Sports
A.J. Cobb Double-Double Not Enough Against Belpre
By: Clark Wicks, Erik Threet
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After picking up its first road win of the season Monday, Federal Hocking struggled to keep Belpre out of the lane in its first back-to-back games of the season.
The Lancers (4-12) fell to the Golden Eagles (9-8) Tuesday 79-62. The loss came despite a 23 point, 10 rebound performance by senior guard A.J. Cobb.
Perimeter defense was the Lancers weakness in their defeat. Belpre guards Tavian Miller and Deijon Bedgood combined for 49 points, all but five points coming from the paint or the free throw line. Belpre used superior athleticism to expose a Federal Hocking man-to-man defense the whole game.
“The penetration tonight killed us,” coach Jamie Justus said. “We weren’t disciplined on defense, going for shot fakes and not playing with our feet.”
Penetration is only the apex of the problem. Allowing opposing players in the paint has led to foul trouble for the Lancers all season. Just like in the loss to Southern, Carter Russell picked up his fourth foul early in the third quarter. As a team, Federal Hocking had 22 fouls, which included four players with four or more.
Not only did the Lancers struggle in the half-court set, but Belpre exposed them in transition. Belpre played an aggressive 1-3-1 defense and baited Federal Hocking into 19 turnovers.
“Shot selection wasn’t the best at times,” Justus said. “We force passes, get in a hurry and won’t let things develop.”
The Lancers offensive inefficiency overshadowed a double-double by Cobb. The Lancers have been looking for consistency around him. Senior guard Ryan Harvey contributed 16 points, but everyone else combined to score 23 points.
“He’s our quarterback and our floor general, when he comes off the floor, it’s tough and we have a hard time adjusting,” Justus said.
The Lancers will battle Waterford Jan. 29 looking to get back on track.