Hawks Slowdown Wildcats, Win Third Straight

The Boys Varsity Basketball team continued their winning ways tonight, with an eleven point victory over the Wildcats of Centerville HS. This current win streak, which has come entirely on the road, started during the Christmas Tourney vs. Mclean (at Lake Braddock), then moved to TC Williams, and has now moved through Wildcat country. If the Hawks are to continue this streak, it will have to be with some home cookin’, as they return to the “Hawks Nest” on Friday, vs. National District foe, the Warriors of Wakefield HS.

If one were to check out the box score tonight, it would seem that it was a one man wrecking crew, who undid the Wildcats, but this game was so much more a team victory than you might imagine. The Hawks played everyone on this evening, although the game wasn’t really decided until the last 3.5 minutes, after the Hawks pushed the lead over 12 points. The Hawks bench players really came up big tonight, with 16 points, 17 rebounds (led by Montez Wilson with 12), 8 assists, and 11 steals. On a night when the starters other than Amir Atkins struggled, the Hawks reserves stepped up to help steer the team to their 7^th win in 11 games (including 4 out of the last 5).

As well as the Hawks reserves played, tonight was a special night, as senior SF Amir Atkins (33pts, 8rebs, 1stl) scored a season high of 33 points, on 14 of 18 overall from the field. Atkins was seemingly unable to miss, sinking shots from up close, mid range, and downtown, as well as from the charity stripe. He had balanced quarters of 9, 5, 9, and 10 respectively. Whenever it seemed that the Wildcats had another comeback, Atkins seemed to be there to quiet the crowd with a timely basket, or snag a key rebound. Rebounds were hard to come by tonight, as PF Montez Wilson (6pts, 12rebs, 2stls, 1blk), as stated above, dominated the glass at both ends of the floor. With Hayfield seeming to find their wings, the sky seems the limit for these soaring Hawks.