Hoke scores 21 in win over Stuart

The Summerland Bobcats defeated the Stuart Broncos 59-35 in a home contest on Dec. 17, improving their season record in front of an energetic home crowd. Despite the final score, the Bobcats were slow out of the gates, but their second-half dominance ensured a comfortable victory.

Summerland opened the game with an 11-2 first-quarter advantage, but the pace of play remained uneven. The Broncos countered with 13 points in the second quarter, narrowing the halftime gap to 23-15. The Bobcats hit their stride in the third quarter, posting a commanding 26-point frame while holding Stuart to 12 points. A steady 10-8 effort in the fourth sealed the win.

The Bobcats struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 5 of 24 three-point attempts (24%), but their work inside the paint and at the free-throw line provided the offensive boost they needed. Summerland hit 18 of 45 two-point shots and went 8-for-13 from the charity stripe.

Preston Hoke led the charge for Summerland with 21 points, three rebounds and four steals despite a few turnovers. Alec Schindler chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals in a standout two-way effort.

Other key performances included:

• Sam Cheatum: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals

• Parker Napier: 8 points, 3 rebounds

• Ryan Rifer: 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist

• Michael Koenig: 4 points, 4 rebounds, and a block

Summerland also saw significant contributions on the boards, with Schindler, Cheatum, and Carter Bergman combining for 20 rebounds.

Despite the victory, Summerland head coach Brett Kaczor stressed areas for improvement, particularly on the defensive side.

“I thought we handled the pressure really well and matched the physicality on the offensive end,” said Kaczor. “We didn’t do the same on the defensive end consistently enough, though. We have to find it within ourselves to start taking care of the defensive glass.”

Stats v Stuart:

Parker Napier: 8p, 3r

Cheatum: 8p, 7r, 3a, 2s, 2to

Dylan Rotherham: 1r, 1to

Alec Schindler: 10p, 7r, 2a, 3s, 3to

Bergman: 2p, 6r, 1s, 2to

AJ Hobbs, 3r, 2to

Koenig: 4p, 4r, 4s, 1bl, 2to

Hoke: 21p, 3r, 2a, 4s, 4to

Ryan Rifer: 6p, 3r, 1a, 1to

Aiden McAllister: 1to

Rogan Robertson: 1 r

Beau Ahlers: 1r