The Hawks let the game slip through their talons last night, and watched helplessly as a Madison Warhawk sank three free throws with 1.2 seconds left in OT, to give Madison HS a one point victory.

This was a game where Hayfield fought back throughout the first half, often coming back from high single digits. Trailing by four at halftime, the Hawks stepped up their defensive pressure, to pull even by the close of the third quarter. The Hawks seemed on the brink of winning this tight contest; only to see Madison HS bury a deep three to tie the game. The Hawks seemed to have a chance to win the game at the buzzer with free throws, only to have a controversial offensive foul called with .1 second left in regulation.

In OT, the game became a contest of big shots. The Warhawks took a 3 point lead with a clutch three, only to see SG Phil Guydon (7pts, 1stl) return the favor, hitting an “and one” from beyond the arc. After completing the four point play, the game was then decided at the free throw line. The Hawks finally found their range, swishing all five of their attempts (after shooting 9-21 through quarters 1-4). C Eliet Donley (9pts, 7rebs, 3blks) was clutch when it counted, sinking all four his attempts. Unfortunately the Warhawks were equal to the task, including the final three freebies, after another tough call went their way.

Other key contributors included: PG Tyler Thornton (6pts, 4asts, 2stls) shot 50% from downtown, while SG Kyle Phox (5pts, 1reb, 1stl) saw early minutes in the first, calmly sinking his first shot of the game, a three ball from 21 feet. SF Kelsey McCrimmon (5pts, 2rebs, 2stls) gave the Hawks a needed boost, with 5 first half points. PF Dalon Thomas (9pts, 3rebs) had another solid game off the bench, tying Donley for team high in points. SF Amir Atkins (8pts, 9rebs, 1stl) had a tough game from the field, but did not let that stop him from leading his team on the boards. C Montez Wilson (2pts, 7rebs, 2blks, 5dflcts) seemingly had his hands everywhere, helped the Hawks bounce back in the second half. PG Daquan Poindexter (1pt, 4dflcts, 1stl) provided key on the ball defense, in the nearly pivotal 4^th quarter. SG Eddy Biniam (0pts, 1blk) returned to action after missing several games due to a deep thigh contusion.