by Steve Bradley
The 2016-17 untested HFCS boys basketball team played its first game of the season last Friday against Stillwater at home. [private]After graduating 4 of 5 starters from last year’s league co-champions, only junior Guy Milliman remained, this year’s team had its first chance to show its potential. Their debut was successful and they appeared to have the potential to compete again for this year’s league championship.
After falling behind 7-0 right out the gate, the Panthers battled back to within four at the half, 22-18. Each team scored the same in the first two quarters, with Stillwater getting 11 points and the Panthers getting 9 in each.
The third quarter was all Hoosick Falls. Freshman Jonathan Kempf led the scoring outburst, hitting three three-pointers, with the Panthers pouring in 22 points total. At the same time the defense buckled down and held the Warriors to a stingy four points. At the end of the third quarter, the Panthers had a comfortable 40-26 lead.
From there the Panthers cruised to a 57-40 win. Junior Evan McCart scored 16 points, while Kempf scored 15 and Milliman 11 in a balanced attack. Jared D’Aloia led the scoring for Stillwater with 20 points.
The Panthers will be home Monday, December 12, against Waterford. Wednesday, December 14, will find the Panthers making the short trip to Cambridge then hosting Greenwich on Friday, December 16. Varsity games start immediately after the junior varsity game, approximately 7:30. [/private]