HAWKS EDGE RAIDERS IN OT, WIN 5TH IN A ROW!

Hayfield Secondary defeated their National district foes, the Raiders of Jeb Stuart HS, in a sloppy, scrappy game which had to be decided in over time. Each team went on runs throughout the game. The Hawks closed out the first half, transforming a 14-all game into a 9 point advantage, on the strength of excellent pressure defense, and a buzzer beating 3 pointer by back-up PG Daquan Poindexter (5pts, 1rebs). The 8 minutes of the second half proved to be all Stuart though, who quickly erased their deficit, and went up by 3 with a 18-6 third quarter run. The Hawks then bounced back, recreating the pressure of the first half, which led to several of the Hawks 15 steals, ultimately scoring 21 4th quarter points, including 6-6 from the free throw line. The Hawks had a chance to close out the game in regulation, but a short jump shot from Amir Atkins (10pts, 3rebs, 1stl) fell just short. In overtime, the Hawks proved too much for the Raiders, as Hayfield, who historically has not shot free throws well, calmly connected on 14-16 in the extra frame, soared to the 6 point win.

The Hawks were again led by senior SG Tyler Seelman (19pts, 4blks, 3assts, 2stls), who hit 7-8 from the FT line in the extra period. He was just as good on the defensive side, recording 4 blocks in this game, including a jordan-esque swipe rejection in the first half. Coming off the bench, reserve SG Phil Guydon (8pts, 4rebs, 1stl) added extra intensity on the Hawks press, and lifted the Hawks spirits, with 4 key baskets in the paint. Back-up C Dalon Thomas (4pts, 1reb,1stl) who was saddled with 3 quick first half fouls returned midway through the OT period, drawing a key charge, and dropping in the only two field goals for the Hawks in OT.  PG Tyler Thornton (9pts, 6assts) stepped up big, shooting 6-6 from the charity stripe, and F Chris Johnson got the 4th quarter started with a opportune steal and lay-up which helped the Hawks start their comeback to victory.