Hayfield Gets Back to Basics, Outlasts Mclean 55-51

The Boys Varsity used the Chantilly loss as motivation, to return to the game they know; defense and team oriented basketball, spurring them to victory over the Highlanders of Mclean HS in the 3^rd place game of the Lake Braddock Christmas Tourney. The Hawks defense swarmed throughout most of the game, gathering 13 steals and 16 deflections (including 5 blocks), while limiting their turnovers (12). Hayfield also returned to a balanced attack, as 3 Hawks scored 10 points apiece. The Hawks were led by their mercurial PG Tyler Thornton (10pts, 3rebs, 4assts, 4stls), who made the all tournament team by averaging 5.3 steals per game. Joining the double figure triad included SG Phil Guydon (10pts, 2-2 from downtown), who almost singled handedly kept the Highlanders at bay by scoring 8 of his 10 points in the fourth, including two clutch threes. SG Amir Atkins (10pts, 3stls), completing the trio in double figures, scored a key layup, and added an insurance free throw in the last seconds.

Hayfield, as stated above, was team focused on late Saturday afternoon. Key contributors included SF Kelsey McCrimmon (6pts, 5rebs, 2stls), who came off the bench to give the Hawks a needed boost at both ends of the floor. His highlight of the afternoon came when he swiped the ball at mid-court, went behind his back in traffic, and nearly dunked an emphatic slam. Despite the miss, his presence on the court inspired the Hawks. SG Tyler Hodge (5pts, 1stl) returned from injury to hit one of the Hawks 6 three pointers. SG Faris Gebril (7pts, 1blk, 1stl) returned to form with his trademark all around game, including a sweet jordanesque trail block early in the 1^st quarter which helped spark the Hawks defense. The Hawks return to their regular season schedule next Saturday when they travel to TC Williams at 7:30pm.