MOUNT VERNON, Ohio -- In a game played at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in their MVNUnited Basketball Invitational, both Heath and Fredericktown came in looking to prove that their strong starts to the season were legitimate. While the Freddies were able to keep it interesting for over half of the game, the length and athleticism of Heath was too much for them to handle, and the Bulldogs blitzed them in the third quarter to gain a big lead that they never relented. Heath was able to pull out a decisive 61-42 win and remain unbeaten on the season. 

While the margin was narrow early on, Heath was able to get their outside shooting going first with two early Nate Langley spot-up threes from both corners. Heath sophomore Reece Huber was an instant spark plug off the bench, going coast-to-coast off of a rebound immediately after entering the game. While Fredericktown senior Terry Fearn brought it within a two point game with under a minute left on an and-one conversion, Huber’s acrobatic double-clutch layup with time winding down gave Heath a 14-10 lead after one. 

Heath was able to keep a steady lead during the entire second quarter as sophomore Keylan Williams, a starter last year as a freshman, got his shot going. Fredericktown pulled within three at one point, but Williams was able to grow the Heath lead to nine on back-to-back triples with less than two minutes left in the half. However, Freddies senior Ty Hatfield knocked down a contested three at the halftime buzzer to make it 33-27 Heath going into the half. 

The game remained tight until Heath was able to pressure the Freddies into turnover in their three-quarter court trap. Still a five point game with five minutes left in the third, senior guard Austin Morrow came up with back-to-back steals and assists to Keylan Williams in transition to grow the lead to nine. After another Morrow to Williams connection in the open court, Heath’s lead was into double-digits, and they would never look back. The Bulldogs took a 47-33 lead into the fourth. 

The Bulldogs did nothing but grow their lead in the fourth, putting on display their length and athleticism on put-back layins by Williams and Langley, which killed any chance Fredericktown had of coming back. Heath grew their lead past 20 points at one point late in the game and finished with their reserves on the court in a 61-42 non-league win over Fredericktown. 

Fredericktown, though undersized, fought hard for three and a half quarters before Heath’s length and pressure finally got to them. Senior Terry Fearn led with 12 points, five rebounds, and added two blocks. Ty Hatfield had eight points that included two made threes  as well as three steals, and junior Lincoln Cunninham also had eight points on one made three. Junior Mason Finnell was the Freddies main body in the paint, chipping in six points and five rebounds. Fredericktown falls to 3-2 on the year, 

Heath was able to run the Freddies out of the gym by getting in passing lanes and converting in transition, which allowed them to only grow their lead down the stretch. Keylan Williams led all scorers with 23 points that included three made threes. Nate Langley had 14 points that included two threes as well as four rebounds and three steals. Reece Huber stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, five boards, four assists and two steals, as did Austin Morrow, who had just two points but added two rebounds, five assists and three steals. Usual standout sophomore Brandon McLaughlin battled foul trouble in the first half but was still able to contribute six points and six rebounds. Heath stays unbeaten at 6-0 on the young season.

Keylan Williams (6’4 WG / Heath / 2022): While just a sophomore, Williams sturdy build and offensive confidence resemble a player well beyond his years. It took him a quarter to get going, but once he did, it was incredibly hard for Fredericktown to slow him down. Williams has a smooth high-release jumpshot that he is able to get off over contesting defenders due to his size and length, and is not afraid to pull up from a few feet past the three-point arc. However, the sophomore is arguably more effective around the rim, where he is able to throw his weight around and sky to the rim for tough finishes, an aspect of his game which ultimately allowed Heath to pull away. Williams is a rising offensive-minded prospect in the class of 2022 that will be one of the premier scorers in the Licking County League for the next three years if his development keeps up with his natural ability. 

Reece Huber (6’0 CG / Heath / 2022): Another young player who is just starting to grow into his own, Huber has an intriguing skill set that allows him to make an impact in all facets of the game. Huber functions as Heath’s glue-guy, coming off the bench for instant offense and dependable, heady play off the ball, whether it be jumping into passing lanes or leaping for contested rebounds. Huber is wiry and athletic, and showed a knack for finishing tough looks around the rim at a high rate with a variety of crafty moves off the dribble that allowed him to get to the basket.The super-sub is already one of Heath’s most important players in his bench role and will see his usage increase as he grows and matures as a player. The future is bright for this 2022 Heath class when you factor in the 6-7 Brandon McLaughlin and his game-changing abilities.

Nate Langley (6’4 WF / Heath / 2020): Langley’s elite jumping ability has always been apparent, as the lanky forward usually finds a spot or two during every viewing to attempt a contested dunk or sky for a put-back. However, Langley has also developed a very dependable outside shot, and was able to keep the Heath offense afloat with two big threes in the first quarter of the game. Langley uses great positioning and his high-level leaping skills to clean the glass when he is working from the inside, and on offense is able to pick his spots to slash or cut to the rim, where his apt at finishing around the rim. When his outside shot is clicking, Langley provides a true two-way inside-out player considering his length and quickness and at 6-4 provides Heath with a mismatch wherever he is on the court.

Ty Hatfield (6’0 PG / Fredericktown / 2020): Hatfield was a steady hand for the Freddies, manning much of their on-ball point guard duties and taking care of the ball, while also feeling the time and temperature of the game for the opportunity to create shots for himself. Hatfield knocked down two threes, including one at the halftime buzzer, showcasing a confident stroke that is repeatable from well beyond the arc. The senior also came away with three steals, reading Heath’s ball rotation and positioning himself to come away with turnovers. Hatfield has a strong build for a guard and will look to lead his Freddie’s teammates as one of their main ball handlers and on-court leaders.