Hampton gave it their all for 32 minutes on Saturday night.
The upset-minded Bulldogs dropped a hard-fought 70-55 decision to District 2 top seed and defending Class 2A state champion Alcoa on the road in Region 1-2A quarterfinal action.
With the loss, Hampton’s season comes to a close.
The Bulldogs didn’t back down from a battle.
Geno Carrico and Hayden Campbell hit early buckets for HHS as the game was tied at 6-6 in the opening minutes. Alcoa went on an 8-0 run, but the Bulldogs countered with shots from Dylan Trivett and Carrico.
The teams traded shots to end the half as the Tornadoes held a 23-18 lead after a quarter of play.
After Alcoa pushed the lead out with an 8-1 run to open the second, Hampton kept battling as Carrico and Trivett knocked down back-to-back shots. The teams once again traded points to end the quarter.
At the half, Hampton trailed 35-25.
The Tornadoes used a strong third quarter to get some breathing room.
Tuff Robinson knocked down a Hampton shot, but Alcoa opened the quarter on an 8-2 run. Hampton traded shots with Campbell providing a spark, but HHS was unable to cut into the Alcoa lead in the quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Hampton continue to battle, but the Bulldogs were unable to rally.
Campbell led Hampton with 14 points, while Michael Anspaugh had 12 points. Carrico ended the game with 11 points. Trivett scored 10 points for Hampton.
Mr. Basketball Finalist Jahvin Carter led Alcoa with 18 points, while Jamir Dean scored 15 points. Moro Ayl finished with 11 points.
Michigan Football commit Eli Owens tallied eight points.
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