Hampshire energizes in time to trip up Kaneland

Bob Barnett feared his Hampshire boys basketball team might suffer a letdown Tuesday night after beating archrival Burlington Central Saturday. The Whip-Purs did look lethargic for a half, but woke up in time to grab a 60-44 nonconference victory against Kaneland in Hampshire.

Hampshire stretched out the Knights' tightly packed zone defense with 3-point shooting by Tyler Crater and Pat Azizi. Crater hit 3 from long range and Azizi added 2 more as the Whips outscored Kaneland 23-8 in the third quarter. In those 8 minutes, Hampshire turned a 1-point game into a blowout.

"We were a little lethargic coming off Saturday night," said Barnett. "And they had us right where they wanted us. I know they wanted it to be close for the first half and then keep us under 30."

Hampshire's 3-point barrage opened things up inside for Tyler Watzlawick, who scored 9 of his game-high 17 points in the fourth quarter. Azizi finished with 16 points and 7 assists, while Crater added 14 points for the Whip-Purs. Shane Hernandez added 9 rebounds and 6 points.

Kaneland never led, but the Knights were tied twice in the second quarter and trailed just 21-20 at the break. Chaon Denlinger kept the Knights close with three 3-pointers in the first half. He finished with 12 points, all from long range, and also grabbed 5 rebounds. Trever Heinle led Kaneland (9-8) with 15 points before fouling out late in the game. Daniel Helm added 6 points for the Knights.

Hampshire led 23-21 early in the second half when Crater and Azizi drained 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions. After a free throw by Heinle, Crater made another 3, and suddenly the Whip-Purs led by double digits.

The Whips made 13 of 19 shots in the second half and shot 56 percent for the game.