The head coach at Thurgood Marshall, Hoskins has his own team of destiny.
Wednesday, the state’s No. 1-ranked Cougars opened pursuit of the program’s second state title — first since the school’s name changed six years ago — with a 73-38 win over Oakwood in the opening round of the Division II sectional tournament at Trent Arena. Thurgood has played in two state title games the last four years, losing both. Colonel White won in its lone championship-game appearance.
“I don’t talk about Colonel White very much just because Colonel White and Thurgood are two totally different entities,” Hoskins said. “That’s how people want to remember them. I always talk to (the kids) about building their own legacy. About being a pioneer.”
Heavily-favored Thurgood (22-1) got a fight from the Lumberjacks (3-20).
The Cougars led just 23-18 late in the first half and didn’t pull away until a 17-1 third-quarter run.
Thirteen players scored for Thurgood with just Dwayne Chastain (13 points) reaching double figures.
“If no one cares they get double figures, we’ll be fine,” Hoskins said. “The beauty of our team is that on any given night anyone can be our leading scorer.”
Oakwood had 11 players score, none more than six points.
“I told Darnell I want them to finish it off,” Oakwood coach Paul Stone said. “That’s what you want — someone from the city to win it.”
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