Basketball season came to an end as the Bucks went down in their NCHSAA opening game. That turns the focus of Hoke County to spring sports.
Boys’ basketball
The Hoke County boys’ team drew a No. 23 seed in the 4A NCHSAA state playoffs. That put them on a collision course with No. 10 Overhills. An upset was not in the cards for the Bucks, however, as Overhills pulled out a tight 59-56 win to end Hoke’s season at 16-10.
Four Bucks’ seniors played in their final high school game. Braydon McKoy pulled down a rebound and had a steal. Brandon Graham scored 2 points with 6 rebounds and a steal. Tavero Wilson got into the game and put up a shot.
Jaylen Sturdivant scored 12 points with 2 steals, while Salah Sutton led all scorers with 23 points, adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
Spring sports
The Bucks softball team got off to a fast start, winning their first two games of the season. Hoke beat St. Paul’s, 9-4, and blew out Overhills, 14-4.
Two other spring teams are still looking for their first wins. Girls’ soccer is 0-1-1 after two road games. The Bucks lost to Purnell Swett, 2-1, in the opener, then played Lumberton to a scoreless tie.
The Bucks baseball team has gotten off to an 0-2 start. Hoke lost at South View, 7-2, in the opener, then dropped its home opener to Lumberton, 16-4.
