Hoggard downs Willow Spring 58-38 to advance to state title game
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WWAY) — After two years of losing in the East Regional championships, Hoggard girls basketball made the third time the charm as they downed Willow Spring 58-38 on Wednesday to advance to the state title game for the first time in program history.
After a narrow opening quarter, the Vikings propelled themselves away shortly after and never looked back.
Head Coach Boubacar Aw says it was tough in years past, but the experience of deep playoff runs finally paid off.
“We played really tough competition and it was not our day, it was not our time yet,” Aw said. “I think learned from those two. It’s hard to perform under pressure. I thought today we did a much better job managing the pressure and just treating it like a regular game.”
Responsible for most of their offensive output was senior Tristan Shivers, who put up 32 points. While she put on a great performance when it mattered most, she did it alongside those around her.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
“I didn’t do it for me,” Shivers said. “Of course I did it to win, but it’s mostly for them. Everything I do is for them. Everything we do is for each other. Points at the end of the day don’t matter to me, but winning the game matters. Having them as family every day until the season ends is what matters to me.”
The Vikings will face Mallard Creek for the Class 8A title next week in Winston-Salem. The exact time and date has yet to be announced.
