By Zack Steele, For the Tribune
TRUSSVILLE – The Hewitt Husky basketball team had a few questions with only one returning starter and a vast majority of point production lost to graduation. Coach Jeremy Monceaux’s squad also scheduled three of the most athletic teams in central Alabama for their first three opponents. After 3 games in 4 days, the Huskies found out a little about what kind of team they will be in 2023-24.
Hewitt 61
Gadsden City 39
Hewitt opened the season on the road at Gadsden City. After trailing early, Hewitt blew the game open in the second quarter and cruised to the 22 point victory. Reid Stodghill led in scoring with 16 points. Ben Warren hit 4 threes on his way to 14 points. Colt Wells added 12.
Hewitt 48
Pelham 37
On Thursday night Hewitt faced a talented Pelham team in their home opener. Hewitt came out red hot scoring 20 of their 39 points. Pelham tried to make a run in the third quarter but the Husky defense contested every shot Pelham could manage. Hewitt had no trouble handling the Panther full court pressure. Stodghill led the Huskies with 13 points including several rim rattling dunks. Jathan Fulmer added 8 points and Lake Williams chipped in 7.
Huffman 48
Hewitt 37
20 hours later the Huskies were back in action at the Veratan’s Day tip off classic at Ramsey High School. The Huskies led most of the way but a 4th quarter run by the talented Vikings resulted in the Huskies first loss of the season.
Stodgehill led the Huskies with 14 points. Sophomore Rashad Rolley added 10 points.
Overall, Monceaux was pleased with the effort, especially on the defensive end. “I was happy with the way we competed. We have some signs of having a chance of being a solid team but we have a long way to go to compete for a championship which is the expectation we are working hard to set in our program here.”
“We feel like if we can hold our opponents under 50, then we give ourselves a chance to win on most nights. We held 3 really good opponents below 50 this week and we went 2-1 in those games. If we can continue that, we will be in every game we play.”
Hewitt hosts Douglas Tuesday night.