The Boys Varsity Basketball team picked up where it left off on Tuesday, with a decisive victory of the Majors of Mt. Vernon HS on Thursday night. At first glance, the Tuesday night game was far different, when the Hawks jumped out to an early lead. In this game, the Hawks only had 1 basket in the paint over the first 8 minutes. If not for a trio of 3 point buckets, and some stout defense, the Hawks would have been in a huge hole. The game was a seesaw affair throughout the first half, with the Majors taking a 1 point lead at the half. At halftime, the Hawks were counseled by their coach, regarding their poor outside shooting, who stressed to take advantage of the Majors undersized low post players.

The “talk” worked, for the Hawks exploded for 24 points (20 within 8 feet of the hoop) in the 3^rd quarter. If not for a late flurry by the Majors, the victory would have been sealed right then and there. The Hawks took to the free throw line in the 4^th, claiming the hard fought win, by connecting on 9-12 from the charity stripe (21-30 overall).

Soaring into the starting line-up in 3 of the last 4 games (only a sprained ankle prevented the 4^th start), Combo Guard Phil Guydon (10pts, 3rebs, 1stl) has played brilliant all around basketball. Tonight his speed, athleticism, and explosiveness provided a needed spark. C. Eliet Donley (12pts, 6rebs, 2blks) despite picking up two early fouls, had a great second half, when he scored all of his points. He routinely took full advantage of the mismatch he had on offense. Reserve PG Daquan Poindexter (5pts, 3stls, 2assts) has continued to provide great perimeter defense off the bench. Tonight he deflected 4 passes, swiped 3 steals (2 while defending fast breaks), dished 2 assists, and hit a clutch 3 in 1^st quarter. PG Tyler Thornton (6pts, 4assts, 2stls) played his usual steady game, pushing the Hawks offense, as well as holding it back when needed. SG Amir Atkins (19pts, 9rebs 2stls), while struggling a bit from the floor, made the Majors pay from the free throw line, scoring 10 of his team high 19 points from that location. PF Dalon Thomas (4pts, 8rebs, 1asst, 1stl) came off the bench to snag a personal season high of 8 rebounds, including 4 offensive. Next on the Hawks radar, are the Raiders of JEB Stuart HS.