Harrison Central youth league heats up after 2-week intro

After two weeks of introductory play, Harrison Central’s Youth Basketball League picked up the pace Feb. 7 as teams looked to increase scoring chances.

Shots went up from all angles — some banking in, others missing entirely — but coaches and fans still saw plenty of baskets fall as players continued to learn the game.

“This week in the third- and fourth-grade division, and during the battle of the unbeaten teams, the Tar Heels took down the Knights 18-8,” league President Steve Coffman said. “Leading the Tar Heels were Karysa Bryant with 10 points, Harper Dunlap with 6 and Kennedy Sowers with 2. Great team defense led the way while holding the Knights scoreless in the second half. The Knights were led by Louis Thaxton with 6 points and Damion Sturgeon with 2.”

In the second game, the Huskies defeated the Vikings 22-9.

“A balanced scoring attack from the Huskies was key,” Coffman said. Kolt Anderson scored 8 points, Parker Phillipson had 6, William Sullivan scored 4, and Arliee Buter and Owen Guthrie added 2 points each. Javonni Walker scored all 9 points for the Vikings.

In the fifth- and sixth-grade division, the Spartans beat the Bulls 37-26 behind a big day from Vontae Robinson, the league’s leading scorer. Robinson scored 26 points, Kayleigh Agostini had 7 and Grayson Madzia added 4. The Bulls were led by Paxton Smith with 14 points and Brayden Kelley with 10. Brynlee Hutton scored her first two points of the season.

Coffman said the closest game of the day came when the Vikings beat the previously unbeaten Hornets 17-15 on a buzzer-beater.

“The Vikings were led by Kamden VanCuren with 11 points and brother Tyshaun Sturgeon with 4,” Coffman said. “The big shot that came as time expired came from Josiah Rocknich for his only 2 points of the game.” Blake Barcroft scored 7 for the Hornets, while Ryker Woodward, Keagan Mallernee, Drezner Litzenberg and Maddox Valesko each scored 2.

The Warriors (fifth and sixth grade) and Cavs (third and fourth grade) had byes.

In pre-K through second grade, the Hornets and Vikings played at 1 p.m., the Blue Devils and Warriors played at 2 p.m., and the Bulls and Cavs closed the day at 3 p.m.

Last week’s player of the week in the third- and fourth-grade division was Layne Harris of the Cavs, who scored 18 points to lead all scorers. Robinson earned player of the week honors in the fifth- and sixth-grade league after scoring 23 points in a win.

The top scorers in the third- and fourth-grade division entering Week 3 were Dunlap with 24 points, Harris with 21, Thaxton with 16 and Bryant with 10. The top scorers in the fifth- and sixth-grade division entering Week 3 were VanCuren with 30 points, Robinson with 23, Smith with 19 and Kelley with 13.

Standings after Week 3:

Third and fourth grade: Tar Heels 3-0; Knights 1-1; Huskies 1-1; Cavs 1-1; Vikings 0-3. Fifth and sixth grade: Spartans 2-0; Vikings 2-1; Hornets 1-1; Bulls 1-2; Warriors 0-2.

“It seemed like every game, it was a packed house,” Coffman said. “I’m glad we are getting the attendance we are, and everyone is enjoying the seven games that take place each Saturday, even with the cold temps.”

Coffman also noted that Ady Stull, a junior on the varsity girls basketball team, helped officiate.

“Being her coach the last few years at the high school level, it has made it very rewarding seeing her learn so much basketball knowledge,” Coffman said, adding thanks to veteran referees for mentoring her.

Coffman said Bryant (third and fourth grade) and VanCuren (fifth and sixth grade) were named players of the week for their performances.