by James J. Lidington

HAMPTON
Isle of Wight Academy suffered its first Metro Athletic Conference loss of the season, a 62-60 decision in Hampton Christian on Friday.

Grant Worthy’s 36 points, including five 3-pointers, were more than all other IWA scorers combined. He was also 13-for-16 from the foul line, attempting all but four IWA foul shots.

The Warriors were paced by Xavier Randles’ 20 points and Marcellus Mencarini’s 16. They were the only Hampton players in double figures.

Isle of Wight (7-7, 3-1) appeared in danger of being run out of the gym Friday, falling behind 17-4 before Worthy’s first 3-pointer of the night made it 17-7 after a quarter. But the Chargers rattled off the next 9 points to make it 17-16 with 5:10 before halftime. IWA trailed by only 3 points, 30-27, at intermission.

Hampton scored 11 of the next 13 points to take a 41-29 lead on Tyrell Hodges’ three-pointer with 4:12 left in the third quarter. IWA scored 12 of the next 14 points, taking the lead briefly, 44-43, on a Russ Wells’ three-pointer with 7:25 remaining. They added a Worthy foul shot before Hampton bounced back to tie the game again at 45 on a Hodges field goal with 6:50 left.

The score was tied again at 51 when Wells hit a 3-pointer with 5 minutes left. IWA lead again, briefly, 57-56, when Worthy scored with 1:33 left. Hampton responded, however, with a three from Damir Borders, his only one of the night, to put Hampton ahead for good, 59-57, with 1:13 remaining.

Hampton Christian was 3-for-4 from the foul line from that point on to seal the win. IWA got the ball back with 6 seconds left, hustled the ball up court, but couldn’t get off a final shot.

The Chargers dominated StoneBridge, 61-30, on Jan. 8 in the Jester Gymnasium. Senior Hunter Hayden led all IWA scorers with 15 points; Junior William Fricke had 10.

IWA led 11-5 after a quarter and the Cavaliers fought back into the game, 19-13, when Thomas Bentley made two foul shots on a technical on Grant Worthy. But the Chargers scored the next 8 points to take a 27-13 lead at halftime.

IWA outscored StoneBridge 20-10 in the third quarter on two Wells; 3-pointers and three field goals by Hayden. They further outscored the Cavaliers 14-7 in the final period.

It’s a busy week for the Chargers as they play three games: They visited Greenbrier Christian on Monday and Denbigh Baptist on Tuesday before hosting traditional rival Portsmouth Christian on Friday. All varsity contests begin at 7 p.m.

JAMES L. LIDINGTON teaches English at Isle of Wight Academy. Contact him at 357-3866.