Why New Hope Academy’s Middle School Team is One to Watch
Fall is the time of year where young varsity squads can test the waters of the upcoming season and expose glimpses of their own potential. Battling amongst varsity teams and turning heads is New Hope Academy—a middle school team. Comprised…
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Continue ReadingFall is the time of year where young varsity squads can test the waters of the upcoming season and expose glimpses of their own potential. Battling amongst varsity teams and turning heads is New Hope Academy—a middle school team. Comprised of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, they are not to be overlooked, as they handled New Town High school 39-32 in 695Hoops Fall Ball league.
Though this team is young, their court sense and adept skill-set are of that of an older squad. New Town had a clear size advantage over New Hope, but New Hope used their skilled guard play to draw-out New Town the defenders and score from the perimeter.
Defensively, New Hope guards, #14 Zhen Craft (7th) and #30 Labrea Carter (7th), capitalized on New Town turnovers with their ability to run a fast-break offense. #10 Taylor Timms (8th) was a true leader on the court for New Hope, showcasing her all-around game as the oldest player on her team. #23 Sydney Sutton (7th) and #15 Tiara Thompson (6th) also helped lead New Hope to victory.
A physical game from the start, it appeared for a while New Hope would be routed by their more experienced opponents, but after half time, New Hope emerged to the floor and lived up to their name. Making up for their size with aggressive play on both ends of the floor, New Hope also relied on their solid three-point shooting late in the game to pull through with a win.
Already defeating varsity teams in their middle school years, this squad will surely be a team to watch for years to come.