UPDATE: King’s Fork High School’s boys basketball team has just returned from an exhilarating trip to Florida, where they showcased their skills at the Holiday Basketball Classic. The Bulldogs faced fierce competition, ultimately falling to the No. 3 team in Virginia, Fairfax Christian, in a heart-stopping championship match that ended 76-73 on a buzzer beater.
The Bulldogs began their Florida adventure by defeating Northwestern (Florida) and Friends Select (Philadelphia), igniting excitement among fans. “Fairfax is and will be the biggest team we will face all year,” said Coach Rick Hite. He praised both teams for their fierce battle, emphasizing, “We went toe to toe, battled back, and earned our stripes and respect.”
King’s Fork’s impressive performance in Florida wasn’t just about skills on the court; they also earned commendations for their conduct off the floor. Coach Hite expressed gratitude to principal Derrick Bryant and the Suffolk school board for their support, highlighting the positive feedback received: “The amount of compliments we received means a lot to me.”
Meanwhile, the Hampton Crabbers are riding high with a remarkable eight-game winning streak after a rocky season opener. Coach Eric Brown noted, “I like where we are right now, knowing that we still haven’t played our best.” The team, led by senior Joshua Rice, who averages 15 points per game, has been dominating opponents with an average margin of victory of 32 points in their first six victories.
The Crabbers recently secured a thrilling overtime win against Woodside (56-54) and narrowly defeated Salem (62-59) last Saturday, solidifying their status as a team to watch. Brown highlighted the importance of their recent win over Woodside: “It was a big mental hurdle for this group.”
As the season progresses, the Crabbers are continuing to integrate players who recently transitioned from football, with several still adjusting to basketball conditioning. “Despite that, they are doing a great job. I’m excited about our potential,” Brown added.
In individual performances, standout player Chris Edwards from Indian River scored an impressive 32 points in a recent game against Phoebus, while Jamari Edwards of Lake Taylor added 24 points in a victory over Kellam. Other notable performances include Jordan Carr from Peninsula Catholic with 24 points and a strong all-around game, and Quiare Crittenden of Churchland contributing 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Looking ahead, the schedule promises exciting matchups this week. On January 4, 2024, top teams will clash in critical games, including No. 1 Landstown at No. 6 Green Run at 7 p.m. and No. 5 Woodside visiting No. 2 Denbigh at the same time. Fans are eagerly anticipating these showdowns as the teams battle for position in the rankings.
Stay tuned for more updates as the high school basketball season heats up, with teams vying for championship glory and players striving to make their mark on the court.
