Hobson, Amityville too quick for Wyandanch
Amityville's #11 Richie Hobson drives down court during second half action in the Fred Williams Tournament at Amityville Memorial High School. (Dec. 16, 2011) Credit: Kevin P. Coughlin
Opponents of Amityville, beware: Slow is a no-go.
"We don't want you to walk it up," Warriors guard Richie Hobson said after host Amityville hurried its way past Wyandanch, 89-69, Friday night in a boys basketball game that opened the Fred Williams Holiday Tournament. "We definitely try to get a lot of steals. We pressure everything."
Amityville (2-1) used a swarming, all-court trap to create a staggering 38 turnovers, leading to many fast-break layups. Hobson triggered the press with nine steals and led Amityville with 17 points. The 5-10 senior guard had 14 in the first half and made key plays in the final minute before intermission to keep the Warriors comfortably ahead.
After a 9-0 run allowed Wyandanch (1-1) to climb to within 45-37, Hobson converted a free throw, forced a steal that led to two more free throws and, after yet another forced turnover, nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer for a 51-37 halftime lead.
Hobson hit another trey in the third as Amityville's pressure defense helped build a 76-51 lead entering the fourth quarter. The subs took it home from there.
Andy Laurent contributed 15 points off the bench. DeJuhan Gray had 12 points and nine rebounds and Kavione Green also scored 12 points. Mike Alston had nine points and eight assists.
Wyandanch guard D'dante Freeman enjoyed the frenetic pace, scoring 35 points -- 22 in the second half -- but the visitors didn't protect the ball enough after the break to stay in the game.
"We like to play up-tempo and sneak up on you from the back side when you turn your back," Hobson said of the Warriors' trapping technique. "If you push the ball, create a lot of turnovers and make layups like we did tonight, you can't lose."
Coach Jack Agostino credited a preseason visit by former Amityville and Connecticut star and current Indiana Pacer A.J. Price. "He talked to them about staying together and buying into the team defensive concept," Agostino said. "If they do that and convert on their opportunities, we can be very tough. We're all about speed and quickness. We want to play as fast as possible."
If it's slow, Amityville won't go.
