Late rally not enough for Federal Hocking at Fort Frye
By: Charlie Lusk
Posted on:
BEVERLY, Ohio (WOUB) — In the regular season finale for both teams, the Federal Hocking Lancers (4-16) traveled to Beverly to play the Fort Frye Cadets (13-9). Both teams were already slotted in their tournament games, so this matchup was mainly for preparation for postseason play. In the finale game, the Cadets bested the Lancers 54-49.
The game started in disaster for Federal Hocking. The Fort Frye press caused several turnovers throughout the first quarter. This combined with Cadets like Kainan Bradford shooting lights out from behind the arc helped Fort Frye get out to a 20-7 first quarter lead.
Federal Hocking allowed a 6-0 run to start the second quarter as both teams failed to convert several buckets, but that was the largest lead of the game. Following that moment, Federal Hocking outscored Fort Frye 42-29.
The Lancers improved immensely at breaking the press as they were able to get the ball to Dillon Hayes and Gabe Brey to facilitate possessions. A Cam Joy layup at the buzzer helped cut the lead to eleven at halftime.
The third quarter was all Lancers, with the Cadets committing multiple turnovers and seeing long possessions end without points. All they could do is hold on to a four-point lead as the intensity of Federal Hocking’s defense swung the momentum in their favor. Fort Frye ended the third quarter leading, 40-36.
In the fourth quarter, Fort Frye stifled Federal Hocking’s comeback and retook momentum. A Grady Hesson triple sealed the fate of the Lancers as the deficit was too much to overcome. The Fort Frye Cadets survived a Federal Hocking comeback to win at home 54-49.
Fort Frye starts their playoff campaign on Feb. 28 at home against Meadowbrook.
Federal Hocking’s regular season ends as their next game is a tournament game at Fairfield on Feb. 26.