Hampshire notches 23rd conference title
Hampshire’s 65-23 defeat of Burlington Central was a real team effort Friday night.
Six Whip-Purs scored between 11 and 8 points as Hampshire clinched at least a share of the Big Northern East title at home.
The conference championship is the fourth straight for Hampshire (23-2, 9-0) and the Whips’ 38th straight in the BN-East, Burlington Central being the last team to beat Hampshire in the conference, that back in 2007.
The title is also the 23rd league championship since 1977 for Hampshire’s girls basketball program, which will move to the Fox Valley Conference next year.
The Whips can win the title outright Tuesday night at home when they meet Richmond-Burton in a game that has been moved to a 5:45 p.m. start and will be followed by Hampshire’s boys playing Marengo.
Michelle Dumoulin and Karla Vietinghoff scored 11 points each to lead the way Friday. Alex Dumoulin added 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Jessica Van Dorin scored 9 points, and Jennifer Dumoulin and Kendall Walker added 8 points apiece.
“Our passing was phenomenal tonight,” said Alex Dumoulin. “We saw the open person and passed it to them, and the girls came in and put it in when we needed it.”
Hampshire also outrebounded the Rockets 37-11, held them to 26 percent shooting and forced 28 turnovers.
Leading 13-8, the Whips scored 12 straight points spanning the first and second quarters. They extended the run to 22-5 to lead 35-13 at halftime.
“Our kids played for four quarters,” said Hampshire coach Ed Haugens. “Everybody who stepped on the court contributed in some way and did a great job. As a coach, that makes you happy. I’ve got nothing negative right now.”
It was a disappointing effort for the Rockets (11-14, 5-4), who were missing starters Sarah Nelson and Brenda Thasavong.
“The bench came in and did a great job,” said Central coach Stephanie Smith. “A Central-Hampshire rivalry should be down to the wire, all intense, all-out, no matter what. If you don’t have heart, you sit on my bench. If you have heart, you play on my court.”
Alli Settanni and Amanda Ritchie scored 8 points apiece for Central.
Alysan Bosley added 5 points for Hampshire as reserves played the entire fourth quarter for both teams.