Tribune-Review names Malik Hooker Basketball Player of the Year (all classifications) and to Terrific 10
Anthony Richards also named to Trib's Terrific 10

Post-Gazette names Malik Hooker to Fabulous 5 and AAAA Player of the Year
Hooker and Anthony Richards named to AAAA Fab 5
Coach Ralph Blundo named PG Coach of the Year

Pennsylvania Sports Writers All State Basketball Team
.Malik Hooker First Team All State
Anthony Richards Second Team All State
Coach Ralph Blundo AAAA Coach of the Year

Boys
CLASS AAAA
FIRST TEAM
Sal Biasi, Hazleton,               5-11, Sr., 26.7 ppg
Mikal Bridges, Great Valley,       6-7, Sr., 18.5 ppg
Malik Hooker, New Castle,          6-1, Sr., 21.8 ppg
Rashann London, Roman Catholic,    6-2, Sr., 14.6 ppg
Ryan Luther, Hampton,              6-8, Sr., 22.1 ppg
Isaiah Washington, Williamsport,   6-3, Sr., 21.6 ppg
SECOND TEAM
Levan Alston, Haverford School,    6-3, Jr., 16.5 ppg
Sammy Foreman, Martin Luther King, 5-11, Jr., 13.8 ppg
Shep Garner, Roman Catholic,       6-1, Sr., 12.3 ppg
Mahir Johnson, Chester,            6-2, Sr., 18.8 ppg
Jahaad Proctor, Harrisburg,        6-2, Jr., 21.5 ppg
Anthony Richards, New Castle,      5-8, Sr., 13.0 ppg
Tyrell Sturdivant, Chester,        6-8, Sr., 15.7 ppg

COACH OF THE YEAR: Ralph Blundo, New Castle

Vote breakdown for AAAA Player of the Year Tribune-Review Story

Hurricanes top LaSalle College High School 52-39
Tribune-Review Story & photos | Post-Gazette Story & video | New Castle News Story | Victory Parade - Post-Gazette video

New Castle player introductions video | New Castle medal ceremony video

| Phila. Inquirer Story | Patriot-News Story | City of Basketball Love Story | GameTimePa Story

Undefeated State Championship places Canes in rare company - Tribune-Review Story

La Salle topped Chester in the other semi-final game
Phila. Inquirer Story | GameTimePa Story 1, Story 2 | City of Basketball Love Story

Red Hurricanes in State Finals - 58-54 winners over Abington
Tribune-Review Story | Post-Gazette Story | Phila. Inquirer Story | New Castle News Story

Canes to play Abington High Schoool in the PIAA Semi-finals Tuesday 3/18 @ 7:30 at Chambersburg Area High School seating capacity 2300 - the game is the second game of doubleheader - NA girls first game
Abington High School from Abington, Pa a 56-52 winner over Martin Luther King
| Patriot News game story | City of Basketball Love game story | Phila. Inquirer game story | GameTimePa game story |
game video

Red Hurricanes undefeated and undisputed Kings of the West - top towering Talbots again, 57-55

New Castle spotted Hampton the second period and still sent the Talbots to a ninth straight defeat at the hands of the Canes     Tribune-Review Story | Post-Gazette Story
  In what had to be the most devastating loss of the nine, Hampton grabbed the lead in the second quarter then increased their lead to nine on a 'three' and were playing with energy and confidence with just 4:45 to play in the third quarter. Then the roof fell in, as the Hurricanes outscored the Talbots, 10-4 during the rest of the of the third quarter and 15-8 the fourth.
    Robert Natale, off the bench, along with Malik Hooker, led the Red Hurricanes in scoring with 11. Natale's play during the second period, when Hooker was on the bench the entire period with three fouls, was excellent as he hit a huge 'three' and grabbed an important rebound. Natale also shined in the fourth quarter when he played the whole quarter, hit a 'three,' fought for an inbounds pass and was fouled, absorbed an intentional foul and made three-of-four pressure free throws.
     The Hurricanes led by seven after one quarter, 18-11, but trailed by seven at halftime, 34-27. Hooker had received his third personal foul with 3.6 seconds to play in the first quarter and sat through out the second quarter as the Canes saw their lead dwindle.
     Hampton sensing their first chance to beat New Castle in nine straight tries, ramped up their defensive pressure and substituted freely trying to keep their players fresh. The Talbots first took the lead at 5:22, 19-18. A 'three' Natale put New Castle up by two but a score by Ryan Luther put Hampton up 22-21. Micah Fulena hit a 'three' at 3:41 putting the Canes back up, 24-21. Two free throws by Hampton tied it at 24, then a 'three' by Anthony Richards gave the Canes the lead again 27-24, as they tried to stave off the charging Talbots. A hoop by Hampton at 2:40 of the second started a 10-0 run to end the quarter putting them up by seven. During the second quarter New Castle missed eight shots but got just one offensive rebound while turning the ball over five times.
     The Talbots opened the third period in a 'box and one' defense with a chaser on Anthony Richards, so Hooker got the Canes on the board first in the second half with a 'three'. Hampton then went on a 7-2 spurt and opened up their largest lead 41-32. Stew Allen started the Hurricanes' comeback with score at 3:59. Unanswered 'threes' by Richards then Natale got the Canes within one, 41-40 at 2:57. Two buckets by Hampton and another by Stew put the score at the end of three periods at 45-42.
     New Castle missed two 'threes' to start the fourth quarter, then a steal by the Canes led to another 'three' by Richards, the score was tied at 45 at 6:44. Hampton hit a 'two' at 6:18 and grabbed the lead back. Hooker was fouled going to the hoop at 5:56 and made one of two free throws, 47-46. After another New Castle steal, Hooker scored at 5:12 to give the Hurricanes their first lead since 2:12 of the second quarter, 48-47.  A quick basket by Hampton gave them the lead, 49-48. At 4:40 Hooker was again fouled while shooting. This time he missed both free throws but the Canes again stole the ball and this time Drew Allen scored on a runner in the lane to give New Castle a 50-49 lead. Following a Talbots' miss, Stew scored putting New Castle ahead 52-49. Another Talbots' miss led to a critical point in the game. The Talbots' Collin Luther was called for an intentional foul on Natale with just 1:43 left to play. Drew shot the foul shots making one of two and the Canes got possession. Hooker was then fouled and went to the line for a one-and-one. He made both free throws giving the Red Hurricanes a 55-49 lead. Hampton hit two more freethrows and a 'three' with just seven seconds left, around two Hooker free throws, was all Hampton could muster at the end, leading to the final of 57-55.

NA No more - Canes eliminate the Tigers 64-54
     Malik Hooker overcame an injured right wrist to score 22 points leading the Red Hurricanes over the North Allegheny Tigers and moving on to the PIAA quarterfinals.
     New Castle started slowly, committing three turnovers and making just two baskets in the first three minutes yet led 5-2. The Canes picked up the pace the rest of the period but made only one of six 'threes' grabbing a 16-11 lead after one.
     The Red Hurricanes extended a 23-19 lead at 3:16 of the second to 32-19 at 1:13 with a 9-0 run. At the half New Castle led 34-21. Hooker scored 10 of the Canes' 18 points in the period.
      An 8-4 spurt by New Castle to open the third quarter gave the Canes their largest lead of the game, 42-25 at 4:56. North Allegheny responded though, and after three periods the Canes' lead was back to 13, 44-31.
     After exchanging baskets the Canes upped their lead to 15 at 6:33 following 'threes' by Jake McPhatter and Anthony Richards. NA hit two 'threes' of their own and at 4:49 they had narrowed the gap to nine, 44-53. The Hurricanes answered with baskets from McPhatter, Hooker and Stew Allen putting the lead back at 15 with 2:56 left to play. New Castle hit 3 of 5 free throws in the last 1:28 keeping the lead at 13 until NA hit a 'three' with 19 seconds left, setting the final score of 64-54.
     Along with Hooker's 22 points, Stew Allen pitched in with 12 points and 7 rebounds.
     New Castle was just 4/15 on 'threes', while they were 12/24 from the free throw line. Richards had two 'threes', McPhatter and Rober Natale each one.
Tribune-Review Story | Post-Gazette Story

New Castle will face North Allegheny for the third time this season, Wednesday 7:00 PM @ Ambridge

Click here to read about last year's PIAA second round game between New Castle and North Allegheny. Post-Gazette story

Hurricanes out last Bethel Park 71-64
     Surviving a poor shooting night, both from the field (5/19 from three) and the line (18/34 10/21 in 4th quarter), the Red Hurricanes move on the to second round of the PIAA playoffs. The Canes led only 17-16 after one quarter, while trailing for part of the period.
     Bethel Park scored first to open the second quarter. The teams exchanged the lead until Robert Natale hit a 'three' at 3:52 of the second and Malik Hooker followed that with block of a layup and a subsequent layup of his own, putting New Castle up 26-23. Jake McPhatter closed the period with a 'three' and a 'putback' for a score and one, capping an 11-2 run. New Castle led at the half 32-25.
     Anthony Richards started the third period with an old fashion three point play and New Castle's lead was 10, 35-25. The Red Hurricanes continued to extend the lead throughout the quarter and led by 20, 51-31 after three, holding Bethel Park to just six points.
     The Black Hawks shot lights out in the fourth quarter, missing only two shots while putting up 33 on the Hurricanes. New Castle went just 10 of 21 from the free throw. The final score differential of seven points was as close as Bethel Park got.
     Malik Hooker led the Red Hurricanes with 27 points while Stew Allen added 16.

PG Video of AAAA Championship game vs Hampton

Red Hurricanes roll to third straight undefeated WPIAL Championship 55-49 over Hampton again

Along the way the to their undefeated Championship, Canes also beat newly crowned WPIAL Champs  Class AAA - Central Valley and Class A - Lincoln Park

     A set of twins led their team to the WPIAL Championship at Duquesne's Palumbo Center and it wasn't the Luthers. Stew Allen with 18 points and Drew Allen with 14 led New Castle over the Talbots.
     Hampton scored the game's first basket, 2-0, then opened on defense in a 1-3-1 zone. The Canes missed their first open 'three' of the period and Hampton scored again, 4-0.  After a New Castle turnover and another miss the Hurricanes finally got on the board on a layup by Stew Allen. Hampton though scored the next nine points around two more Canes' missed 'threes' and a turnover. At 3:17 Hampton was ahead 13-2. Stew hit two more layups and two free throws and Anthony Richards with a bucket got the Canes within five, 13-10 at 1:54. Hampton scored at 1:44 but two quick buckets by Malik Hooker made it 15-14 with 33 seconds left in the period. The Talbots scored again but a put-back by Levar Ware at the buzzer left the Canes trailing by one after the first quarter, 17-16.
     Hampton opened the second quarter with a 'three' to extend their lead, 20-16, but Jake McPhatter answered with his own 'three' at 7:15, 20-19. Hooker then stuffed a Hampton pass attempt like a blocked shot and jump ball was called. The Hurricanes got possession and quickly Drew Allen hit a 'three' and New Castle had a lead they would never relinquish, 22-20. Hampton's belief that they might actually beat New Castle was fading and after another Stew Allen layup and then a Richard's 'three' the run was 11-0 and the belief was gone. At halftime the Canes led Hampton 31-26.
     New Castle extended their lead in the third quarter on back to back 'threes' by Drew and McPhatter to go up 10, 39-29 at 4:25 of the third. But after three periods, the Red Hurricanes lead had shrunk to the halftime lead of five, 45-40.
    Hampton scored the first points of the fourth quarter getting back to within three, 45-42. But as has been the case in each of the last seven meetings between the Hurricanes and the Talbots, New Castle prevailed down the stretch. The Canes moved back out to a five point lead on a bucket by Stew, then by seven on a score by Hooker. Scores by Drew put New Castle ahead by nine, 53-44, with just 1:04 left to play. The inevitable end was in sight, a third straight WPIAL Championship and for the third time over the same opponent. A three point play by Hampton, 53-47, was followed by another basket by Drew, 55-47. A basket by Hampton with 27 seconds to play set the final score at 55-49.

Tribine-Review Story | Post-Gazette Story | New Castle News Story

Next up for the Hurricanes in the PIAA Playoffs - Bethel Park Saturday March 8 at Chartiers Valley High School - 3:00 pm

New Castle crushes Kiski Cavaliers 77-23
Set to play Hampton WPIAL AAAA Championship Saturday at 7:00 pm at Duquesne University's Palumbo Center
     Malik Hooker scored 20 including two on a spectacular dunk after a stolen pass. (Sounds like last week but it happened again!)
     The Red Hurricanes were anything but cavalier when they took on the Kiski Cavaliers Wednesday night in front of a packed house at North Allegheny. New Castle jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead on two scores by Hooker and a 'three' by Anthony Richards. Richard hit another 'three' late in the quarter and New Castle led 17-9 after one.
     The Canes really applied the pressure in the second bewiltering the Cavaliers and outscoring Kiski 19-5 in the period.
     After halftime the Hurricanes squeezed even tighter holding Kiski to just three points in the third quarter while piling on with 27. After three the score was 63-17.
     In the fourth quarter the reserves even kept up the pressure hitting three 'threes' putting the final margin over the 50 point mark.
Tribine-Review Story | New Castle News Story

Hampton tops North Allegheny Tribine-Review story | Post-Gazette story

Hurricanes stroll through Bethel Park 73-46
     Malik Hooker scored 20 including two on a spectacular dunk off a pass from Drew Allen to lead the Canes to the WPIAL semi-finals.
     New Castle started the first quarter on a 9-2 run holding a 14-10 lead after one quarter. The second period saw Red Hurricanes' runs of 7-0 and 14-0 to put the Canes up at half time 37-14. Back to back to back to back 'threes' two by Robert Natale and one Anthony Richards and an old fashion one (the and-one after the dunk by Hooker) quickly turned a 23-14 lead into a 35-14 one.
     Bethel Park out scored the Canes in the third quarter, 18-15, and got as close as 18, after three periods New Castle led 52-32.
     New Castle wrapped it up in the fourth behind 'threes' by Richards and Jake McPhatter and out scoring Bethel Park 21-14.
     In addition to his 20 points Hooker added eight rebounds, two dunks and a block. Stew Allen added 13 points and Richards tossed in 11, on three 'threes.'

According to @NCTogether on twitter

Gateway toppled by Kiski Area in OT Post-Gazette Story

Hampton and North Allegheny to face off in bracket's other half

Red Hurricanes tame Latrobe Wildcats 85-66 in AAAA playoffs  New Castle News Story
Malik Hooker led the Red Hurricanes with 31 points

Canes get Number 1 seed - to face Latrobe Saturday 2/15 @ noon @ North Allegheny HS

Undefeated regular season AGAIN, third season in a row!
Red Hurricanes top Central Valley 58-43
New Castle won the first quarter 26-7 hitting the Warriors quickly leading at 1:56, 19-2. The second quarter saw the defensive intensity rise as the Canes scored only eight but held Central Valley to just four. New Castle went cold in the third quarter shooting only 4 of 16 from the field and 0-7 behind the arc on some wide open threes. Central Valley got as close as 14 during the fourth period.
Malik Hooker led the Red Hurricanes with 16 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and two dunks.  Anthony Richards added 11 with three 'threes'. Stew, Drew and Lavar Ware each had nine. Ware also added three blocks.

New Castle undefeated Section 3 Champs
66-55 over Hampton, and over and over and over and over and over 57-44, 75-54, 54-50, 68-53, 58-42, 66-55
In a gymnasium that seats 2394, an overflowing, standing-room only home crowd of nearly 2700, saw Malik Hooker lead the Hurricanes with 27 points and the Canes left no doubt who's the best in the West. Hampton now losers of six straight to New Castle over the last three seasons, with two of those losses coming in WPIAL finals.
New Castle News Story | Tribine-Review Story & Photos

Canes shred North Allegheny paper Tigers 64-48

     The last time the Hurricanes faced the Tigers, New Castle opened a 16-2 lead before coasting home to 63-41 win at home. Tonight at North Allegheny the Canes led 17-3 early in the second quarter. This time instead of coasting to victory the Red Hurricanes struggled as North Allegheny went on a 18-4 run and tied New Castle at 21 with just over a minute to play in the half. Malik Hooker and Anthony Richards each scored in the last minute and New Castle led at the half 25-23.
     A 'three' by Richards and one by Drew Allen got New Castle rolling to start the second half as the Canes outscored the Tigers 20-10 in the period, to lead 45-33 after three. North Allegheny got as close as ten in the fourth quarter but the result was never in doubt as the Hurricanes beat NA for the fifth straight time. 
New Castle News Story | Tribine-Review Story

Hurricanes trounce Titans 75-45
     New Castle without a good shooting night was able to top Shaler and run their Section 3 record to 12-0. Malik Hooker with 24 points and Anthony Richards with 22 on 7 of 14 'threes' led the Red Hurricanes. The rest of the Canes, however shot just 12 of 31 from the field and one of nine from behind the arc.
     The Canes led 22-6 after one quarter behind three dunks by Hooker, two 'threes' by Richards and a defense that produced eight turnovers.
     The second period saw Shaler score 17 but the Hurricanes behind nine points from Hooker scored 20 and at the half New Castle led 42-23.
     A Richards' 'three' started off the third quarter but then the Canes missed their next six shots before Stew Allen got New Castle back on track with a score at 4:14. The Hurricanes extended their lead to as much as 24 before ending the third quarter up 56-34. New Castle outscored the Titans 19-9 in the fourth for the final score of 75-45.
New Castle News Story
    
     The Canes travel to North Allegheny Tuesday night to face the Tigers. North Allegheny beat the Hampton Talbots 68-62 on Friday. Both teams now have two losses in Section 3, a win by the Canes will clinch the Section title.   

New Castle buries Seneca Valley 87-54
New Castle News Story

Canes remain undefeated 68-59 over Beaver Falls
Playing short handed for the second night in row the Hurricanes did enough to win over a Tigers team that starts three freshman and lost their best player to injury. New Castle led by 13 after one, 12 at the half and by as many as 18 in the third quarter. The win puts the Canes at 17-0 on the season with the next four games all section tilts.
New Castle News Story

Red Hurricanes escape Indians 62-44
Playing without Jake McPhatter, on a recruiting visit to Ball St., in Muncie, Ind, and Stew Allen, still with a back issue, the Canes started slowly, trailing for most of the first quarter (12-9) and at halftime (22-19). New Castle was 0-12 on 'threes' during the first half, making only six field goals.
The Canes scored the first eight points of the second half, grabbing back the lead. New Castle out scored North Hills 18-9 in the third quarter, behind six points from Lavar Ware, taking control of the game. The Hurricanes remain undefeated 16-0
New Castle News Story

Hurricanes make lambs out of Rams 93-61
     No let down by the Red Hurricanes tonight after their trip to Philadelphia and the win over Lower Merion. With Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, defensive coordinator Luke Fickell in the fieldhouse for tonight's game, Ohio State recruit, Malik Hooker scored the first six points of the game. Then quickly a 'three' by Drew Allen and a bucket by Anthony Richards and the Canes were up 11-3. Hooker scored 10 for the quarter and Richards seven, after one New Castle led 20-12.
     Hooker and Richards continued the onslaught in the second period as Richards with four 'threes' had 12 while Hooker netted 14. At the half New Castle led 54-31.
     24 more points in the third quarter for the Red Hurricanes behind Hooker's 10 and Richards' three 'threes' gave New Castle a 37 point lead 78-41.
     The reserves began taking the court with nearly seven minutes to play leading to the final 93-61.
     Hooker totaled 36 on the night while Richards with eight 'threes' scored 28. Drew Allen pitched in with 11. New Castle News Story

Canes win double OT thriller over Lower Merion Aces 62-59 Eastern Pa. web site 1- game story | Eastern Pa. web site 2- game story
     With 1:26 left in the second overtime New Castle was trailing 59-55 and had yet to score in this second extra frame. Lavar Ware stepped to the free throw line making one of two, 59-56.
     Drew Allen copped a quick steal to get the ball back but the Canes missed a 'three'.
     Lower Merion turned it back over to New Castle and Drew Allen who was barely open in the far corner launched a high arching 'three'. The ball hit nothing but net with just 23 seconds left to play. On the play Allen was fouled. He toed the line and made the pressure free throw putting the Canes ahead 60-59.
     The Aces missed their next field goal attempt with the Canes grabbing the rebound. Jake McPhatter was quickly fouled and made the first of his two attempts. The Red Hurricanes' lead was now 61-59 with just 11.6 seconds to play.
     Another Lower Merion miss was again corralled by the Canes and Drew Allen was again fouled, this time with just 1.3 seconds left. Allen hit the first but missed the second and the Aces called time out with one second to go. Lower Merion got the ball inbounds and tossed a half court prayer at the hoop that was not answered. The Hurricanes prevailed 62-59.
    
     Lower Merion High School the home of Kobe Bryant Gym and the home of the Aces, the last team to beat the Red Hurricanes, was the site of the Kobe Bryant Classic. Three games that incuded five of the top high school teams in eastern Pa and the New Castle Red Hurricanes. The Canes had been invited to play and accepted the invite as long as they got to play the Aces.
     New Castle opened quickly and jumped up on Lower Merion, first 6-2 then 10-7. Lower Merion grabbed the lead at 2:37 before the Hurricanes ended the first quarter on a 8-0 run to lead 20-13. Malik Hooker ended the period on a nearly half court shot that he lined up down the middle of the court and put it home for a 'three.'
     Lower Merion outscored the Red Hurricanes 9-2 to open the second quarter and the score was tied at 22 at the 5:01 mark. A 'three' by Anthony Richards started a 7-2 spurt by the Canes and at the half New Castle led 29-24.
     The Canes extended the lead to seven on a 'three' by Robert Natale at 3:30 and maintained that spread until there was just 1:25 left in the half. At that time the Aces took advantage of a Canes' miss and a steal to rip off six straight points to get back within one 43-42 at the end of the third quarter. Hooker picked up his fourth foul with just 40 seconds left in the third quarter.
     Lower Merion grabbed their first lead as they opened the fourth quarter with a 'three', and were up 46-43 after a made free throw. Hooker with a 'two' and Drew Allen with an old fashion three-point play put New  Castle back on top 48-46 at 5:14. After an Aces made free throw, Richards hit a 'three' putting the Canes ahead 51-47 at 4:47. New Castle's next three possessions were three missed shots, while the Aces hit two free throws and a basket to tie the game at 51 with 1:51 left in the game. The teams exchanged turnovers down the stretch and the regulation ended in a tie at 51. Malik Hooker fouled out of the game with 1:05 left.
     Overtime opened with the Aces missing a shot and Hurricanes holding the ball to run the clock. Richards got fouled and went to the line with a one-and-one. He made both shots, Canes up 53-51. After another Lower Merion miss the Canes again held the ball before Ware was fouled with 48 seconds left. He also had a one-and-one, Ware made them both giving New Castle a four point lead, 55-51. Lower Merion scored with 20 seconds left narrowing the gap to two. Richards was fouled on the inbounds and went to the line, still with 20 seconds left. Richards missed the first of the one-and-one. Lower Marion then scored again with just 12 seconds left tying the game at 55. The Canes next possession saw Richards take it to the hoop and was called for a charge, giving the Aces back the ball. New Castle stole the ball but a 'three' was off target and it was on to a second overtime.
     The Aces made two buckets sandwiched around a couple Hurricanes missed free throws and led 59-55 at 1:44, before Drew Allens heroics began.
     Malik Hooker led the Hurricanes with 17 points. Drew Allen added 15, while Anthony Richards scored 12 and Lavar Ware had 11 with 10 rebounds, including several big ones during overtime.

Red Hurricanes blow out Golden Tornado 75-48
     No problem getting Butler JVs some varsity time tonight as the Hurricanes take a 30 point lead midway through the third period and coast to their 59th regular season victory.
     Malik Hooker led the way with 28 points, while Jake McPhatter had 16 and Drew Allen added 12.
     Tomorrow night the Canes will be in Ardmore, Pa to take on the Lower Merion Aces, who beat New Castle in last years PIAA state semi-final game. Kobe Bryant Classic
Post-Gazette Story

Hurricanes cage dog tired Talbots 58-42
      Worn out by trying to play like the Canes and missing their best player Hampton and was trailing by just two after three quarters, 39-37. The Red Hurricanes then put the choke collar on the Talbots and held them scoreless until there was only 2:13 left to play in the game. New Castle had scored 14 unanswered points. Hampton was held to just five points in the final quarter.
     New Castle was 0 for 8 on three point attepts in the first quarter, scoring just nine points. Hampton led the Hurricanes 14-9 after one period.
     Jake McPhatter led the Canes surge in the second quarter with seven points while Stew Allan had five rebounds in the period and a big put-back to help extend the Canes' lead. At halftime New Castle was up 28-24. Hampton got the better of the Red Hurricanes in the third quarter out scoring New Castle 13-11 to narrow the gap to 39-37.
     By that time though, the Talbots were worn out. New Castle upped their lead to 43-37 behind five straight points from Malik Hooker, then Anthony Richards scored making it 45-37. After yet another Hampton, turnover the Talbots switched to a zone on the Canes next possession. Richards promptly drained a 'three' jumping the lead to 11 with 3:50 to play. Hooker scored three more and Levar Ware took a feed and layed it in putting the Canes up 54-37 before the Talbots finally scored in the quarter.
     The Post-Gazette has had the Canes #1 all season while the Tribune-Review has had Hampton #1(that's sure to change). The Canes won the unification bout convincingly. The rematch is scheduled for February 7th at the Fieldhouse.
New Castle News Story | Tribune-Review Story | Post-Gazette Story & video

Canes tame the Tigers 63-41
     The Cane Train kept rolling down the tracks headed for the showdown Tuesday night at Hampton. North Allegheny who just last Tuesday lost by one to Hampton in overtime, albeit Hampton played without Ryan Luther, came to the Fieldhouse looking to right their ship. New Castle made sure that didn't happen as Anthony Richards hit a 'three' for the Hurricanes' first points and New Castle ran out to a 14-0 lead on the Tigers. North Allegheny scored their first points with 3:02 and scored only six in the quarter. New Castle led 16-6 after one period. The Canes star of the first period was Lavar Ware with four blocked shots.
     The Red Hurricanes could not pull away in the second period but extended the lead to 14, 35-21 at the half. Richards had 13 points at the half with three 'threes'.
     Defense led the way the third quarter with the Canes' stopping the Tigers dribble drive offense before it could drive. New Castle out scored the North Allegheny 18-5 in the third quarter to lead 53-26.
     North Allegheny made their first 'three' with 7:12 but the Red Hurricanes extended their lead to 32, 63-31 on baskets by Malik Hooker and Drew Allen at 4:06. After a Tigers' bucket the Canes held the ball for more than a minute then the reserves entered the game and North Allegheny narrowed the score to 63-41.
     Hooker led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Richards netted 19 with five 'threes' while Drew Allen added 15. New Castle News Story

Red Hurricanes topple Titans 75-28
North Allegheny (62-61 overtime losers Wednesday to Hampton) up next for New Castle - Friday Jan. 8th
New Castle News Story

Hurricanes buries Seneca Valley 90-57
Tonight at the Fieldhouse the Raiders jumped on top of the Canes 4-0 and the score was tied at eight at 5:21, before everything was again right with the world. New Castle behind six points from Malik Hooker and two 'threes' from Anthony Richards outscored Seneca Valley 19 to three the rest of the quarter, to lead 27-11 after one. At the half the Canes held a 19 point lead 46-27. Stew Allen led New Castle with eight points in the third quarter as the Red Hurricanes extended their lead to 72-44. The game could have been an even bigger blow out as the Canes made only seven of 27 three point attempts. The Raiders did their part in the loss as they missed 19 of 34 free throw attempts.
Stew Allen led the Hurricanes with 21 points and 10 rebounds (6 offensive).  Malik Hooker added 18 points and Jake McPhatter netted 16. All five Red Hurricanes' starters finished in double figures as Drew Allen had 12 and Anthony Richards scored 11. New Castle was 15 of 20 from the charity stripe.
New Castle News story

Canes roll through Lincoln Park 71-63
The Hurricanes played their game, pressure defense, 3 point shooting, sharing the ball and as a result Lincoln Park's game was not good enough. Almost, but not good enough as New Castle topped the tall and talented Leopards in the finals of the C.J.Betters Christmas Trournament.

The Canes took the lead on a 7-0 run at 4:27 of the first quarter and led throughout the game until Lincoln Park tied the game with 5:40 to play in the fourth quarter. New Castle had lead by as much as 14 after a Stew Allen bucket to open the second half, but that's when Lincoln Park came alive scoring seven straight points until Malik Hooker stopped the run with a pair of free throws. The Leopards continued to edge closer throughout the third period and the Canes' lead was only four 48-44 after three. Two quick scores by Maverick Rowan around a bucket by Stew had the Hurricanes' lead to just one, 50-49 at 6:05. After a New Castle turnover, Elijah Minnie slammed home a bucket to put Lincoln Park up by one, at 5:40. Hooker answered with a thundering dunk of his own to put the Canes back ahead at 5:07. The lead changed hands three more times before a Drew Allen 'three' put the Red Hurricanes up for good at 3:44, 57-56. Following a Leopards miss, Hooker again scored putting the Canes ahead 59-56. Two free throws by Lincoln Park closed the gap to 59-58 before Anthony Richards nailed a long 'three' and was fouled. Richards' made free throw moved the lead to five, 63-58 at 2:41. After another Leopard's miss Stew hit a layup at 1:57 extending the lead to seven. A Hooker put-back put the lead to nine with 1:33 left. Then following a Leopards score, Drew and Stew scored back-to-back and the lead was at ten, 71-61, with 40 seconds to play. A Lincoln Park basket with 10 seconds left put the final score at 71-63.

Malik Hooker led the way with 22 points, 11 rebounds and three plays, the "drive", the "put back" and the "dunk."

Anthony Richards scored 18 on five threes including a four point play. Stew Allen netted 16 while using his size to move around the taller Leopards and played the second half on a gimpy ankle.

Hooker made a couple spectacular plays. One came in the first period after Lincoln Park had closed to 10-8. Hooker, not to be denied drove to the hoop, scored and was fouled making the freethrow. That score propelled the Hurricanes on a 10-2 run to close the first quarter.

Another occurred after a Cane missed two free throws, Hooker leaped over the taller Leopards grabbing the ball above the rim and put it back in for two. That play came during a Lincoln Park 12-6 run and was key in keeping the Canes in control.

Red Hurricanes tame Blackhawk Cougars 87-59
Tonight the Hurricanes took the floor versus the Blackhawk Cougar in the C.J.Betters Christmas Trournament Friday night. The Canes, as they've frequently done jumped out quickly, leading Blackhawk 14-4 after just three and a half minutes. After one period the Hurricanes lead the Cougars 27-13, with Malik Hooker scoring 13. New Castle doubled up Blackhawk in the second outscoring them 22-11 to lead at the half 49-24. The third was another 27 point quarter to go up 76-47 and the Canes coasted home with the win. Hooker finished with 26 while Anthony Richards netted 19 with five 3's. Drew Allen added 12 and brother Stew contributed 11. New Castle News story

Saturday night at C.J.Betters Christmas Trournament the Red Hurricanes will take on the Lincoln Park Leopards at 8:30. Lincoln Park ranked #1 in Class A in the WPIAL and #2 in Pa. beat Steelton-Highspire High School 76-63. Lincoln Park features a starting line up of: 6' 1", 5' 10", 6' 7", 6' 7", 6' 9".

Hurricanes overrun Indians 85-49
New Castle's Red Hurricanes are in a rut at the beginning of games. Last game Pine-Richland trailed 17-0 before scoring at the 4:29 mark of the first period. Tonight the North Hills Indians trailed 15-0 before scoring with 4:22 to play in the first period. Against the Rams, the Canes led 34-8 after one period, tonight, 28-6. The halftime score tonight was 50-24 Canes, versus Pine-Richland, 50-23. The Hurricanes' defense is a stifling as ever creating turnover after turnover leading to these big leads. Malik Hooker again led the Canes in scoring with 23, while Jake McPhatter added 16, Anthony Richards 12 (4 threes) and Stew Allen also had 12 with seven rebounds.

New Castle plays Blackhawk Friday 12/27 at the Golden Dome at Beaver County Community College @ 7:00 pm as part of the C.J.Betters Christmas Trournament. If the Canes win they will play the winner of Lincoln Park and Steelton Highspire on Saturday night at 8:30 pm
New Castle News story

Canes roast Rams 93-57
The Hurricanes jumped out to a 17-0 lead before Pine-Richland hit two free throws with 4:29 left in the first quarter. New Castle led 34-8 after one period and coasted to the Section 3 victory. Malik Hooker led the Canes with 23 points. Anthony Richards added 19 with five threes, while Stew Allen scored 14 and Drew Allen had 11.   
New Castle News story

Red Hurricanes ranked 4th in Pa. in Patriot-News state basketball rankings

New Castle tops Poland, Oh 63-46  New Castle News story

Hurricanes more powerful than Tornadoes - Canes over Butler 74-56
Malik Hooker's 27 points led the Canes in a game that wasn't as close as the score. New Castle led by as much as 39 before clearing the bench against Butler's starters.
The Hurricanes play at Poland, Ohio Saturday 12/14 at 7:30pm New Castle News story

Hurricanes sink Commodore Perry 88-34
Last night Anthony Richards was held scoreless in the Canes' victory. Tonight he raised his per game point average by hitting nine threes for 27 points. Those nine threes were the most ever in a game by a Hurricane and in the process Richards became the most prolific three point shooter in school history, passing teammate from last year Brandon Dominick. Richard's night over shadowed Malik Hooker's 17 points which put him at 1000 points for his career. Also in a night of highlights Jake McPhatter pitched in with 18 points as the Canes had a surprisingly easy time with the Commodores. Perry looked impressive in last night's win over St. Marys but the Hurricanes' relentless defense was a difference tonight.

Canes nearly replay last year's Tipoff Tourney opener
Last year New Castle, on the way to a WPIAL Championship, topped Perry by 42, 92-50. Tonight West Middlesex went down to the Hurricanes 85-45. New Castle won five games by more than 40 points last season. Malik Hooker led the Canes with 34 points. When Hooker left the game with six minutes to play he had 34 and so did West Middlesex. Jake McPhatter added 10 for the Canes.
     Tomorrow night at 7:30 the Canes will take on Pittsburgh Perry, a 52-31 winner over St. Mary's of Annapolis, Md.
New Castle News story

Red Hurricanes ranked 5th in Pa. in Patriot-News first state basketball rankings

Malik Hooker makes Post-Gazette's football Fab 22

Breaking News: Parkway All Conference Team announced - Red Hurricanes on the squad

Red Hurricanes faced Erie Cathedral Prep in a scrimmage at the field house, Saturday 11/23. The Canes won quarters one, three and four, while losing the second quarter just 13-12.

Valiant effort by Julian Cox not enough, as mistakes doom Canes in WPIAL first round game vs Highlands High School 24-19
New Castle News story | Valley News Dispatch story

Hurricanes' quarterback Julian Cox playing on a severely bruised leg (an injury that occurred three games ago) that made him walk peg-legged started the game for the Canes. He led the Canes on an opening drive score but his evasiveness and run threat was nonexistent. Despite that, Cox connected with Malik Hooker on a 40 TD pass for the first score of the game at 8:26. The PAT was not good but the Canes were up 6-0.

Highlands responded with a six play scoring drive and led 7-6 at 5:39.

Apparently wary of the Canes speed, the Rams kicked an onside kick for the second time. New Castle ran only four plays, including a sack, before punting. New Castle forced a punt on the Rams next possession but the Canes ran only three plays for six yards before punting again. Three and out for the Rams gave the ball back to New Castle at the Highland's 45 after a six yard punt.

New Castle only gained five yards on this possession before punting. Highlands made the Canes pay this time as a six play drive led to a score on a 31 yard run up the middle. With 3:00 left in the first half Highlands led 14-6.

Another three and out gave the ball back to the Rams at their own 34 but a 50 yard run set up Highlands at the New Castle 14 yard line with .58 left. Three runs put it at the six and a 23 yard field goal was good for a 17-6 Highlands lead at the half.

Drew Allen intercepted a Rams pass on their first possession of the second half but the Canes lost 10 yards on four plays, including a 5 yard penalty and punted back to the Rams. The Hooker punt went out of bounds at the Rams' three.

The Hurricanes' defense held and Highlands punted on fourth and one from their 23. New Castle started from their 45 and Cox re-entered the game. An eight play drive, aided by a late hit penalty, resulted in a 12 yard TD pass from Cox to Drew Allen with 22 seconds to play in the third quarter. A try for two on the PAT failed and the score was 17-12.

The Rams took the next kick off and moved to the Canes' 37 before two negative plays set up a third and 15. Highlands tossed a long pass toward the end zone and the Hurricanes' defender tipped the pass but it landed in the arms of the Rams' receiver for a 42 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was good and at 9:05 Highland's lead was 23-12.

Cox was sacked on the Canes first play of this drive setting up a second and 13. A long pass resulted in a pass interference call against the Rams, one of a number of interferences called and not called as the Rams' defensive backs tried to stay with the Canes' speedy receivers, put the ball at the Rams' 46. Cox then hit Hooker with pass to the 18 yard line. But on first down the shotgun snap bounced off of Cox's hand and he was unable to move to retrieve it. Highlands grabbed the loose ball.

The Canes' defense held again forcing a three and out and New Castle took over at the Rams' 30 with just over 4:00 to play. A pass took the ball to the 49 and another interference call moved the ball to the Rams' 36. Two passes to Jake McPhatter took the ball to the six. A six yard touchdown pass to Stu Allen at 3:07 and a good PAT kick made it 24-19.

The defense again stood their ground and after just three plays Highlands had to punt again. The Hurricanes set up shop at their own 30 with 2:08 to play. A short pass moved the ball to the 39 then another interference call on a pass to Hooker, put the Canes at the Highland's 46 with 1:33 to play. The next play, a handoff for a run around right tackle called for Cox to reach with the ball and the handoff was not completed resulting in a fumble that Highlands recovered at the 42.

Highlands ran three plays and were looking at fourth and a short one with 29 seconds left in the game. The run was stuffed but a disputed measurement showed a first down by less than half a football.

Final score Highlands 24 Red Hurricanes 19.

Red Hurricanes win fist half but lose second in 37-31 loss to #1 Ranked West Allegheny
New Castle News

Canes top Montour 32-13
Tribune-Review story

Bridgers fall to New Castle
New Castle News story

Hurricanes blow out Riverside
New Castle News story

Canes offense offensive in season opener
New Castle News story
     14 penalties and lack of offensive continuity led to the Canes loss at Central Valley in the Parkway Conference opener. New Castle trailed 14-0 at the half, falling 29-6. Central Valley held the Cane's big play offense to no big plays and only 29 yards rushing and 93 yards through the air.
     New Castle hosts Riverside next week at Taggart Stadium.

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Malik Hooker, New Castle