Hampton boys make most of season’s second half

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, February 12, 2018 | 12:11 AM

All Hampton boys basketball needed was a second chance.

It took the Talbots time to adjust to losing eight seniors from last year's team and playing without their top scoring threat. Hampton was 6-8 and outside the playoff picture in mid-January.

But a 4-2 record to end the Section 2-5A season helped the Talbots (10-12, 6-6) sneak in the last playoff spot with a 61-56 win against Knoch last week.

Senior captain Adam Bittner and sophomore standout Isaac DeGregorio were part of last year's team that reached the WPIAL finals. Coach Joe Lafko said this year's group had the biggest learning curve he has seen in 20 years.

“There's a part of it that comes naturally with the development of the teams,” said Lafko, who highlighted improved defense as a part of the turnaround. “But the kids have to buy into what you're trying to do.”

As the season progressed, Hampton bounced back from early losses to West Allegheny and Chartiers Valley to beat both teams in the second meeting.

“I'm sure everyone doubted us,” Bittner said. “But that didn't stop us. We knew what we could do, and who we were. … We just had to fight through adversity, and we stuck together, trusted our coaches and trusted each other.”

It's been a total team effort for Hampton. Sophomore Colby Mignogna showed improvement in his versatility and playmaking abilities. Junior Josh Winek battled through injury to improve his shooting confidence, which was on display in a 25-point effort in a 60-49 win against Chartiers Valley.

Senior Ryan Dayton contributed double-figure performances off the bench, and junior Kyle Constantakis contributed key minutes when needed.

“There have been contributions from a variety of players in different capacities,” Lafko said. “I'm very proud of this group.”

Then there's DeGregorio, who was diagnosed with a heart defect and had an uncertain future. The sophomore has bounced back and was awarded with the Pittsburgh Basketball Club Comeback Player of the Year Award for his efforts.

“Isaac has drawn so much attention offensively that he's created opportunities for other guys,” Lafko said. “What that's done has allowed some of the other guys to pick up a little more scoring. But when we need a big shot, Isaac is one of the guys that is looking to do that and help us win.”

Bittner said the Talbots turned the corner when they won at West Allegheny, 85-71, on Jan. 19.

“We knew if we were going to turn it around, we had to win that game,” he said. “We started the game great and just poured it on. We thought that could be our spark for the next few games, and it was.

“I knew it was going to be a different experience having to be that role model and having all those young guys. But I never doubted us. I knew what we had coming into the season.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hampton