Hampshire slows down Woodstock

Once Hampshire was able to slow down Damian Stoneking, things started to turn around.

After Woodstock’s 6-foot-7 junior scored the Blue Streaks’ first 10 points, the Whip-Purs made some adjustments. Stoneking scored just 4 points the rest of the way and Hampshire rolled to a 64-49 Fox Valley Conference Fox Division boys basketball victory in Woodstock Tuesday night.

Tyler Crater scored 19 points and Ryan Cork added 16 for Hampshire (16-3, 5-1. Shane Hernandez contributed 11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists, and Michael Dumoulin added 11 points for the Whip-Purs.

With Stoneking scoring at will inside, the Blue Streaks (13-6, 4-2) took an early lead. But Hampshire changed its defensive strategy, playing behind him and occasionally double-teaming.

“We tried running somebody at him,” said Hampshire coach Bob Barnett. “I think the big kid wore down.”

Hampshire took the lead for good by scoring the final 12 points of the first half, holding the Streaks scoreless for nearly 5 minutes. Cork scored 5 straight points during the run, including a big 3-pointer, but 4 different players contributed.

Cork had three 3s and Crater added a pair to frustrate Woodstock’s zone defense.

“That kills zones when they’re staying back and guys are hitting 3s,” said Crater. “We knew it was a big game. It’s a crucial game for us, knowing we play them one more time at home and they’re at the top of the conference with us.”

Hampshire led by double digits for practically the entire fourth quarter, but could never really put the Blue Streaks away. Jordan Turner was largely responsible for keeping Woodstock in the game, scoring 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter.

Andy Buhrow nailed a 3-pointer for Woodstock to make it 55-46, but Cork answered with 2 free throws. Dumoulin then got free behind the Woodstock press on 2 straight possessions. He converted layups both times to put the Whip-Purs safely ahead.