Hopewell gets to lucky number 13

The Hopewell boys' basketball team is off to a perfect 13-0 start after beating Victory Christian 56-38 to claim their second straight Bojangles Shootout.

The Titans won 29 straight games last season, before falling to eventual state champion, Mount
Tabor in the 4A state semifinals. Hopewell has now won 42 of their last 43 games dating back to the start of the 2008-09 season.

Hopewell, No. 1 in the Observer Sweet 16 and No. 2 in the state, has been strong this season with wins over Ardrey Kell, Charlotte Christian, Concord, Providence and West Charlotte, who have also been ranked (in the Sweet 16).

The Titans, who are known for their stifling defense, are at it again allowing less than 50 points per game this season including 39 and 38 points to Ardrey Kell and Victory Chrisitan, in their last two games.

“Everything starts with our defense,” Hopewell basketball coach Eric Davis said. “We have always preached that defense is what wins games, and that has been the backbone of this team for the last few seasons.”

The Titans offense isn’t too bad either led by double-double machine DeMon Brooks, who is churning out 19 points and 10 rebounds per contest. Brooks, who has committed play basketball at Howard next season, has a lot of help just in his own frontcourt with Jordan Downing and Bryce Hawkins.

Downing, who will play at Davidson next season, is averaging 17 points and five rebounds per game, while Hawkins is scoring 11 points per contest while nabbing seven rebounds.

The Titans resume conference play (I-Meck), traveling to Mooresville Tuesday night before hosting Mallard Creek Friday.

--Jay Edwards