ROAN MOUNTAIN, Tenn. – Hampton started off hot on a cold January night. That proved to be the difference.
The Hampton boys used an 11-0 run and never looked back as they ran to a 83-57 victory over Cloudland Tuesday night inside Sonny Smith Gymnasium.
The Bulldogs jumped out early as Coby Jones scored eight early points and Nathan Norris added a 3-pointer to power HHS to an 11-0 lead. Cloudland answered with a Preston Benfield jumper, but a Jones 3-pointer answered on the other end. A Benfield trey at the buzzer cut the Hampton lead to 18-9 entering the second quarter.
Hampton continued to control the game as Stone Hutchinson knocked down a trey to open the period, and the Bulldogs used a 12-5 run to extend the lead to 16 points. Benfield and Jesse Potter added buckets for Cloudland. However, the Bulldogs six Stanley Valentine points down the stretch to take a 43-21 lead into the locker room at half.
It was deja vu in the third quarter as Hutchinson opened the quarter with a 3-pointer and that kicked off an 11-0 run. Benfield added a Cloudland basket to snap the run. The ‘Landers continued to fight as Benfield scored six points and Joe Trivette and Potter added baskets.
Hampton maintained a 60-36 lead after three quarters of play.
In the fourth quarter, both teams were able to get younger kids some playing time as Hampton saw seven players score in the final period.
Jones paced the way with a Hampton-high 22 points, while Valentine finsihed with 14 points. Hutchinson tossed in points.
Benfield had a game-high 27 points. Potter finished with nine points.
Hampton will host Unaka on Friday night, while Cloudland will host North Greene.
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