Whitehall boys hoops finish season with win

The Whitehall boys basketball team finished the season on a winning note.

The team shot its way past Bolton 65-41 last Wednesday in each team’s season finale.

The Railroaders were deadly from beyond the arc, hitting a season best 13 3-pointers.

Brian McLaughlin made six 3-pointers on his way to a game-high 22 points. Justin Hoagland scored 17 points and Justin McDonald hit four 3-pointers as he racked up 12 points.

Django Denne led Bolton with 13 points.

Much like its last game against Bolton, Whitehall raced out to a quick lead, outscoring the Eagles 22-6 in the first quarter and went into the half holding a 38-18 advantage. Bolton played better in the second half, giving up only 27 points, but Whitehall was able to extend its lead with 13 points in the third quarter and 14 points in the fourth quarter.

The previous night Whitehall traveled to Fort Ann where it lost to the playoff-bound Cardinals 79-52.

The Railroaders shot well from beyond the arc, hitting nine 3-pointers, but were sloppy with the ball, committing 25 turnovers in the game.

Derek Durkee scored at will, collecting 34 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

McDonald hit six 3-pointers from Whitehall to finish with 19 points and Hoagland added 12 points.

Fort Ann’s defense created problems for Whitehall, especially early, as the Cardinals forced the Railroaders into a number of turnovers which were turned into easy fast-break points. As a team Fort Ann shot 58 percent.

The Railroaders finish the season with a 4-14 record and a lot of optimism for next season. Whitehall is set to lose only two players (senior Tyler Sweenor and Spanish exchange student Dave Tome) and with the trio of Hoagland, McLaughlin and McDonald it should have one of the league’s most experienced back courts. The team should also be bolstered by several talented underclassmen that will make the jump to the varsity team after a successful season at the junior varsity level.

Members of the team will be recognized during a winter sports awards banquet on Feb. 26.