HAGERSTOWN – The North Hagerstown boys basketball debuted a new look on Monday, but managed to keep the same results.
Brayden Cespedes scored 29 points to lead the Hubs to a 74-70 won over Linganore in North’s first game since losing senior Joey Dorsey to injury. Dorsey, one of the Washington County’s top five scorers, broke his foot during Jan. 8’s win over Williamsport. His return time is yet to be determined.
North moved to 8-1 with its second straight win since a loss to Frederick.
The Hubs broke a 36-all halftime tie and outscored the Lancers 26-12 in the third quarter to take the biggest lead of the game. North was forced to hold on, though, as Linganore rallied, but fell short in the fourth quarter.
Cespedes, another of the county’s top scorers with 22.6 points per game, hit on 9 of 16 shots – including a 3 – along with 10 of 13 free throws. Dorsey was averaging 20.8 points per game.
Tristan Redick notched 15 points – including three 3-pointers – and eight rebounds to back Cespedes. Ja Ron Nicholson scored eight points but added team-highs of nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.
The Hubs shot 53.8% from the floor and had a 37-28 rebounding edge over Linganore.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Smithsburg 64, South Hagerstown 24
Claire Bono exploded for 27 points as one of three Leopards to reach double figures in undefeated Smithsburg’s recent win over South Hagerstown.
Bono connected on 12 of 17 shots, including 11 of 13 two-point baskets, to single-handedly outscore the Rebels. She also had six rebounds, five assists and six steals.
Smithsburg is 11-0 on the season. The Leopards have outscored their opponents 722-391 – 65.6-35.5 – this season.
Skyla Mastronardi added 19 points with five assists and three steals, while Jayda Tyler added 11 points with six rebounds and four steals.
