The Win Streak is No More for New Castle

By: Bruce Markey
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 | 11:03 PM

It was going to happen at some time this season that the New Castle Red Hurricanes boys basketball team would taste defeat. New Castle had an amazing run over the last three years, claiming consecutive WPIAL championships and finishing the run with a 31-0 season and a state title in March. 

The winning streak of 33 in a row came to an end Tuesday night at the hands of the Hampton Talbots, a 87-67 victory for Hampton at the Ne-Ca-Hi Field House in front of a full house. Senior guard Joey Lafko led the way for the Talbots with 37 points as the Talbots led by nine at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. David Huber tossed in 13 as Hampton beat New Castle for the first time in ten tries, including the last three WPIAL championship games. 

New Castle also saw a 70 game regular season unbeaten streak come to an end, the Canes had not lost since February 8th, 2011, a 58-54 loss at Blackhawk. Also coming to an end tonight was a 38 game winning streak at home and 49 straight against WPIAL opposition. 

Hampton had not beaten New Castle since December 14th, 2010, a 53-46 victory for the Talbots on their home floor. Hampton is now 3-0 on the season. 

New Castle, now 2-1, was led by Marquel Hooker with 23 points and Marcus Hooker with 17. The Red Hurricanes will put their one remaining streak on the line on Friday night at Beaver, a section winning streak of 41 consecutive games. 

Tags: Hampton