Hitt, Kanetsky propel Hubbard

Earlier this week, Corey Hitt surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career.

By DOUG CHAPIN

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

LIBERTY — The Hubbard High basketball team used a 7-0 run in the third quarter to take control of Friday’s game, then a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter to clinch a 59-41 Trumbull Athletic Conference victory over Liberty.

The Eagles (13-7, 9-5 TAC) led 12-11 after one quarter and 25-23 at the half.

Liberty (6-13, 4-9 TAC) tied the game twice early in the third period before Hubbard’s 7-0 streak gave the Eagles a 36-28 lead.

The Leopards never got closer than six the rest of the way and trailed 31-29 after three quarters.

Hubbard’s lead was 44-37 with about five minutes remaining when the Eagles put together their 15-point run to decide the contest.

“The first time we played them, we played zone and we were able to box them out,” Hubbard coach Rick Fox said. “Tonight, they did a great job getting to the boards so we had to switch it up in the second half and go man.

“The kids did a great job with that, plus when we got our defense going it led to our offense,” Fox said. “Our kids are unselfish, they’ll give up that shot for an extra pass and the lay-up.”

Hubbard shot an outstanding 57 percent (25-of-44) from the field and recorded 20 assists, exhibiting excellent ball movement offensively.

Corey Hitt, who earlier this week surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career, led the Eagles with 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Marc Kanetsky added 10 points and seven assists, Kurtis Drummond had 12 points and Matt Lopuchovsky 11.

“Corey has a quick first step, and he can take the ball hard to the basket,” Fox said about his senior forward. “It helps that he has Kanetsky, a four-year letter winner himself, at point guard. Marc has close to 500 career assists.”

Anthony Cleveland led Liberty with 10 points and seven rebounds. Brian Francis also grabbed seven rebounds. The Leopards had a 25-21 edge on the boards, but shot just 37 percent (18-of-49) from the floor.

The Leopards conclude their regular season tonight in a makeup game at Champion. The JV game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m.

Liberty is scheduled to play Lakeview on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Division II sectional at Boardman. Hubbard has a first-round bye and plays Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. against Struthers or West Branch.