'It's unbelievable': New Hanover basketball claims fourth straight Mideastern Conference title
For Zeus Batts and the New Hanover boys basketball team, winning the Mideastern Conference title has become a tradition.
Batts helped the Wildcats to a fourth consecutive conference title by defeating Laney 53-36 in the Mideastern Conference tournament final at Brunswick Community College Friday night.
"It's unbelievable, really," Batts said of New Hanover's dominance. "I'm just glad my team still trusts in me to hit shots."
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The junior guard has had his fair share of off nights this season, but New Hanover coach Kirk Angel says Friday was different from the start.
"He didn't sleep an ounce last night," Angel said of Batts. "In his eyes, he didn't play well against Hoggard (Last night). He's our glue guy, and in our walk-through today, I could see him; he was a little extra focused."
Batts, who scored 13 of his 15 points in the first half, drilled three 3-pointers to give the Wildcats an early advantage.
"It feels crazy when the first one goes in because I just want to keep shooting," he said of his early hot streak. "I want to thank my team for trusting me and getting me the ball."
New Hanover (27-0, 14-0 MEC) topped Laney (22-4, 12-2) for the third time this season, pulling away in the third quarter thanks to a 20-4 run to make the game 41-17 entering the final period of regulation.
Fellow junior Rodmik Allen reached full form in the third quarter, finishing the night leading all scorers with 17 points.
The win makes New Hanover the first MEC boys team since 2012 (When the Wildcats three-peated as 4A Mideastern champions) to win three or more straight titles. It also continues the team's undefeated record and secures the No. 1 spot in next week's NCHSAA 4A East playoffs.
"It's scary because we know now the real season (Starts)," Batts said of the postseason. "The next couple of games, we've got to play better defense and lock in."
Hoggard girl's third straight never in doubt
In their third straight victory over New Hanover this season, the Hoggard girls basketball team showed just how dominant it can be, steamrolling the Wildcats 57-18 in the MEC tournament final Friday.
"I have to give a lot of credit (To the players) for trusting us because it's not easy and they've worked hard," Hoggard coach Boubacar Aw said.
Despite graduating five starters this offseason, the Vikings (26-1, 14-0 MEC) claimed their third straight conference title by at least 30 points with the win. Aw, who picked up his 250th victory, was beyond impressed.
"This is new to them," Aw said of his squad playing in the big game. "I've had a lot of favorite teams, but this is absolutely one of my favorite teams. The makeup of this team, to lose so many seniors, 90% of your scoring and rebounding ... for (This team) to come out and accomplish what they accomplished, I couldn't be more proud."
Sophomore Tristan Shivers led all scorers with 13 points, leading the Vikings to a 36-11 halftime lead. Vikings teammates Avery Fitzgerald and AK Chance each added 11 points.
"We've just got to relax and switch our minds to the playoffs," Aw said of his team entering the postseason. "We're not going to change anything. We're going to play the way we want."
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New Hanover boys basketball claims fourth straight conference title
