Basketball: Hastings Outlaws out-ball Worthing

The first quarter saw Hastings trade points with Worthing, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm.

A strong Outlaws man-to-man defence prevented the home team from outscoring the visitors, while Hastings forward Louis Parsk battled hard at the other end, drawing several free throws with his trademark offensive drop-step moves.

In the final minutes, point guard Dino Edward hit two unanswered three-pointers, giving Hastings a narrow 15-18 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter began with the same intensity. Parsk continued to draw free throws, and on the next possession, he found club talisman Joel Hunt open on the baseline for a long-range two-pointer.

However, Worthing dug deep, exploiting the Outlaws' zone defence and exposing gaps in the middle to score 6 unanswered points. This gave Worthing a slim lead at half-time, 29-27.

Hastings coach Lee Diett used the break to switch back to man-to-man defence.

Initially, Worthing extended their lead by 5 points in the first few minutes of the third quarter, but some resolute Outlaws teamwork began to stifle their offence.

The Outlaws' defensive pressure forced turnovers, allowing guards Josh Burt, Josh Williams, and forward Jaya Butler to capitalise on fast breaks. Hastings outscored Worthing by seven points in the quarter, leading 42-47 at the end of the third.

In the final period, the Outlaws carried on their momentum, delivering their best quarter of the game. Hastings' Hunt and Williams were aggressive in driving to the basket, converting key buckets.

In the last seven minutes, coach Diett brought back captain Mark Taylor-Jones and 6'8" forward Mike 'Money' Sengupta for their defensive prowess. This shut-down defence allowed Worthing to score just 6 points in the final quarter, while Hastings put up 16.

Ultimately, a strong team effort helped Hastings finish with a commanding 15-point lead, securing a 48-63 victory.

Hastings Outlaws next match is at home (at St Leonards Academy) to Shoreham Spartans on Thursday, January 16 (8pm).

See basketballsussex.co.uk