Hampton Bulldogs 2023 TSSAA 1A State Champions

On behalf of the Elizabethton Star, I want to congratulate the Hampton Bulldogs for winning the 2023 TSSAA Class 1A State Championship.

Seeing our community come out and support the Bulldogs through this magical run was great. Between working at the Star and coaching basketball in the Carter County Youth Basketball League, I have seen most of these players throughout their careers. I am blessed to have such a front-row seat. You could tell these players were destined to do something great when they were younger.

To the coaching staff and players of Hampton High School, thank you for all the hard work, time and dedica -

tion that you put into this team. The journey started a long time ago and this team has made a blueprint of what it takes to get to the top. So, Bulldogs, go out and get another one next year!

We enjoyed the magical run to the championship and definitely don’t mind doing it again.

I would like to thank all the businesses for their support in making this publication a reality. Because of you, students, coaches and parents will have a keepsake they can cherish for the rest of their lives. I hope you enjoy the publication. Thank you again Hampton Bulldogs for the memories.

CONGRATULATIONS HAMPTON BULLDOGS and COACH NED SMITH

Hampton Bulldog Basketball Championship

Milligan class of ’97

Hampton Bulldogs 2023 TSSAA Class 1A State Champions

Cover Photo by Bob Liles

Layout and Design Robin Johnson

General Manager

Looking for a repeat... Bulldogs anxious to work way back to state tournament

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR CORRESPONDENT

The Hampton Bulldogs were within one eyelash of making it to the state championship game last season on the hardwood and the memories from that game still lingers in the minds of the returning players from last year’s team.

With those thoughts in mind, the Bulldogs are ready to get back to work and give themselves a chance to return to Murfreesboro to take care of unfinished business.

HEAD COACH: Ned Smith

Assistant Coaches: Mike Matheson, Wesley Murray, and Dewayne Humphrey.

“We played about eight last year and we graduated six and have two returners in Cadon Buckles and Hayden Campbell,” said head coach Ned Smith.” We had a good junior varsity team last year and the kids have worked hard and our goal is always the same we just want to take it one game at a time and try to win as many as we can.”

Smith said the formula is a simple one if his team can achieve

the same results as they did last season as they will need to work hard to build the right team chemistry and do the little things that winning basketball games require. And anyone knows that a team that plays for Smith has to do one thing and that is to play hard each and every night.

The success of the junior varsity last season is expected to play huge dividends for the varsity Bulldogs this season as Smith will be looking at a group of players who played a lot of basketball in 2021-22.

“Buckles, Campbell, and Michael Anspaugh have worked really hard and we are counting on help from our seniors Levi Lyons, Dalton Nave, and Ty McElyea,” said Smith. “Juniors Dylan Trivett, Chance Point, and senior Brody Hicks have just finished football and we are counting on their contribution as well. We should be able to play a lot of kids this year.”

Like many of the other coaches in the Watauga Valley Confer-

Ned Smith

2022 - 2023 Hampton Bulldogs

ence, Smith feels that the conference is probably one of the toughest in the state with Unaka, North Greene, and Cloudland plus an up and coming University High program.

“I think that our conference will be like it was last year where you need to win your home games and try to get one or two on the road,” said Smith.

22-23 Schedule

22-23 Roster

Hampton Bulldog Basketball Championship

Game One - Dobyns-Bennett

Hampton’s upset bid falls short against DB

KINGSPORT - In the opening game for the season, the Hampton Bulldogs traveled to Kingsport on Tuesday night to take on the defending 4A State Champion Dobyns-Bennett Indians in the Hall of Champions game. The Bulldogs would leave John Sevier Middle School feeling like they let one get away, falling to the Indians 85-76. Hampton would battle back after falling behind by ten points in the first quarter to have a one-point lead with just over two minutes remaining. The

game would feature two of the best players in East Tennessee and they didn’t disappoint. Cadon Buckles would light up the scoreboard for Hampton scoring 38 points to keep his team in the game but Dante Oliver would put up 47 points to lead Dobyns-Bennett to the win. To round out the scoring for the bulldog, Michael Anspaugh pitched in 13 followed by Hayden Campbell, 9; Geno Carrico, 5; Dalton Nave, 5; Ty McElyea, 4; and Dylan Trivett, 2.

Game Two - Jellico

Hampton sweeps past Jellico

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

Hampton dominated all phases on Saturday afternoon as the boys team took an easy win over Jellico at Van Huss/White gymnasium. The Bulldogs saw four players in double figures as they took a 98-59 win.

Junior Hayden Campbell and Michael Anspaugh each had 17 points to lead the way for Hampton (1-1 overall), with Campbell also taking down 11 rebounds. The ‘Dogs opened with their defensive effort forcing ten first-quarter turnovers as Hampton ran off 31 points in the stanza while giving up just seven.

“We came out running tonight and played good defense,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “Hayden got 11 rebounds and played good defense in the post. Made several players change their shots. When we play good defense, it makes for a good day.”

The ‘Dogs raced to a 57-21 halftime lead but the Blue Devils made a run in the third period, outscoring Hampton 28-21 in the quarter as Carson Bolton scored 12 of his game-high 21 points.

“He is a good athlete,” Smith said of Bolton. “He takes it to the

hole almost every time.”

Isaac McNeely added 14 points to the Jellico line score and senior post Raymond Jeffers scored 9. For Hampton Chance Point and Cadon Buckles each scored 14 points.

BOYS

Hampton 98-59

Jellico (59)

McNeely 14, Bolton 21, Jeffers 9, Zecchini 7, Baird 2, Vann 1, Terry 5. Hampton (98)

Lyons 3, Anspaugh 17, McElyea 5, Buckles 14, D. Nave 4, Point 14, Fagen 8, J. Nave 2, Campbell 17, Carrico 8, Robinson 6.

Jellico 7 14 28 10 – 59

Hampton 31 26 21 20 – 98

3-point goals: J 4 (McNeely 2, Bolton 1, Jeffers 1), H 5 (Lyons 1, Anspaugh 3, Buckles 1)

Game Three - West Greene

Hampton pummels West Greene

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

If Hampton’s boys basketball squad keeps scoring like it has in the last two games, the administration may have to purchase a new scoreboard. One that allows for triple figures.

For the second consecutive home game the Bulldog boys put up 98 points and pummeled the West Greene Buffaloes 98-70 on Thursday night at Van Huss/White Gymnasium.

Cadon Buckles scored 39 points and Michael Anspaugh and Dylan Trivett each had six assists as the ‘Dogs dominated the second half. In the first half West Greene closed to within two points at 37-35 but the ‘Dogs turned up the defensive pressure and went on to close the half with a 59-48 advantage.

“West Greene has a good team,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “Turner shoots the ball well and he is hard to keep off the boards. He is strong, physical and the team is well coached. Once we settled

down we played solid, blocked out well and Geno Carrico gave us a lift in the second half. He led us in rebounds.”

Hampton usually plays strong to open the second half of games and this was no different as the ‘Dogs outscored the Buffs 24-11 to open an 83-59 lead going into the final stanza. Junior post Hayden Campbell and Anspaugh each scored 12 points to back Buckles output and Carrico added 10 points. For West Greene, Ethan Turner scored a team high 24 points with post Austin Wampler scoring 15 and guard Layton Frye adding 12 points before fouling out in the late stages of the third period.

Near the end of the first quarter the Bulldogs Cadon Buckles (11) finishes a fastbreak with a pull up jumper over

Campbell (13) of West Greene.

B. McCamey 4, Frye 12, Wampler 15, Campbell 5, Turner 24, Gregg 2, M. McCamey 8.

2, Anspaugh 12, McElyea 7, Buckles 39, Campbell 12, Trivett 4, Nave 6, Point 2, Fagen 2, Carrico 10, Robinson 2.

goals: WG

(Turner

Wampler, M. McCamey, Campbell 1), H 6 (Buckles 2, Anspaugh 2, McElyea, Nave 1)

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton’s Hayden Campbell (34) and the Buffaloes Ethan Turner (23) both reach for the opening tipoff at the start of Thursday nights game on the Bulldogs home court.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Conner

Game Four - Johnson County

Bulldogs rally for win over Longhorns

MOUNTAIN City - The Hampton Bulldogs had to rally in the fourth quarter to top the Johnson County Longhorns on Friday night at Shoun Gym.

Cadon Buckles would lead Hampton with 32 points while

shooting 12 of 14 from the free throw line for a 69-66 win. Michael Anspaugh would follow Buckles with 16 points and Hayden Campbell with 11 points and six rebounds. Graham Reece would lead the Longhorns with 17 points.

Game Five - Unicoi County

Bulldogs battle back to win over Unicoi County

ERWIN - The Hampton Bulldogs would leave Erwin on Tuesday night with a 65-61 win, handing the Unicoi Blue Devils their second loss. The Bulldogs would be down 32-30 at halftime but would battle back to take a 49-46 lead by the end of the third

quarter. Cadon Buckles would lead the Bulldogs on the night with 20 points, followed by Hayden Campbell with 18 and Geno Carrico with 12. Grant Hensley led the Blue Devils in scoring with a gamehigh 26 points.

Game Six - Unaka

Buckles scores 24 to lead Hampton past Unaka

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

Senior forward Cadon Buckles scored 17 of his game-high 24 points as Hampton held off Unaka 93-47 on Friday night at Van Huss/White gymnasium in conference basketball action. The Bulldogs led 24-12 after one period and extended to a 44-25 halftime lead.

“I thought the kids shared the ball well,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “Michael Anspaugh had six assists, and defensively we pressured the ball and forced some turnovers. We got the ball up and down the court and closed out at the other end.”

Unaka (0-9, 0-2 conference) committed 22 turnovers and could not solve the Bulldogs full-court pressure all night. The ‘Dogs (5-1, 1-0) raced into the fourth quarter with a 70-36 lead and never looked back.

Geno Carrico scored 13 points and Levi Lyons added 10 for the ‘Dogs.

For Unaka, Mason Wilson scored a team-high 14 points, along with post Marcus Shomaker.

Hampton 93-47

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Rangers Landon Ramsey (42) plants his feet and draws the charge against Hampton’s Michael Anspaugh (4) mid-way through the second quarter.

Game Six - Unaka

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton’s Cadon Buckles (11) gets around the Rangers Landon Ramsey (42) and drops in this layup finishing a fastbreak in the second quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Bulldogs Hayden Campbell (34) gets a finger on the shot by Unaka’s Logan Lewis (22)very early in the first quarter.

Hampton tops South Greene in non-conference action

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

Since getting beat in the season opener by DobynsBennett, the Hampton Bulldogs have run off six straight wins, several of the blowout variety. On Monday evening at Van Huss / White gymnasium, the Bulldogs were finally challenged.

South Greene held a 64-63 lead with a little more than 10 seconds left, but a bucket from senior Cadon Buckles and a pair of free throws from Geno Carrico gave Hampton a 67-64 nonconference victory.

“The kids came out and played well against a good South Greene team,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “We hit 18 of 21 from the free throw line and we kept our composure and put pressure on the ball. The kids stepped up and made their free throws.”

It looked initially like it would be another Hampton rout as the ‘Dogs (6-1 overall) took a 17-10 first-quarter lead but lefty forward Cooper Kelley got hot in the second period as the Rebels pulled to within 32-29 at the half.

Kelley scored 12 of his teamhigh 21 points in the second period to help the Rebels get themselves within striking distance. Buckles hit a trey at the buzzer in the third quarter to give the ‘Dogs a 55-52 lead going into the final stanza.

From there, the lead swayed back and forth, with Carrico giving Hampton a 61-59 lead at the 1:33 mark of the period

but Andrew Thornburg’s threepoint play gave South Greene a 62-61 advantage. Junior post, Hayden Campbell hit both ends of his one-and-one to give the ‘Dogs the lead again, but Jace Roderick hit a deuce in the paint for the Rebels.

With 8.9 seconds left, Buckles scored the last of his game-high 27 points with a deuce from the corner and after a defensive stop at the other end of the court, Carrico knocked down his free throws for the final margin.

“They were very physical,” Campbell said. “It was exhilarating and it came together in a good way. Cadon Buckles has a way of keeping everybody on task and keeping our composure and running things on the court.”

For South Greene, Kelley had a team-high 21 points.

Hampton 67-64

South Greene (64)

Buckner 1, Roderick 14, Marshall 8, Toth 9, Kelley 21, Thornburg 9, Hixson

2. Hampton (67) Anspaugh 9, Buckles 27, Campbell 21, Nave 2, Carrico 8.

South Greene

– 64 Hampton

– 67 3-point goals: SG 4 (Kelley 3, Marshall 1), H 3 (Buckles 3).

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton’s Geno Carrico (35) is fouled from behind, under the basket, by the Rebels TJ Buckner (1) late in the second quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

You’ve heard of the no look pass? Well, the Bulldogs Michael Anspaugh (4) hits this one-handed no look runner in the paint with South Greene’s TJ Buckner’s (1) hand blocking his vision of the basket early in the first quarter. Oddly, no foul was called on the play.

Game Eight - Chuckey-Doak

Hampton tops Chuckey-Doak for seventh straight win

The Hampton Bulldogs would jump out to a 25-9 first quarter lead to earn a 86-61 win over Chuckey-Doak. With the win, the Bulldogs have won seven straight to raise their record to

7-1. After trailing 41-22 at the half, the Black Knights would close within 12 during the third quarter but the Bulldogs would be too much to over come. Cadon Buckles would have a

game-high 32 points to lead Hampton with Dylan Trivett pitching in 10 and Michael Anspaugh with seven. Christian Derry led the Black Knights with 21 points.

Game Nine - Daniel Boone

First Academy Christmas Tournament at First Academy, Orlando, FL

December 19, 2022

ORLANDO, FL, - Hampton drops first game to Boone High School, Fla. 64-49

in the First Academy Christmas Tournament , in Orlando, Fla. Cadon Buckles would score 17 points to lead the

Bulldogs who fell to 7-2 on the season. Omar Sims would lead Boone with 20 points.

Bulldogs drop first game in Christmas Tournament Congratulations to the Hampton Bulldogs on a State Championship!!!

Game Ten - Lake Murray

First Academy Christmas Tournament at First Academy, Orlando, FL

Hampton gets back in win column after win over Lake Murray

December 20, 2023

ORLANDO, FL, - The Hampton Bulldogs would get back in the win column with a 77-55 victory over Lake Murray, Fla.

Cadon Buckles would lead the Bulldogs with 27 points followed by Hayden Campbell with 21. Hampton improves to 8-2 on the season.

Game Eleven - Oviedo

First Academy Christmas Tournament at First Academy, Orlando, FL

Bulldogs lose to Oviedo in the First Academy Christmas Tournament

December 21, 2022

ORLANDO, FL, - Oviedo, Fla. would jump out to a 21-12 lead over the Hampton Bulldogs in the first quarter to take a 74-61 win. The Bulldogs would out score Oviedo 18-13 in the second quarter

to get within four points, 34-30 by the end of the half. Oviedo would pull away to take the 74-61 win. Cadon Buckles would lead the Bulldogs with a game-high 27 points followed by Michael Anspaugh with 14. Hampton drops to 8-3 on the season.

Game Twelve - Oak Ridge

Renasant Bank Christmas Tournament at Maryville, TN

Oak Ridge jumps out to a big lead to top Hampton

December 27, 2022

MARYVILLE - In the first game for Hampton in the Renasant Bank Christmas Tournament, the Bulldogs would fall behind Oak Ridge 19-9 in the first quarter and expand to 18 at

halftime, 39-21. Oak Ridge would take a 75-51 win to remain undefeated on the season, 11-0, while the Bulldogs fall to 8-4. Cadon Buckles led Hampton with 15 points with Dylan Trivett contributing nine.

Game Thirteen - Lenior City

Renasant Bank Christmas Tournament at Maryville, TN

Bulldogs cruise to victory over Lenoir City

December 28, 2022

MARYVILLE - The Hampton Bulldogs would come out of the half strong to cruise to a 78-59 victory over Lenoir City in the Renasant Bank Christmas Tournament. Lenoir City would take the lead at halftime, 35-34, but Hampton would prove to

be too much in the second half on the hot shooting of Cadon Buckles, who had a game-high 30 points. Michael Anspaugh, 21 points, and Hayden Campbell pitched in 14 to help in the 19-point victory for the Bulldogs. Hampton now stands at 9-4 on the season.

Game Fourteen - Farragut

Renasant Bank Christmas Tournament at Maryville, TN

Farragut uses a barrage of threes to beat Hampton

December 29, 2022

MARYVILLE - Farragut hits 14 three-pointers compared to two for Hampton to take a 75-55 victory over the Hampton Bulldogs in the Renasant Bank Christmas Tournament. The Bulldogs would only be

down by three after the first quarter but Farragut would use a strong second and third quarter to pull away to take the 20-point win dropping Hampton to 9-5 on the season. Cadon Buckles led Hampton with 21 points and Hayden Campbell would follow with 14.

Game Fifteen - South Greene

Anspaugh leads Hampton over South Greene

GREENEVILLE - The Hampton Bulldogs would ride the hot shooting of Michael Anspaugh to top South Greene 63-52 on Tuesday night. Anspaugh would hit 5 of 6 behind the arc to lead the Bulldogs with a game-high 21 points. The Bulldogs would jump out

to a 23-16 lead at the half and hold off a late charge in the fourth quarter by South Greene to raise their record to 10-5. To round out the scoring for Hampton, Cadon Buckles, 12; Hayden Campbell, 11; Geno Carrico, 9; Chance Point, 7; and Dylan Trivett, 3.

Game Sixteen - Happy Valley

Hampton gets the edge over the Warriors in a county clash

BY RON MARVEL STAR CORRESPONDENT

Warrior Hill served as the meeting place Friday night in a battle of inter-county foes as Hampton and Happy Valley got after it.

Hampton jumped out to a 14-4 early lead and poured it on late to take an 83-31 victory over the Warriors. The Bulldogs were sparked early by Chance Point and Geno Carrico who scored six of the Bulldogs 18 points in the quarter. At the 4:00 minute mark, Hayden Campbell had an echoing block that brought the Hampton faithful to their feet; Carrico hit a floater to end the quarter with the Bulldogs up by 12.

Cadon Buckles started the route with a big threepointer and Hayden Campbell’s physical presence on the boards and offensive rebounds would cut off any Happy Valley comeback attempt. Ron Parker would hit a layup at the 2:12 mark of the second period to close the lead to 16 before the Bulldogs would go on another run to further distance themselves at the half; Bulldogs 40 Warriors 12.

The second half was more of the same as Hampton would remain relentless on both sides of the court. Hampton would push the lead to 50-21 after a 9-0 run leading 50-21 at the 3:53 mark. The quarter would be highlighted by Brody Hicks who would finish off a three-point play with determination that led to another bulldog run. Buckles finished off the quarter with an eight-foot jumper to push the advantage to 63-27.

Hampton would get their reserves in the final period but that didn’t mean the scoring would stop. Freshmen guard Tuff Robinson would hit a couple of long distant three-pointers to push the lead to 50. Haydon Campbell finished the night with 15, Micheal Anspaugh would chip in 14 and Buckles would finish the night with 12. Colby Chausse would be the only Warrior with double digits on the night scoring 14.

Contributed Photo

Chance Point dribbles down the court as Hampton goes on a 9-0 run in the second period.

Game Seventeen - University High

Hampton tops UH to stay on top of Watauga Valley Conference

Hayden Campbell would score a career-high 26 points to help lead the Hampton Bulldogs to a 78-66 win over University High on Tuesday night at VanHuss-White Gym. Hampton would jump out to a 17-14 lead after one and extend the lead to four points by halftime, 30-26. The two teams would play even in the third, scoring 15 points each but the Bulldogs

would close out the fourth by outscoring University High by eight. Hampton would be led in scoring by Cadon Buckles, who pitched in a game-high 34 points, followed by Campbell with 26. With the win, Hampton remains in a tie for first place in the Watauga Valley Conference. The Bulldogs are 2-0 in the conference and 12-5 overall.

Game Eighteen - North Greene

GREENEVILLE - The Hampton Bulldogs traveled to Greeneville on Friday night to defeat the North Greene Huskies 68-52 to take sole possession of first place in the Watauga Valley Conference. Cadon Buckles would lead the Bulldogs with a game-high

Hampton tops North Greene to take sole possession of first place in the Watauga Valley Conference Congratulations to the Hampton Bulldogs on a State Championship!!!

23 points to hand North Greene its first conference loss. The Bulldogs would outscore the Huskies every quarter, leading to the 16-point victory. Michael Anspaugh would also pitch in 14 points for Hampton.

Game Nineteen - West Greene

Ten Bulldogs score in route of West Greene

GREENEVILLE - The Hampton Bulldogs would score 31 points in the third quarter to top West Greene in a non-conference matchup 75-50. Hampton would jump out to a 19-11 lead in the first and have ten players score to lead to the blowout win. Cadon Buckles led

the Bulldogs with 14 points, followed by Hayden Campbell with 12. To round out the scoring for Hampton, Chase Point, 10; Brody Hicks, 9; Tuff Robinson, 8; Michael Anspaugh, 7; Dylan Trivett, 6; Geno Carrico, 4; Ty McElyea, 3; and Dalton Nave, 2.

Game Twenty - Happy Valley

Bulldogs blow out Warriors

The Hampton Bulldogs hosted the Happy Valley Warriors on Friday night at VanHuss-White Gymnasium. The Bulldogs would send the Warriors home with a 78-29 loss. Stand-out Cadon Buckles would

top 1,000 points for his career by scoring 28 points to lead Hampton. Dakota Grindstaff and Austin Nickles would score nine points each to lead Happy Valley. Hayden Campbell added 10 for the Bulldogs.

Game Twenty-One - Cloudland

Carrico leads Hampton to a convincing win over Cloudland

ROAN MOUNTAIN - Hampton’s Geno Carrico would have a night scoring a career-high 15 points to lead the Bulldogs to a convincing 77-48 win over the Cloudland Highlanders. Cloudland could not keep up with the Bulldogs on the night as Hampton would take a 19-15 firstquarter lead and continually build on to hand Cloudland a conference defeat. Hampton would have four players score in double figures in a

balanced attack for the Bulldogs. Ryan Sexton would lead Cloudland in scoring with 15 points, followed by Gage Mckinney with 11 and Eli Morgan with 10. Scoring in double figures for the Bulldogs, Carrico, 15; Michael Anspaugh, 13 points; Cadon Buckles, 11; Hayden Campbell, 10. Hampton moves to 4-0 in the conference and 16-5 overall. Cloudland falls to 1-3 in the conference and 2-13 overall.

Game Twenty-Two - Johnson County

Hampton squeaks by the Longhorns

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

The Hampton Bulldogs hold on for a 70-67 victory despite a fourth-quarter rally by the Longhorns.

“This is a big border rivalry game and it is always played tough,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “It was a good crowd, a good atmosphere and we got into some foul trouble, but the kids responded and played well. Hayden (Campbell) was big on

the boards with ten rebounds.”

Hampton (17-5 overall) got off to a slow start with 11 first-quarter points but the offense kicked into high gear in the second quarter scoring 29 points to open a 40-24 halftime advantage.

Johnson County (8-9 overall) began to rally in the third period outscoring the Bulldogs 19-14 to shave five points off the Hampton lead and continued in earnest in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns went on a quick 6-2 run

to open the quarter to make it a 56-49 contest but a bucket from Geno Carrico ended the minirun.

The ‘Horns once again closed to within nine on a deuce from junior Connor Simcox and JC added a pair of free throws for a 62-55 contest. The battle continued back and forth with free throws becoming a big part of the match. Dawson Robinson hit a trey at the buzzer to make it a three-point game but it was the ‘Dogs who proved

victorious.

“We made some big shots down the stretch and played good defense,” Smith said. “We responded every time they made a run.”

Hampton 70-67

Johnson Co (67)

Pierce 9, West 8, Jennings 2, Robinson 19, Pavusek 8, Simcox 13.

Hampton (70)

Trivett 1, Anspaugh 5, Buckles 23, Campbell 22, Robinson 6, Carrico 13.

Johnson Co 7 17 19 24 – 67

Hampton 11 29 14 16 – 70

3-point

3,

1)

goals: JC 5 (Robinson

West 2), H 2 (Anspaugh 1, Buckles

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Bulldogs Geno Carrico #35 hits this close-range jumper late in the second quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Bulldogs Cadon Buckles #11 is undercut and fouled by Johnson County’s Graham Reece #34 as they both go for a tipped ball late in the first quarter.

Game Twenty-Three - Unaka

Buckles 30 points propels Hampton over Rangers

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

Hampton marched into Snavely gymnasium on Friday night and showed who is the top ‘dog’ in the conference with a victory over Unaka. The Bulldogs used a 30-point effort from senior guard Cadon Buckles to propel Hampton to an 81-60 win.

Hampton (18-5, 5-0 conference) took a 17-10 first-period lead and, as is their usual trait, opened a 40-28 halftime lead.

“I was proud of the way we

continue to share the ball,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “We got good minutes off the bench from Geno Carrico. He does whatever we need him to do. He is a starter really, but I like what he gives us off the bench. He’s a team player. We got a double-double from Campbell and everyone played their roles.”

The Rangers (4-19, 1-4 conference) got 34 points from senior forward Landon Ramsey but Unaka was never really competitive in this one as

Ramsey got little in the way of scoring support as Joe-Z Blamo scored nine and Logan Lewis had eight points.

Along with his 30-point effort, Buckles contributed six steals and four rebounds for Hampton.

“We knew it would be tough to come here and get a win,” Buckles said. “But I have great team support around me that enables me to do what I do. We executed our offense well tonight and pushed the pace.”

Hayden Campbell scored 16

points for the ‘Dogs and was good for ten rebounds, while Carrico scored 12 off the bench and had five boards. Junior forward Dylan Trivett had his best scoring game of the season with 11 points, including dropping in three treys.

Hampton 81-60

Hampton (81) Lyons 5, Trivett 11, Anspaugh 5, Buckles 30, Campbell 16, Robinson 2, Carrico 12.

Unaka (60) Wilson 7, Blamo 9, Ramsey 34, Lewis 8, Co. Deyton 2. Hampton 17 23 20 21 – 81 Unaka

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders The Bulldogs Dylan Trivett #1 pulls down a rebound.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Bulldogs Hayden Campbell #34 is hammered by Unaka’s Joe-Z Blamo #35 as he tries to cut to the basket early in the first quarter.

Game Twenty-Four - University High

Hampton edges UH to remain undefeated in conference play

JOHNSON CITY - The Hampton Bulldogs remain in first place in the Watauga Valley Conference after topping University High 65-61. The Bulldogs would lead 36-29 at Halftime, but UH would outscore Hampton by four in the third to close the gap to three points after three quarters, 49-46. Hampton would

outscore UH 16-15 to take the conference win and remain undefeated in conference play. Cadon Buckles would score a gamehigh 27 points to lead Hampton. Hayden Campbell would follow with 10. With the win, Hampton moves to 6-0 in the conference and 19-5 overall.

Game Twenty-Five - Unicoi County

Blue Devils spoils Senior Night for the Bulldogs

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

Unicoi County spoiled Senior Night for the Bulldogs by pulling off a 65-62 victory at Van Huss / White gymnasium on Saturday evening.

Senior guard Cadon Buckles and Geno Carrico both had three-point shots clang off the rim as the buzzer sounded and Hampton fell by that margin. A see-saw game from the outset; the Blue Devils matched the Bulldogs physicality and intensity all night and after the first period the game was knotted at 19-19.

The Devils took a 36-34 halftime lead with post Lucas Slagle and guard Kolby Jones each scoring a team-high nine points. Buckles had a game-high 20 points by the break and ended the contest with 28 points.

Unicoi County (20-7 overall) led 50-47 and opened the fourth period with a three-point play from Grant Hensley and the Blue Devils soon created a 58-50 lead. The ‘Dogs battled back with a deuce from Buckles and a trey from Levi Lyons to trim the Unicoi lead to 58-55.

Hampton (19-6 overall) continued their run with a basket from Carrico and another from Buckles as the ‘Dogs took a 59-58 lead with 2:11 left in regulation. Eli Johnson dropped in a bucket for the Devils and Hayden Campbell answered with one in the paint.

It was Johnson once again for the Devils and Slagle hitting one-of-two from the line for a 63-61 lead with 33.2 ticks left on the clock. Campbell stepped to the line with a chance to tie but was only able to hit one of his two free throws and the ‘Dogs trailed by one at 63-62.

Johnson once again scored for UC and Hampton came down the court determined to tie the contest, but Buckles saw his trey hit the front rim and Carrico gobbled up the offensive rebound and his three-point effort did likewise.

“We battled to the end,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “We had good looks at it, just didn’t go down. Cadon came out hot and scored a lot of points. The kid Hayden Campbell matched up with (Slagle) was about as big as we’ll play.”

Unicoi Co. 65-62

Hampton’s

Unicoi County (65)

Jones 11, Hensley 23, Johnson 15, Simmons 7, Slagle 9. Hampton (62)

Lyons 7, Anspaugh 14, Buckles 28, Campbell 11, Carrico 2.

Unicoi Co. 19 17 14 15 – 65

Hampton 19 15 13 15 – 62

3-point goals: UC 8 (Jones 3, Hensley 2, Johnson 1, Simmons 1, Slagle 1), H 7 (Anspaugh 4, Buckles 2, Lyons 1)

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Michael Anspaugh #4 buries a three to close out the Bulldogs scoring in the first quarter.

Game Twenty-Five - Unicoi County

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

With under a minute left in the half, the Bulldogs Geno Carrico #35 and Dylan Trivett set a trap and turned up the fullcourt pressure on Unicoi’s Jackson Simmons #33 under Hampton’s basket.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Cadon Buckles #11 gets the Bulldogs on the board with a pull-up jumper over Unicoi’s Eli Johnson #24 early in the first quarter.

Game Twenty-Six - North Greene

Hampton blows out North Greene in conference matchup

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

The Hampton Bulldogs, having already wrapped up the top spot in the Watauga Valley Conference, delivered a message on Tuesday night at Van Huss / White gymnasium with an 89-61 win over North Greene.

The Bulldogs (20-6, 7-0 WVC) opened slowly with a 14-11 first-quarter lead, but sparked by senior guard Cadon Buckles, 26 points, Hampton put the pedal to the metal and took a 37-25 halftime lead and were not challenged the rest of the way.

“The bench played super tonight,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “(Geno) Carrico had nine points, Brody Hicks had 11

and he played well. Campbell got in some foul trouble but had 15 points. This is a tough conference and North Greene is well coached and you have to come to play every night.”

The ‘Dogs outscored North Greene 25-15 in the third period to open a 62-40 advantage going into the final stanza. Junior Dylan Trivett had eight points, with Carrico adding seven. For the Huskies (16-12, 4-3 WVC), Jason Britton scored a team-high 18 points, with Dennis Malone adding 15.

Hampton 89-61

North Greene (61)

English 4, May 9, McLain 4, Britton 18, Malone 15, Carrico 3, Franklin 4, Bailey

2, Humburger 2. Hampton (89)

Lyons 6, Trivett 8, Anspaugh 6, Buckles 26, Campbell 15, Da. Nave 2, Hicks 11, Fagen 2, Di.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Bulldogs Levi Lyons #0 opens the second quarter right by draining a wide-open three-pointer from the top of the arc.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Bulldogs Geno Carrico #35 powers to the basket, hitting the turnaround jumper in the lane mid-way through the second quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton’s Dylan Trivett #1 makes a steal at half-court and races to the basket for a quick two late in the first quarter.

Game Twenty-Seven - Chuckey-Doak

Buckles and Trivett lead Hampton to victory

AFTON - After falling behind 21-15 to Chuckey-Doak in the first quarter, the Hampton Bulldogs battled back to get within two at halftime,31-29. The Bulldogs would use a big third quarter to pull

away from the Black Nights and then hold off a late rally to win 7446. Cadon Buckles led Hampton with a game-high 28 points, with Dylan Trivett adding 18. Hampton improves to 22-6 on the year.

Game Twenty-Eight - Cloudland

Hampton clinches top seed in WVC

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

The Hampton Bulldogs clinched the top spot in the Watauga Valley Conference district tournament on Friday night, topping Cloudland 85-49 at Van Huss / White gymnasium.

This one was close in the first period with Hampton taking a 19-16 advantage, but a 23-9 second-period surge to open a 42-25 halftime lead saw the ‘Dogs run away with this one.

Hampton led 60-38 after three quarters were in the books and five Bulldog players scored double figures with Michael Anspaugh and junior post Hayden Campbell each leading the way with 17 points.

Senior guard and a finalist in the Mr. Basketball honors for region 1A, Cadon Buckles scored 14. Geno Carrico added 13 from the bench and head coach Ned Smith said of Carrico, “He really is a starter but I like what he gives us from the bench. He helps steady the rotation. We had 20 assists in this game and I like how we shared the ball and had a lot of good looks.”

Eli Morgan scored a gamehigh 18 points for the ‘Landers with Ryan Sexton adding 12. Hampton 85-49

Cloudland (49)

Sexton

1A

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Defense to offense. The Bulldogs Michael Anspaugh #4 intercepts a pass from Cloudland’s Caden Clarke #5 and heads to the basket for the hoop and the harm as Clarke fouls him at the rim with under a minute left in the first half.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Class

Mr. Basketball finalist Cadon Buckles #11 is introduced to Bulldog fans prior to the start of Hampton’s final home game of the season Friday night.

Game Twenty-Nine - Unaka

Bulldogs take down Rangers in District 1A semifinal

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

BLOUNTVILLE – Senior guard Cadon Buckles put on a shooting clinic on Friday night in the District 1A boys basketball playoff at Evelyn Rafalowski Athletic Center as the Hampton Bulldogs advanced to the championship with a 77-41 win over Unaka.

Buckles finished with 36 points on 13-for-18 (72.2 percent) shooting from the floor, which included 4-of-6 (66.6 percent) from three-point range.

“I thought our defense came to play and our guys were really focused,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “We played good pressure defense and Cadon, Michael (Anspaugh) and Levi (Lyons) all played well. We had 12 steals and 19 deflections and we passed the ball really well. Dylan Trivett brings a lot to the defensive side and rebounding. He does a lot of things that don’t show up in the boxscore.”

Hampton (23-6, 8-0 WVC) took a 19-11 first-period lead with Rangers senior forward Landon Ramsey scoring all of Unaka’s first-half points. The ‘Dogs slowed Ramsey down in the second period as his Rangers teammates seemed reluctant to shoot the ball as just seven shots were attempted by the Rangers, not named Ramsey.

“It’s tournament time so we know we have to be focused and ready,” Buckles said. “We beat Unaka two times already

this year, but we knew they would come with intensity. We had some good practices coming in and we knew we had to step up.”

The Bulldogs raced to a 43-19 halftime advantage with Buckles scoring 18 of his game-high in the first half, but the best was yet to come for the lanky senior. Buckles filled it up in the third period hitting 5-of-9 from the floor for 14 points in the period as Hampton rolled to a 67-32 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The boys will hit the floor at Westridge High School on Tuesday in the District championship, with Hampton taking on University High in the championship and Unaka facing North Greene in the third-place game.

Ramsey finished with 25 points to pace the Rangers scoring, with Mason Wilson adding six.

For Hampton, Michael Anspaugh scored 13 points and Geno Carrico added nine.

District 1A semifinal

Hampton 77-41

Unaka (41)

Wilson 6, Douglas 3, Blamo 3, Ramsey 25, Lewis 2, Shomaker 2. Hampton (77)

Lyons 8, Trivett 1, Anspaugh 13, Buckles 36, Campbell 8, Carrico 9, McElyea 2. Unaka

3-point goals: U 5 (Wilson 2, Ramsey 2, Douglas 1), H 7 (Buckles 4, Lyons 2, Anspaugh 1)

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton’s Cadon Buckles #11 splits the Rangers defenders Logan Lewis #22 and Johnny Douglas #25 and hits an offbalance layup late in the third quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders The Bulldogs Geno Carrico #35 buzzer beater is counted at the end of the third quarter, even though the clock appears to have run out and the horn was sounding.

Game ThirtyUniversity High

Buccaneers hijack Bulldogs championship

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

BLOUNTVILLE – In the District 1A championship game played at Evelyn Rafalowski Athletic Center on the campus of Westridge High School, University High lived up to their nickname and the Buccaneers ‘hijacked’ the championship that seemed to be destined for

Hampton.

The Bucs came away with a 66-58 win on Tuesday night to take the District 1A boys championship.

“I thought UH shot the lights out,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “We didn’t play well and they outplayed us. We have to have a short memory and get back to work. We’ll practice Friday and

Hampton Bulldog Basketball Championship

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Bulldogs Cadon Buckles #11, a Conference co-player of the year, pops a pull-up jumper over University High’s Mason Croley #3 early in the second quarter.

regroup and get ready to play a game on Saturday. Defensively, we had just three steals and ten deflections.”

UH (18-12) led from the start and took a 16-11 firstperiod lead with Andrew Cole and Pete Boynewicz each hitting a trey. Hampton (23-7) rallied in the second period but the Bucs held on for a 28-24 halftime advantage.

In the third period, the Bucs went on a 14-2 run led by tournament MVP, A.J. Murphy and forward Alex Cole, who hit a pair of treys in the run. The Bulldogs answered with a short run of their own, to go into the final stanza trailing 47-39.

In the fourth period, Hampton junior post Hayden Campbell opened with a deuce in the paint but Boynewicz dropped in a three. Junior forward Dylan Trivett had a putback bucket but Drew Finney’s three-point play staked UH to a 55-45 advantage.

Another Campbell bucket in the paint closed Hampton to 57-51 with 4:39 remaining in regulation but A.J. Murphy had a dribble drive bucket that was

answered by Trivett to make it a 59-53 game with 2:10 left. The Bucs scored the next four points on a bucket from Finney and a pair of free throws from Andrew Cole as UH took a 6353 lead with under a minute left in the contest.

Championship game

University High 66-58

University High (66)

Murphy 18, Boynewicz 12, Finney 11, Carter 4, Al. Cole 8, An. Cole 13

Hampton (58)

Trivett 8, Anspaugh 7, Buckles 24, Campbell 10, Carrico 7, Point 2.

University High 16 12 19 19 – 66

Hampton 11 13 15 19 – 58

3 point goals : UH 6 (Al. Cole 2, Boynewicz 2, An. Cole 1, Murphy 1), H 2 (Buckles 1, Anspaugh 1)

All Conference team

Hampton: Hayden Campbell, Michael Anspaugh, Dylan Trivett, Geno Carrico

Unaka: Landon Ramsey, Joe-Z Blamo, Mason Wilson Cloudland: Ryan Sexton

University High: A.J. Murphy, Drew Finney, Pete Boynewicz

Co-Players of the Year: Jason Britton, Cadon Buckles

These eight Carter County players were named to both the All-Conference and All-Tournament teams. They are from the left Landon Ramsey, Joe-Z Blamo and Mason Wilson from Unaka. Representing Hampton are Cadon Buckles, Hayden Campbell, Michael Anspaugh, Geno Carrico and Dylan Trivett. Cloudland’s Ryan Sexton was also named to the AllConference team but is not pictured. Buckles was also named a Co-Player of the year for the conference.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Surrounded by nearly the entire University High defense, Bulldogs Hayden Campbell #34 goes strong to the basket for two early in the first quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Bulldogs came up just a little short against University High in the District 1A tournament Tuesday night at West Ridge High School. Hampton hosted a Region 1A game Saturday night at 7:00 PM.

Game Thirty-OneHancock County

Bulldogs advance past Hancock County

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

The Hampton Bulldogs offensive machine was on full display on Saturday in the Region1A quarterfinal played at Van Huss / White gymnasium. Four Bulldogs players scored double figures as Hampton (24-7) sent Hancock County home for the season with an 88-55 victory that propels the ‘Dogs to the region semifinal.

“The kids played good defense and we had 15 assists,” said Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith. “We shot 51 percent

and I thought Hayden did a good job defensively in the post against their big guy. He didn’t foul and he played straight up. We played a lot of kids off the bench and had a good rotation.”

The ‘Dogs were challenged by Hancock County (7-25) in the first period as forward Brady Swiney dropped in a pair of trey’s and guard Noah Belcher had one as well. Hampton took an 18-15 advantage into the second period and that’s when the wheels fell off for the Indians.

Hampton outscored Hancock 25-8 in the stanza to

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton’s Levi Lyons #0 and Cadon Buckles #11 apply backcourt pressure to the Indians Chandler Parson #5 mid-way through the first quarter.

open a 43-23 halftime lead; from there, the blowout was fully on. The Tribe showed a willingness to battle the Bulldogs but did not have the firepower to overcome the deficit.

Senior guard Cadon Buckles scored a game-high 20 points finishing off his night with a midcourt steal and a dunk, while junior guard Michael Anspaugh finished with 18 points. Others in double figures for the ‘Dogs were Geno Carrico with 15 points and Hayden Campbell with 13.

For the Indians, Swiney led the way with 17 points, backed by 15 points from post Chandler Ferguson and ten from Belcher.

After an errant pass gets away from Indians Chandler Parson

and Tuff Robinson #32 try to trap him along the sidelines with

late in the second quarter.

Belcher

Hampton 18 25 28 17 – 88

3-point

Region 1A Quarterfinal Hampton 88-55 Hancock Co (55)

10, Swiney 17, C. Ferguson 15, L. Ferguson 2, Wallen 2, Keck 4, Fugate 5. Hampton (88)

Lyons 4, Trivett 4, Anspaugh 18. Buckles 20, Campbell 13, Davis 3, Point 5, Di. Nave 2, Robinson 4, Carrico 15. Hancock Co. 15 8 20 12 – 55

goals: HC 7 (Swiney 4, Belcher 2, Fugate 1), H 5 (Buckles 2, Anspaugh 1, Davis 1, Point 1)

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

#5, Hampton’s Chance Point #22

some full-court pressure very

Bulldogs advance past Huskies in overtime

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

BLOUNTVILLE – Hampton almost lost a game that was well in hand with a 12-point fourth-quarter lead, only to see North Greene put on a spectacular rally to force overtime in the Region 1A boys basketball semifinal played at Evelyn Rafalowski Athletic Center.

Hampton would rely on its defense to pull out a 57-53 win to advance to the Region final on Thursday against University High who took a 70-46 victory over Cosby.

The Bulldogs (25-7) led 43-31 with 5:50 remaining in regulation and held a 45-34 advantage with four minutes showing on the clock when the Huskies (19-15) went on a 12-point run to take a 46-45 lead with 2:08 remaining.

“It was a real gut check for us,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “Our kids stepped up and we won it on defense. I thought Dylan (Trivett) and Chance (Point) both did a great job

on Britton who was the focus of our defense. We had a big foul out, but we rallied behind defensive pressure and thank the good Lord we got the win.”

The Bulldogs seemed in control of this contest throughout most of it as they answered every North Greene comeback attempt and held a 25-17 halftime lead. The ‘Dogs led 37-29 going into the fourth period and it looked like a done deal when Hampton went up 43-31.

At the four-minute mark, North Greene’s Dennis Malone hit a trey which was followed by a deuce from Jason Britton and a three-point play from guard Sam English as the Huskies drew to within 45-39 with 3:05 showing on the game clock.

The run continued for the Huskies with Britton hitting a bucket and a pair of free throws to take a 46-45 lead and at the 2:09 mark, Bulldogs senior guard Cadon Buckles fouled out. A deuce from Geno Carrico gave the ‘Dogs a one-point lead and a free throw from Dalton Nave made it 48-46.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders The Bulldogs Chance Point #22 soars to the rim for two early in the third quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton’s Hayden Campbell #34 trips over a fallen Husky defender and his shot somehow drops in to give the Bulldogs the lead with just over two minutes to play in overtime.

A deuce from Bennett McLain tied the game at 48-48 and forced the extra session.

In overtime, Point hit a deuce, but Britton knocked down a trey for a one-point Huskies lead but junior post Hayden Campbell hit a turnaround jumper in the lane for Hampton. A pair of free throws followed for North Greene by Malone that gave the Huskies a 53-52 lead.

Campbell then stepped up and scored a bucket and the free throw for a three-point play and a 55-53 Hampton lead. Michael Anspaugh then made the play of the game on a steal and layup at the other end and the ‘Dogs swarming defense did not allow a final shot attempt from the Huskies.

“It was a challenge to us to win it on defense,” Campbell said. “We couldn’t have done

it any other way. When Cadon fouled out, it was a big blow to us but not a cause for alarm. We had to just press them defensively and be all over them.”

Britton led all scorers with 25 points for North Greene while Buckles 18 points took top-scoring honors for the Bulldogs with Carrico adding 11.

Region 1A semifinal

Hampton 57-53

North Greene (53)

English 4, Davenport 2, May 7, McLain

4, J. Britton 25, T. Britton 3, Malone 5, Carrico 3.

Hampton (57)

Trivett 5, Anspaugh 9, Buckles 18, Campbell 7, Point 5, Robinson 2, Carrico 11.

North Greene

3 point goals: NG

(J. Britton 3, T. Britton 1, Malone 1, Carrico 1), H 2 (Trivett 1, Anspaugh 1)

Hampton’s Tuff Robinson #32 dishes off a baseline pass to Hayden Campbell late in the second quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Game Thirty-Three - University High

Buccaneers second half surge sinks Hampton

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

BLOUNTVILLE – As they did in the district final, University High rallied in the second half to knock off the Hampton Bulldogs. History repeated itself on Thursday night in the Region 1A championship as the Buccaneers defeated Hampton 49-45 with another secondhalf rally.

“We had a lot of good looks that rolled around the rim and didn’t go down,” Bulldogs head coach Ned Smith said. “UH is a very athletic team, well coached and it was a tight game all the way. They made a lot of their shots and we had some roll out.”

In a tightly defended game, the ‘Dogs took a 22-18 halftime lead with junior post Hayden Campbell leading the way with six points. UH (21-12) took an early lead with

forward Andrew Cole dropping in a trey and following that with a deuce in the paint for a 5-0 advantage, but the ‘Dogs answered with a bucket from Dylan Trivett.

The first period ended at 9-9 but the ‘Dogs got six points from junior Geno Carrico to help Hampton (25-8) to a three point lead at the break. In the third quarter, the Bucs put on a 9-0 run at the end of the period to take a 32-28 lead going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, junior Chance Point knocked down a trey from the corner that was answered by A.J. Murphy’s triple. Point struck again as Hampton pulled to within 3533 at the six minute mark, but once again, UH had an answer with a Cole bucket.

Senior Cadon Buckles was held to just eight points and had a shot in the paint blocked by Pete Boynewicz, who then

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The Bulldogs Cadon Buckles #11 gets a clean look and buries from downtown midway through the first quarter.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Just prior to the tip-off to the Championship game at West Ridge High School Thursday night against the Jr. Bucs of University High, Hampton head coach Ned Smith gives his starting five some final instructions.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton placed three players on the Region 1 Class A All-Tournament Team. They are from the left Cadon Buckles, Chance Point and Hayden Campbell. University High placed four they are Brady Weems, AJ Murphy, Pete Boynewicz and the Tournament MVP Andrew Cole.

dropped in a trey that followed Point’s second triple and the Bucs now led 40-36.

“That’s what Pete does,” said Bucs head coach Herman Rice. “He is a solid defender and it is hard to keep Hampton in front of you, so we did a lot of switching off, which led to some mismatches that ended with a blocked shot.”

Hampton once again pulled to within one on a trey from guard Michael Anspaugh but the Bucs got a pair of free throws from Drew Finney and a deuce from Cole and two free throws from Boynewicz to open a 46-39 lead. Campbell scored a deuce for Hampton to make it a 46-41 game with 45.3 seconds left.

Buckles and Boynewicz traded buckets, but with 20.6 seconds remaining Boynewicz hit one-oftwo free throws. Trivett scored a

layup as the buzzer sounded for the final margin of the contest.

Hampton will travel to Region 2A champion Oneida on Monday in the substate. Cole’s 15 points led all scorers with Boynewicz adding 14 for the Bucs. Anspaugh’s nine points topped Hampton.

Region 1A championship

University High 49-45

Murphy 7, Weems 7, Boynewicz 14, A. Cole 15, Croley 6.

Hampton (45)

Trivett 6, Anspaugh 9, Buckles 8, Campbell 8, Point 8, Carrico 6.

Hampton

3-point goals: H 4 (Point 2, Buckles 1, Anspaugh 1), U 4 (Murphy 1, Weems

1, A. Cole 1, Croley 1).

All tournament team

Cosby – Cruz Coggins

North Greene – Jason Britton, Sam English

Hampton – Cadon Buckles, Chance Point, Hayden Campbell

UH – Brady Weems, Pete Boynewicz, A.J. Murphy

MVP – Andrew Cole

The Hampton Bulldogs are the Runner-ups in Region 1 Class A Tournament for the 2022-23 season. They have earned the right to play a Sub-State game and will travel to Oneida to face the Indians Monday night, March 6, at 7:00 PM.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Bulldogs Boro’ Bound, Again!

BY C.Y. PETERS STAR CORRESPONDENT

What looked like it would be a long night for the Hampton Bulldogs; falling behind 7-2, the Dogs reeled off ten straight points en route to a 73-55 win and earned their way to Murfreesboro for a shot at a state title. After the first three minutes, it looked like Coach Ned Smith put in Bad Bad Leroy Brown, but when the Bulldogs left Oneida High, the Indians looked like a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.

After leading 12 to seven in the first, Oneida tied the score at 12. Both teams swapped baskets for the rest of the first half, with the Dogs leading by two 32-30. At half-

time, Smith gave direct orders to play hard and blow this team away, and away they went. Red hot in the third, the Dogs built a lead that could not be caught. Moving out to a 50-35 lead with 3:07 to play in the third. Through the season stats, the Dogs averaged eight points per game more than the Indians. Oneida finishes their season at 2210, while the Dogs moved to 26-8 and earned a trip to the Boro.

Cadon Buckles got the Dogs rolling, tossing in ten points in the first quarter; he would finish the night with 27, leading all scorers. Hayden Campbell went to work inside in the second half scoring 17 of his 24 points and boosting Hampton to a 59-43 lead after

three. Geno Carrico and Levi Lyons scored six points apiece, and Dylan Trivett and Michael Anspaugh followed with five. Campbell also pulled down ten rebounds on the night and Carrico grabbed eight. Mason Keaton led the Indians with 16 points. “I can’t believe this is happening; what a feeling,” said Campbell. “We’re all just really happy right now, my teammates worked the ball inside to me and things fell into place.” Tuesday night a 6 pm at Hampton High School, the coaches and players will be cutting the nets down. They hope to have a great crowd, so come out and celebrate another trip to the state.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Hampton’s Hayden Campbell (34) goes up strong for a layup.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles

Cadon Buckles (11) of Hampton scores two of his 27 points this fastbreak layup.

Game Thirty-Five - Humboldt

Hampton routes Humboldt to advance to semifinals

FROM STAFF REPORTS

MURFREESBORO-Hampton Bulldogs moved closer to winning a state championship by blowing out Humboldt Vikings on Wednesday evening at the Murphy Center. Cadon Buckles would score 29 points to lead the Bulldogs to a 71-48 route over Humboldt. After falling behind 6-3, the Bulldogs would fight back, led by Buckles 13 points

in the first to take a 22-12 lead. Hampton would extend the lead to 15 at halftime, 38-23, led by Michael Anspaugh with two 3-pointers. The Bulldogs would extend the lead to 17 at the end of the third and would outscore Humboldt 19-13 in the final period to take a 71+48 victory. Hampton, as a team, would shoot 51.9% from the field, proving too much for the Vikings. Buckles

would lead Hampton with 29 points, followed by Anspaugh with 15 points and Carrico with 14 points. To round out the scoring for Hampton, Campbell, 6; Trivett, 4; Point, 3; Robinson, 2 and Hicks, 1. Fredrick Moore would lead Humboldt with 23 points.

With the win, Hampton will take on Chattanooga Prep on Friday, March 17, at 2:15 pm eastern.

Game Thirty-Six - Chattanooga Prep

2023 Class 1-A BlueCross Basketball Championship Semifinal

Hampton gains shot at gold ball with victory over Chattanooga Prep

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Hampton Bulldogs were hoping the second time would be the charm to make it to the state championship game after falling last year at the same point of the BlueCross Basketball Championship in the semifinal round. To get there, they were going to have to defeat one of the youngest teams in the championship field in Chattanooga Prep starting three freshmen and two sophomores during Friday afternoon’s showdown inside The Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.

With the experience of being at this level last season, the Bulldogs knew the formula it would take to pull off the win and gain a shot at the gold ball on Saturday. In the second half, Cadon Buckles put on a show as Mr. Basketball Finalist went off as Buckles single-handedly almost scored as many as Chattanooga Prep finishing the game with a game-high 29 to put the Bulldogs into Saturday’s championship game opposite the winner of University School from Johnson City and Middleton with a 53-43 victory.

Hampton came out of the gate quickly and built as much as an eight-point lead in the first quarter behind the inside play of junior post Hayden Campbell, who used his size on the inside to score six points in the opening period. Geno Carrico also had a big opening quarter as he added five points to help the Bulldogs build a 13-9 lead at the first horn.

Prep was kept in the contest by the play of Derrick Robinson, who scored seven in the first eight minutes.

Hampton continued to maintain their lead to intermission as the Sentinels managed to keep the game tight by closing the game to 21-15.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles

Chance Point (22) of Hampton attempts a layup.

The ‘Dogs turned up the pressure in the third quarter outscoring the Sentinels 14-5 to take a 35-20 lead into the final period of play.

Prep had their best quarter of offense in the fourth period outscoring Hampton 23-18, but it was too little too late for the Sentinels as Hampton held on for the win giving the ‘Dogs their shot at coming back to Carter County with a state basketball championship.

Carrico reached double figures for the game as he recorded 12 in the contest. Campbell added seven while Michael Anspaugh finished with four. Chance Point added a free throw.

Roberson finished the game

with 12 to lead Chattanooga while Eli Gaines recorded 11. Ta’Suade Williams contributed nine.

Hampton led the game from start to finish. The ‘Dogs worked the paint for 36 points to the Sentinels 18.

Campbell ripped down ten boards and added four blocks on the day with Carrico sweeping the glass for eight. Dylan Trivett added seven boards and two steals. Anspaugh dished out four assists in the game.

Hampton’s largest lead in the game was 16 points at the 6:33 mark of the fourth quarter.

Hampton will take on Middleton for the 1-A BlueCross Championship today at 5 pm eastern time.

Game Thirty-Seven - Middleton

2023 CLASS 1-A BOYS BLUECROSS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Hampton captures first state basketball championship since 1960

FROM STAFF REPORTS

There was only one thing on the minds of the Hampton Bulldogs boys basketball team on Saturday morning and that was to bring a gold championship basketball back to Carter County. First things first was a battle in the final game of the season in Class 1-A basketball against the Middleton Tigers who entered the contest with an overall record of 30-1.

After leading for most of the game, the Bulldogs had to buckle down in the second half to respond to a late Middleton charge and lead change before responding with a 16-2 run

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Hampton’s Dylan Trivett (1) prepares to put pressure on the ball.

Contributed

Photo/Bob Liles

2023 Boys Basketball State Champions Hampton Bulldogs.

over the final 3:55 to play to collect the gold ball with a 5143 victory.

Hampton didn’t let the Tigers record intimidate them as the ‘Dogs came out and took the game to Middleton, breaking out to a 12-9 lead at the first stop and clung to a 22-15 lead at the intermission.

Hayden Campbell provided the offensive power in the first half as the junior center accounted for 12 of the 22 points in the first half. Senior Cadon Buckles added five points while Geno Carrico added five.

The Tigers went the last five minutes of the second period without a field goal as Hampton took advantage of the cold shooting to hang onto the lead.

Middleton opened the third quarter with a four-point play to cut the lead to 22-19 before the ‘Dogs put a stop to the bleeding with a Carrico pair of free throws to extend the lead to 24-19.

The Tigers cut the lead to 28-25 with 4:56 remaining in the third quarter on a trey from Middleton but once again Hampton answered the bell to push the lead back to 31-25 with 3:13 left in the quarter on a Buckles triple.

Not one to tuck their tails, the Tigers went on a 6-0 run in only a 23 second span to draw within 33-31 before Hampton head coach Ned Smith called a timeout with 2:23 showing on the clock in the third,

Middleton tied the game at 33-33 with 1:27 to go in the quarter before taking a 35-33 lead with :34 seconds in the stanza. It was the first lead of the contest for the Tigers.

With eight minutes remaining in the contest, the Tigers found themselves up by a deuce

35-33 with the state championship on the line as Hampton failed to score a point in the last 3:04 of the third quarter.

The Tigers built their lead to

40-35 with 6:30 remaining in the contest as Hampton needed to dig itself out of the biggest deficit they had faced in the game. Middleton continued to

hold onto the lead at the media timeout with 4:41 left adding a free throw to their advantage to lead 41-35.

A Campbell deuce pulled the ‘Dogs to within 41-37 with 3:31 left in the game before a Buckles basket sliced the lead to 41-39 with 2:50 left, forcing Middleton to call a timeout.

Hampton drew even at 41-41 with 2:17 left to play as play heated up by both teams with the time running down quickly.

The ‘Dogs jumped back on top as Campbell scored with 1:49 left to give Hampton a 43-41 lead. A Chance Point trey extended the lead to 46-41 with 1:32 left in the game.

Smith’s troops kept coming and the Tigers had no answer as Hampton finished the game out strong to capture the title.

It was fitting that both Campbell and Buckles finished tied for game-high scoring honors with 18 points apiece. Carrico added nine points with Point and Dylan Trivett finishing with four and two respectively.

Campbell pulled down eight boards, had four blocks, and added three steals while Carrico was close behind with six rebounds. Michael Anspaugh dished out six assists.

Hampton shot 42.5% from the field for the contest and 33..3% from beyond the arc. Also, the ‘Dogs shot 75% from the charity stripe.

R.J Roderick led the Tigers with a team-high 14 points and eight rebounds. Jordan Stewart reached double figures with 10 points.

The Tigers shot 37.8% from the field for the game, 30% from beyond the arc, and 42.9% from the foul line.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles

Cadon Buckles (11) pulls down a rebound for Hampton.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles

Dylan Trivett (1) of Hampton shoots a jump shot while pressured by the Tigers.

Hampton celebrates second basketball state title

BY LARRY N. SOUDERS STAR CORRESPONDENT

On the 63rd anniversary of Hampton’s winning their first state basketball title, the Bulldogs brought home their second Gold Ball after their thrilling 51-43 victory over the Middleton Tigers Saturday evening. From the county line to the front doorstep of Hampton High School, streets and roadways were lined with Bulldog fans waiting to greet their 2023 TSSAA Class 1A State Champions home Sunday afternoon.

At the school, it looked like the entire Hampton community came out to celebrate the boys’ championship. The VanHuss-White gymnasium was completely full on the home side, along the court’s baseline and the lower level on the visitor side was stuffed with four to five hundred of the Bulldogs’ biggest fans.

Hampton’s yearbook sponsor Amy Banner served as the

master of ceremonies for the returning champions’ pep rally that lasted over an hour.

Among those attending were three members of

the 1960 team that brought home the Bulldogs’ first Gold Ball. Carl Roberson, Pastor Bobby Stout and Jerry White were there to welcome home

the newest members of their fraternity.

White, who not only played on the 1960 championship team under legendary head

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Cadon Buckles (right), the 2023 TSSAA Class 1A State Championship Tournament MVP, and teammate Hayden Campbell (center) lead their team off the bus and into the front entrance of Hampton High School Sunday afternoon for their homecoming after winning the TSSAA Class 1A State Tournament in Murfreesboro.

coach Walter “Buck” VanHuss, also coached two Bulldog teams to the state tournament in 1981 and 1983. Both squads brought home a Silver Ball from Murfreesboro. The ‘81 squad also faced and defeated the Middleton Tigers en route to the finals before losing to the Bolton Wildcats, while the ‘83

squad also lost a heartbreaker by just five to East Robertson. Members of both teams were also on hand to welcome the new state champions home.

Cadon Buckles, a Mr. Basketball finalist and the tournament’s MVP, was introduced by Banner; he laughed while confirming the rumor that

Cadon

he had in fact slept with the Gold Ball Saturday night. All joking aside, Buckles sincerely thanked the entire Bulldog Nation for their support before shouting, “Go Bulldogs!”

Several other players, including Hayden Campbell, Dylan Trivett and Chance Point, whose three-pointer at

1:34 left in the game all but sealed the win, echoed Buckles in their thanks for the community’s support not only this year but for their entire careers.

The Hampton Bulldogs were honored during the Monday night, March 20, County Commission meeting at the County Courthouse at 6 p.m.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Buckles, the 2023 TSSAA Class 1A State Championship Tournament MVP, carrying the Gold Ball, leads his team into VanHuss-White Gymnasium for the final time late Sunday afternoon to the thunderous applause of families, friends and hundreds of excited fans to celebrate their newest TSSAA Class 1A State Championship.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Amy Banner, Hampton’s yearbook sponsor, welcomes the team and everyone inside the VanHuss-White Gymnasium to celebrate the Bulldogs being the 2023 TSSAA Class 1A State Champions.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Amy Banner asks Cadon Buckles, the 2023 TSSAA Class 1A State Tournament MVP, to present the “Gold Ball” to the Bulldog Nation. Buckles and his team won the school’s second TSSAA Class 1A State Championship 63 years to the day after Hampton’s first title in 1960.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton Bulldog Head Coach Ned Smith, with his team behind him, tells the Hampton faithful how proud he is of his team and how they didn’t fold under the pressure of the State Tournament to bring home the “Gold Ball” for the first time in 63 years.

Hampton Bulldog Basketball Championship

Commission honors Hampton basketball team

BY ROBERT SORRELL STAR CORRESPONDENT

The Carter County Commission honored the Hampton High School boy’s basketball team on Monday for their recent state championship win.

Dozens of people attended the commission meeting to recognize the team, which beat the Middleton Tigers on Saturday in the state’s Class 1-A basketball game. A standingroom only crowd watched as County Mayor Patty Woodby, a Hampton graduate, presented two proclamations recogniz-

ing the team and Coach Ned Smith.

The team walked into the courthouse with the winning trophy to a cheering and captive audience. The team joined the school’s athletics staff, cheerleaders, parents and others for the meeting, which featured “congrats” posters and blue balloons.

“I’m a Bulldog at heart,” a

tearful Woodby told the audience.

The mayor said she was “truly impressed” by the team’s efforts on the court and in the classroom. Several students, she said, have been able to receive college credits towards an associate degree while still participating in athletics.

The proclamations notate the team’s 29-8 overall record,

Star Photo/Robert Sorrell

The Hampton Bulldogs, led by Geno Carrico, walked into the courthouse with the winning trophy to a cheering and captive audience.

the season’s various accomplishments and athlete participation in the All-State team.

The mayor also shared her thoughts on the outpouring of support she saw from the community on Sunday when the team returned home from Murfreesboro. Woodby rode in the procession from Interstate 81 at Bulls Gap to Hampton. She traveled with Elizabethton Mayor Curt Alexander, who she said was impressed with the community support.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Elizabethton and Carter County as the team headed back to the high school from the tournament.

Smith, who appeared before the commission with his wife, Julie Smith, recognized his staff for their help during the season.

When asked to comment

before the commission, Hayden Campbell said, “Go Dogs.”

Woodby also recognized the Hampton High cheerleaders, who she noted worked

throughout the school year during basketball and football seasons.

The mayor also honored basketball players who play football, as well as basketball

players and cheerleaders who have already received college credit.

The Bulldogs won their first state championship since 1960.

Star Photo/Robert Sorrell County Mayor Patty Woodby presented two proclamations recognizing the team and Coach Ned Smith.

Hampton celebrates Senior Night

Hampton High School celebrated Senior Night with a split against Unicoi County at Van Huss/White gymnasium on Saturday evening.

The seniors and their families were recognized between the girl’s and boy’s varsity games. The Lady Bulldogs recognized three players Madison McClain, Ryleigh Nickles and Rylie McClain. Five players were recognized for the boy’s team Cadon Buckles, Brody Hicks, Levi Lyons, Ty McElyea and Dalton Nave. Cheerlead-

ers Marina Bailey, Cheyenne Fair, Shania Pierce and Linsey Jenkins were recognized for the cheerleading team.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Cheerleader Marina Bailey and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Cheerleader Cheyenne Fair and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Cheerleader Shania Pierce and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Linsey Jenkins and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Madison McClain and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Ryleigh Nickles and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Rylie McClain and family.

Senior Night

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Cadon Buckles and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Brody Hicks and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Levi Lyons and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Ty McElyea and family.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Hampton 2023 Senior Night Basketball Dalton Nave and family.

Pair of local seniors in finalist for Mr. Basketball, Miss Basketball

BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN STAR CORRESPONDENT

Seniors Cadon Buckles and Lyndie Ramsey are both finalists for the most prestigious award the TSSAA can offer as finalists for Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball. For Ramsey, it is her second consecutive bid to take home the hardware and she said, “Sometimes they look at a team’s record when deciding and our record isn’t that good. But I have had to work twice as hard this year to get back. I always put the work in and I hope they don’t decide it by our record. I think a lot of them look down on us.”

Ramsey surpassed Tennessee High’s Courtney McDaniel on Monday in the D1A play-in game against University High, whose record stood for more than 20 years. McDaniel finished with 2,772 points. Ramsey is averaging 29 plus points per game and doubledigit rebounds and runs the Unaka offense despite little scoring help and hopes that this accomplishment might put her over the edge.

“My dad asked me if I had accomplished everything I wanted to and I said no, I want the 5-on-5 boys and girls area scoring record,” Ramsey said. “I am hoping for 3,000 and

my team being there for me has helped a lot.”

Of the Miss Basketball award, Lady Rangers head coach Kenneth Chambers said, “Lyndie is a special player; she refuses to lay down. Sometimes though people look at a team’s record when making the decision but I hope they don’t. She has had to fight through a lot this season and has come through.”

Senior guard Cadon Buckles of Hampton is averaging 24.6 points per game with 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists on the season thus far. Buckles surpassed 1,000 career points earlier in the season after putting up 509 points as a junior.

“I give it all to God, my family, teammates and coaching staff,” Buckles said. “I appreciate all the support I have been given and this is a close-knit team. We are all friends and support each other.”

Hampton head coach Ned Smith said of Buckles, “Cadon is a great role model, is a hard worker and a leader on the floor. He is also a Christian kid who has a strong belief in team and family. He is a gym rat and an equally good student as he will graduate Hampton with an associate degree.”

Cadon Buckles

Lyndie Ramsey

Time for the Big Show, The Road to Murfreesboro

BY C.Y. PETERS STAR CORRESPONDENT

Every coach and every player at the start of each basketball season has one goal, to travel to Murfreesboro for March Madness. Mid-way through the season, it looked like Carter County would have four teams in the state tournament this year and that may still be possible but in all reality, maybe only three. That’s pretty dang good, considering most of the time, the best team doesn’t win the state tournament.

Last year I thought Hampton boys was by far the best team in the state tournament but lost to East Roberson, who blew out Peabody in the title game. Hampton beat West Carroll in the opening game by outscoring them 21-3 in the second quarter. The Bulldogs had four players hit double figures, led by Morgan Lyons with 17 points, followed by Cadon Buckles with 12, while Conor Burleson and Hayden Campbell scored ten points each. It looked like the Bulldogs would make the final game but a late three-pointer by Roberson tied the score and sent it into overtime, where the Dogs lost 58-56. They have several players back from last year and should have the chance to bring home the gold ball.

Elizabethton girls made their way to Murfreesboro last year, a familiar place for the Lady Cyclones. They were there in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2014 when they won the State title. In 2015

and 2016, they had the best team in the state, by far. As I said earlier, the best team usually doesn’t win the title. They played Upperman and it was the first game of the tournament and believe me, it’s always hard to get ready and play at 10 am in the morning. They fell behind 31 to 16 by the half, and outscored Upperman in the second half, but the big league they built early stood true. Upperman went on to win the title 48-43 over Jackson Southside.

Hampton girls are as good as many of the teams Doug Phillips took to the state in the late 90s. In 1997 and 1998, Hampton played Bradford with Bradford advancing to win the state title. In 2000 Hampton opened the tournament with the 10 am game against Wayne County, Wayne County won the state tournament.

Hampton girls went on to play in the 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017 state tournaments. This year they are quicker and can shoot the ball well. They played good defense and have a great chance of bringing home the gold ball. All three teams, stay focused and play hard, and the future looks bright.

Cloudland, Happy Valley and Unaka girls and boys are long shots, but long shots are Carter County sports history. In 1960 Hampton boys had to be the longest shot of all. Small school, one classification and they didn’t even win the District. Luck plays a big part in this game, skill is great, but sometimes you have to get some breaks. The Bulldogs got some breaks in the Regional, and won a couple of games they could have lost in the state tournament, but squeaked by with a win. They were not the best team in the state in 1960, Murfreesboro had two 6’8 players and was 38-0, Union City was undefeated at 34-0. Hampton beat both teams in front of over 6000 people.

In 1974 we all thought Hampton had the best team in the state. They were ranked number one almost all year and had beaten Happy Valley at least three times, maybe more if you counted the scrimmages. The Bulldogs had already made reservations for the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis. Coach Charlie Bayless Happy Valley Warriors pulled off the win of the century and went on to win the state title. Maybe they were not the best team in the state or maybe they were.

In 2004 no one thought the Unaka Boys team would make it to the state tournament except Coach Donald Ensor and his coaching staff. They won every game in the District, Regional and Substate, along with every game in the state tournament with a 25-13 record. It was the first gold ball since the 1974 Warriors. Ensor believed they could win it; he had faith in his boys, and they worked hard and became very successful.

In 2014 Coach Len Duggers Elizabethton Cyclones may have not been the best team in the state, but they brought home Elizabethton’s first lady’s Gold ball. Most of his girls were Sophomores and they would return the next two seasons. In 2016 they had the best team in the state, but like I said, not always does the best team win.

Cheerleaders

The 2022-23 Hampton Bulldog Cheerleaders include: Captains Marina Bailey, Cheyenne Fair, and Shania Pierce along with Raegan Ashley, Keagan Campbell, Sydney Covington, Briley Curtis, Briley Davis, Brooke Elliott, Bella Fair, Jessa Hampton, Anna Hatley, Laken Johnson, Bailey Moss, Maleah Scalf, Hannah Smith, Lexi Taylor, and Emma Weir.

Hampton Bulldog Basketball Championship •

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders

The Hampton Cheerleaders lead the Bulldog Nation in one final cheer of “Are you proud to be a Bulldog, YES WE ARE!” at the end of the pep rally.

Cheerleaders

Hampton Bulldog Basketball Championship

Star Photo/ Larry N. Souders Hampton’s cheerleaders perform a cheer during a full timeout late in the second quarter.

Star Photo/ Larry N. Souders

Contributed Photo/ Bob Liles Hampton’s cheerleaders pose with the State Champions sign.

State Championship

Hampton Bulldog Basketball Championship

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Coach Ned Smith of Hampton receives the coaches award after guiding the Bulldogs to a championship.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Hampton’s Cadon Buckles (11) receives his MVP award for the State Tournament.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Hampton’s fans give the Bulldogs a standing ovation.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles

Hayden Campbell (34) looks for an open teammate after pulling down a rebound for Hampton.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Chance Point (22) drives in for a layup attempt for Hampton.

State Championship

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Hampton’s Cadon Buckles (11) scores two of his 18 points.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Hampton’s Geno Carrico (35) drives for a layup.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Dylan Trivett (1) of Hampton shoots a jump shot while pressured by the Tigers.

Contributed Photo/Bob Liles Hayden Campbell (34) of Hampton tracks down a rebound.