Boys basketball: Lew Wallace beats Hammond for fourth straight sectional title
By Billy Evans Post-Tribune correspondent March 2, 2013 11:10PM
Updated: April 4, 2013 7:01AM
HAMMOND — Mental and physical toughness was all that separated Lew Wallace and Hammond in the Class 3A 17 Sectional championship game Saturday at the Hammond Civic Center.
After a first-quarter battle, Lew Wallace out-defended and out-gunned Hammond to win its fourth straight sectional championship with a 78-58 win. The Hornets won the prvious meeting this season on Jan. 8 by a similar score.
“The team felt confident with this game, but didn’t want to underestimate the Wildcats,” said junior Keonte Bridges, whoc finished with 21 points.
Hammond played well early and took a 14-13 lead going into the second quarter. But from the second quarter on, the explosive, talented and mentally prepared Hornets owned the Wildcats.
Lew Wallace began to full-court press and continuously trapped the Hammond offense. Trevon Boddie dominated throughout the night, finishing with 25 points. The senior has experienced all four of the sectional titles with Lew Wallace.
“Boddie played defense very well tonight and he’s been a great contributor to this team,” Coach Melvin Yancy said.
With Boddie and Bridges,leading the way, the Hornets led 56-34 going into the fourth.
“Throughout this season we have been inconsistent at times, but this game shows how hardworking and intelligent this team is,” Yancy said.
Senior Devin Harris scored six points and refused to leave the game after rolling his ankle during the third quarter.
Hammond finsihes the season 11-11.
“It’s tough right now and the bottom line is we didn’t execute,” Hammond coach Larry Moore Jr. said.
