Rec Hoops: Hard Ninety, District 5 set up showdown between league leaders

Hard Ninety and District 5 each won a game in the Men’s DD Basketball League on Wednesday at Solorsano Gym to set up a showdown on Jan. 23 between the co-league leaders.
Hard Ninety (7-1) came back from a 31-27 halftime deficit to defeat Free Range Laphog, 71-50. District 5 also reached 7-1 with a 72-46 win over the Hawks. Recology took a forfeit victory over the Spartans to join the Hawks at 4-4 in a playoff spot.
Hard Ninety had four players in double figures against Laphog.
Tony Travis, in his first season with Hard Ninety, scored 19 points. Josh Bleen came up with 14 points, Frank Tomasetti 13. Rick Hattaway shot 3-for-4 on 3-pointers in the second half to lead the Hard Ninety comeback.
Nick Langone struck for 11 points in the first half to help Laphog to the intermission lead. Josh Wolowitz hit three 3-pointers in the first half on his way to 12 points. LaMont Chappell added 10 points.
District 5 took a 30-27 lead into the break before Justin Nicholson poured in 16 points to help the winners break open the game.
Nicholson scored a game-high 24 points. Drew Pearson worked inside for 17 points for District 5. Eric Tollison had 10 points, Tucker Baksa nine for the winners.
Mark Taylan hit two 3-pointers in a 12-point first-half showing for the Hawks. Hans Mendezona hit four 3-pointers, and David Schindler added nine points for the Hawks.