The timeout was more a reminder than a strategy session. Play fast, but play calm were the instructions. The players received the message.

Then they landed that knockout blow.

Hughesville scored 15 points in the next 2 ½ minutes, built a 32-point halftime lead and cruised to an impressive 60-23 win in the Mike Fought Tournament semifinals. Three players scored in double figures and Hughesville produced 18 assists on 24 field goals while earning a spot opposite Jersey Shore in Thursday’s championship.

“A lot of times when you ask kids to play fast on one end, it’s hard to slow down on the other end. This group, I’m definitely on them to slow down,” King said. “If it’s not a layup, run your offense. That’s pretty much what we talked about during the timeout. It was just about slowing down and taking what the game was giving them and they did a great job.”

Vivian Draper of Hughesville tries to stop the pass by Elise McKean of Central Mountain High School at Hughesville High School Wednesday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

They sure did.

Hughesville slowed down but scored fast, going on a 22-3 run over the next five minutes. Those first 15 points seemingly came in the blink of an eye and quickly had the Spartans ahead, 41-13. The defense forced turnovers, the transition offense clicked and, when in the half-court set, Hughesville efficiently produced quality shots.

Instead of Central Mountain (4-3) making a run, Hughesville (7-1) quickly paved the way to a seventh straight victory with seven players scoring that quarter, following the timeout.

“We just had to reset and get our minds focused,” forward Alli Anstadt said after producing 11 points, five rebounds and five assists. “We went on a nice run and kind of ended it there.”

Anstadt was one of several players who helped Hughesville impose its will. Breanna Bobak scored a season-high 14 points and dealt three assists. Like she did at Montoursville last Saturday, the senior guard helped ignite a big early push, having a hand in 13 of Hughesville’s 24 first quarter points when it built an 18-point advantage.

Breanna Bobak of Hughesville puts up a shot under pressure from Camdyn Weaver (20) of Central Mountain High School at Hughesville High School Wednesday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Freshman Maddie Smith continued her strong start, scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds, while Vivian Draper seemingly was everywhere on defense and on the boards. The sophomore forward made four of her five steals in the first quarter and reached double figures in rebounds for a second straight game, going for eight points and 11 boards.

“Everyone was helping out in some way, shape or form. The players off the bench are doing that, too,” Anstadt said. “You can’t just key in one person now. Everyone can contribute.”

Hughesville has proven that throughout its winning streak and did again Wednesday. Ava Snyder scored eight first-half points, Kylie Temple pulled down five rebounds off the bench and Anna Easton was one of five players who scored during a 24-4 first quarter flurry.

Equally impressive was how Hughesville scored those points. The Spartans did not force shots, worked the ball inside and outside and consistently generated quality looks. That played a major role in Hughesville opening the game by making 9 of 13 shots and finishing the half shooting 56 % from the field. Five players dealt multiple assists and Anstadt had a hand in nine quick points, with her scoring and passing during the game-breaking second-quarter blitz.

“As long as we’re scoring, that’s all that really matters,” Anstadt said. “I don’t need to do all the scoring. I’d rather see the freshmen get their career-highs and scoring 20 points.”

Vivian Draper of Hughesville puts up a shot under pressure from Ava Doyle of Central Mountain High School at Hughesville High School Wednesday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“That’s what we’re constantly talking about, making that extra pass. Take what the defense gives you,” King said. “That’s going to be something different every time. We constantly focus on that, so it’s nice to see them working together the way they are.”

Keely Rohrbach helped Central Mountain score five of the second quarter’s first seven points and had six rebounds by halftime. Hughesville, however, never let the Wildcats settle into an offensive rhythm and forced 14 turnovers by halftime.

And as was the case Saturday at Montoursville, Hughesville did not grow complacent after starting to take control. Different players kept making plays which fanned the flames which soon became an inferno of points as Hughesville built a 48-16 halftime lead.

“Any team can make a run on you, especially in basketball. You see it all the time at all the levels,” King said. “It’s nice to deliver that blow. It’s tough to do, but they’re doing a good job of that.”

Jersey Shore will present Hughesville a tough challenge like Lewisburg and Shikellamy did last week. The Spartans are embracing that opportunity, however, especially after Jersey Shore beat it for the title last year.

Vivian Draper of Hughesville tries to put up a shot as she’s guarded by Keely Rohrbach (30) and Ava Doyle (31) of Central Mountain High School at Hughesville High School Wednesday evening. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“I’m excited. It’s definitely a rematch I’ve been waiting for,” Anstadt said. “I’m friends with Peyton Dincher and we play on the same travel team, but it’s always a battle when we go against each other.”

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN (23)

Taylor Doyle 2 0-0 5, Ava Doyle 1 0-0 2, Lena Walker 1 1-4 3, Camdyn Weaver 1 0-0 2, Keely Rohrbach 2 0-1 4, Macy Plowman 1 0-0 2, Elise McKean 2 1-5 5. Totals 10 2-10 23.

HUGHESVILLE (60)

Alli Anstadt 5 1-1 11, Ava Snyder 3 0-0 8, Maddie Smith 4 0-1 10, Breanna Bobak 4 5-6 14, Kylie Temple 1 0-0 2, Vivian Draper 4 0-0 8, Kendall Hamm 1 0-0 3, Anna Easton 1 0-0 2, Georgia Randall 0 0-0 0, Sierra Dewire 1 0-0 2, Hailey Stevens 0 0-2 0. Totals 24 6-10 60.

C Mountain 6 10 5 2–23

Hughesville 24 24 4 8–60

3-pointers: Central Mountain 1 (T. Doyle); Hughesville 6 (Snyder 2, Smith 2, Bobak, Hamm).

Records: Hughesville 7-1. Central Mountain 4-3.