BAKER — Powered by Max Smith’s 20-point effort Laurel Hill School’s boys basketball team beat Baker School 66-54 on Monday.
Smith did his damage for the Hoboes (7-2) exclusively inside the paint. Smith’s inside game countered the strong play of Baker’s Austin Walters.
Walters was a force from 3-point range hitting five shots from beyond the arch in the first quarter and six in the first half.
Baker-Laurel Hill boys basketball photos>>>
“I thought we came out with good intensity,” Gator Coach Janavor Weatherspoon said. “But the second and third quarter we began to turn the ball over. Mentally we are not tough enough right now.”
Walters led the way to a quick start for the Gators (3-4), who led 20-16 at the end of the first quarter. He had 15 points at the end of the first quarter and 20 points at the break.
The Hoboes switched defenses on Walters in the second half and held him to three points.
As Walters began to slow down the Hoboes began to turn things up with their smothering pressure defense.
Laurel Hill led 33-29 at the end of the first half as T.J. White hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the Hoboes.
Smith was joined in double figures for Laurel Hill by Tee Calloway who had 15 points. Cam Gordon added eight points.
Terrell Reed scored nine points for Baker to compliment Walters.
The Hoboes now turn their attention to a District 1-1A showdown with rival Paxton.
“Coming over here and playing a pretty good Baker team was just what we needed before Paxton,” Laurel Hill Coach Kent Zessin said. “Max Smith did an excellent job tonight controlling the boards and taking it to the hole.
“We shared the ball well and shot the ball well at times. It was what we needed going into the rivalry game Friday night.”
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Smith, Hoboes too strong for Gators (PHOTOS)