- January 11, 2025
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FPC's Nateshawn Royal dribbles past Nease's Luke Lindsay. Photo by Brent Woronoff
FPC's Zac Murphy (11) puts up a shot. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Anthony Hampton scored a game-high 27 points against Nease. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Anthony Hampton hit a career-high five 3-point shots on the way to a game-high 27 points as Flagler Palm Coast defeated Nease High School 66-52 on Friday, Jan. 10, at the Bulldogs gym.
Hampton scored 19 of his points in the first half as FPC took a 34-22 lead into halftime. Nateshawn Royal chipped in with a big second half, scoring 11 of his 14 points.
The Bulldogs won their fourth game in a row, improving to 10-7 heading into a road game against DeLand on Jan. 14 and a home game against Orange Park on Jan. 15.
“We’ve been playing really well together and buying into what coach says. And we’ve been playing really good defense lately,” said Hampton, who has scored in double figures in all but two games this season.
His 27 points nearly matched his career high of 30 that he racked up last month in a 77-74 overtime win at New Smyrna Beach.
“Anthony Hampton has made himself into a tremendous offensive player,” FPC coach Greg Shirley said. “He's getting tougher and better on the (defensive) end also.”
“After scoring on a drive to the basket early against Nease, Hampton said he began to extend his range.
“I’m getting more confident each game,” the junior said.
Shirley, who is in his first year with FPC, said the Bulldogs have come a long way since starting the season with four straight losses.
“We were still getting to know each other,” Shirley said. “I said we’re going to be a whole different team later in the season, so I’m proud of them. They're playing hard. They're playing together. They share the basketball. And I think we work really hard defensively. They care about each other. They love each other, and I'm excited about being here.”
Siah Sanders added 10 points against the Panthers, who fell to 8-10 after a loss to Impact Christian Academy of Jacksonville the following night. FPC went to the free throw line 33 times, converting on 21 attempts. Hampton hit 6 of 7 free throws. Nease connected on 10 of 12 from the free throw line.
