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Big Second Half Propels Fed Hock Over N-Y


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Federal Hocking entered halftime Tuesday night down 31-30, but a stronger defensive squad started the second half for Howie Caldwell’s squad.

Their third quarter turnaround gave the Lancers the momentum they needed, as they went on to win 61-47 on the road to Nelsonville-York.

After shooting 11-of-24 from the field in the first half, the Buckeyes’ shot production dropped dramatically. They were 6-of-30 from the field and 1-of-11 from deep in the second half.

Everything started to go Fed Hock’s way, as they built a 48-41 lead at the end of the third. In the third quarter alone, Nelsonville-York had committed more turnovers (five) than they had made shots (four).

“We like to say our defense makes our offense,” said Shawn Parsons, who finished the night with 18 points and six rebounds. “Get a couple steals. Get a couple easy buckets …You can find easier buckets that way, which makes a higher percentage shot.”

The beginning of the fourth quarter was a different story, though. The Buckeyes narrowed the lead to one before Fed Hock had even hit their first shot at the 5:27 mark. However, when Fed Hock hit that field goal to put them up 50-47, Nelsonville-York failed to hit a bucket the rest of the night.

The Buckeyes finished with a devastating 31.5 percent from the field and 19.0 percent from three. They had three players foul out and the Lancers made them pay from the free-throw line. 21 of Fed Hock’s 61 points came from the free-throw line and they converted on 14 of their 24 shots from the charity stripe in the second half.

“I think we had a number of people [step up]. Corey Rex [stepped up]. Hit some big free throws at the end of the game. Got some offensive rebounds as well,” Fed Hock assistant coach Jeremy Tolson said. “I think we got a number of people that stepped up tonight and played very well for us.”

Fed Hock will travel to Trimble on Thursday, but the team is taking this win and hoping to ride the momentum for their playoff matchup against Meigs on Feb. 23.

“Seedings are out. We know who we are. We know who we’re playing,” Tolson said. “Going into the tournament, coming in strong. I think this is a big win for us and it’s kind of a statement to say, ‘We’re here to play.’”