Tyler Dare
ASU Student Journalist

Game Preview: Hamilton vs. Basha

January 25, 2018 by Tyler Dare, Arizona State University


 

The Hamilton basketball team has had yet another successful season and is looking to continue their success in the postseason.

 

Despite a loss to Perry last Tuesday night, the Huskies plan to bounce back against regional rival, the Basha Bears this Friday.

 

“We’re still kind of up and down, depending on our opponent,” Coach Doug Harris said. “We’re a good team… we have a few weeks to become elite, but I think we just got to keep getting better and be more consistent.”

 

The last time the two schools played each other was earlier this month which resulted in a 51-35 Hamilton victory. Senior Zach Anderson scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds.

 

The Huskies (16-6) have fought hard this season but are still aiming for a playoff spot and the chance to have two home games. Harris made it clear that they still have to take care of business or continue dropping in the rankings.

 

Harris is preparing for Basha to come out and play tough and will be ready to go after a loss to Brophy and the reminder of the last meeting with Hamilton.

 

“It’s going to be a big game for us, they’re playing for seeding, too. They’re going to have a chip on their shoulder and we just have to match that.” Harris said.

 

Harris said that he has seen a lot of growth in the players over the course of the season and expects them to execute and play with a purpose.

 

Senior Rashad Smith has been the top scorer for Hamilton and has put up double-digit numbers in the past four games.

 

Smith is averaging 13.5 points per game. He understands that the Friday’s game is just as important as any other game.

 

“Basha is always a hard game, at home I know they’ll have competition there,” Smith said. “We've just got to play together and do what we got to do to win.”

 

Both Harris and Smith agree that they need to play with the right energy and mentality, or the game could go the other way.

 

Hamilton is at Basha at 7 p.m. Friday.