Underdog Hampton boys hopeful for PIAAs despite quarterfinal loss

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, February 25, 2018 | 11:40 PM

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The boys basketball team is one of the flagship programs of the Hampton school district, and certain expectations come with that.

The team has missed the playoffs only once since 2004, and before this season, had reached seven of the past 11 WPIAL championship games.

This season brought new challenges, as eight seniors graduated from a team that made the Class 5A title game after a win over rival Mars.

Though the Talbots couldn't recreate that magic this winter, coach Joe Lafko said he was proud his team reached another WPIAL quarterfinal despite numerous lineup changes because of injuries and illness.

“I think from where this team started with the lineups we had and personnel we had available, its been difficult to get the same starting five in some continuity,” Lafko said.

“Sometimes throughout the season we were trying to find ourselves. Trying to find offenses and defenses that suited the personnel we had available.”

It was fitting that in its 52-50 first-round win over Gateway, the two players Hampton needed to rely on the most came up the biggest.

After watching a nine-point lead evaporate in the fourth quarter, sophomore guard Isaac DeGregorio, who started the season in the hospital with a heart condition, hit two free throws with 9.5 seconds left.

Adam Bittner, the lone senior with starting experience from last year, hit four 3-pointers en route to a game-high 20 points in what Lafko called his best game of the season.

“We played Gateway before, and Isaac had an amazing game,” Bittner said.

“We knew they were going to try to limit them, and it was going to come down to another guy like Josh (Winek), Colby (Mignogna) or myself. I just came out right off the bat and made myself be that guy.”

Hampton (11-13) was undermanned in its quarterfinal against Mars, a 71-50 loss. However, the Talbots still can qualify for states via the WPIAL's “follow-the-leader” format. They need Mars to win the WPIAL championship.

Having graduated so much talent, the Talbots embraced the underdog role.

“I think the players may have discussed amongst themselves that feeling,” Lafko said.

“That feeling could have been realistic for them. You look into the stands sometimes and don't see as many students following the team or don't have a ranking that solidifies beliefs and support. That's a natural feeling.”

The opportunity for states allows Hampton more practice time and provides an early jump for next season, when it will bring back the majority of the team. Four sophomores and three juniors started at one point this season.

“This team all along had potential to be a good basketball team,” Lafko said. “I think deep down, they believed that we had the potential and ability to compete.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hampton