring 11 points on the strength of five field goals.
Bruning knocked down a three and hit a basket for five points and Xander Rink added a pair of field goals.
“We jumped out to a quick in first quarter with good defensive pressure and transition offense to get out to a nice lead,” Roese said.
New Hope stretched its advantage to 45-27 at the break.
Five players again contributed to the scoring during the second quarter. Rhyne led the way with six points, Adam Rink tallied five and Xander Rink contributed four.
“The second quarter was much of the same,” Roese observed. “We mixed up our defenses and created some turnovers.
“It was the best half of basketball that our team has played all season.”
Wellington came out in the third quarter and trimmed its deficit down to 11, but the Statesmen rebounded to score 13 of the final 20 points in the period.
AJ Taylor and Jaden Shoultz scored 17 points apiece for the Jaguars (1-9), who compete in the rugged Mid-State League Ohio Division.
The Statesmen (7-2) return to action on Saturday when they host Horizon Science.
New Hope 85,
Wellington 59
WELLINGTON — Roarke Marincic 0-1-1, Ben Beckham 3-1-9, Jaden Shoultz 6-4-17, Alek Shaver 2-0-4, Michael Adams 4-0-11, AJ Taylor 7-2-17. Three-point goals — Adams (3), Beckham (2), Shoultz, Taylor. Total — 22-55 8-18 59.
NEW HOPE — Hunter Cavanaugh 2-0-6, Adam Rink 4-1-9, Andrew Swank 1-0-2, Clayton Rhyne 15-2-34, Xander Rink 6-2-14, Gavin Ludens 1-0-2, Lane Bruning 8-0-18. Three-point goals — Fields (3) Total — 37-68 5-7 85.
Quarter scores 1 2 3 4 F
Wellington 14 13 18 14 59
New Hope 25 20 17 23 85
Coming to Circleville this September!