The Hayfield Boys Varsity inched closer to the number 1 seed in the Liberty Conference, with a decisive 16 point victory over the visiting Rebels of Fairfax HS. The Hawks controlled the game from the outset, jumping out to a quick 7-0 lead, en route to a 19-8 lead at the end of the 1^st quarter. Hayfield briefly let their guard down, allowing the Rebels a glimmer of hope. The Rebels topped the Hawks by 6 in the 2^nd quarter, to pull within 5 at the half. The Hawks halftime pep talk was short and sweet; get back to playing Hawk basketball, and limit the mistakes. The Hawks soared high in the 3^rd, eliminating any doubt with this game, doubling up the Rebels by 22-11 in the quarter. The 4^th quarter saw plenty of reserve action, with the Rebels never getting closer than 12 points, as the Hawks cruised to the 67-51 victory.

The Hawks were again led by C Eliet Donley (22pts, 8rebs, 1blk), who for the second straight game exploded in the 3^rd quarter. This time around he scored 11 of his game high 22 in the third quarter, followed by another 6 in the 4^th. Joining Donley in double figures was SF Amir Atkins (12pts, 3rebs, 2asts), who helped start the Hawks first quarter run, by swishing two of the Hawks four shots from downtown in the first 8 minutes. Donley’s backup was no slouch either. C Montez Wilson (8pts, 8rebs, 1stl, 1blk) came off the bench to lead all Hawks reserves with 4 baskets, and grab a team high of 4 offensive rebounds. Hayfield’s starting backcourt of PG Tyler Thornton (8pts, 2rebs, 4asts) and SG Phil Guydon (7pts, 3asts, 1stl) had one of their best games, scoring 15 points combined and dishing out 7 assists.

Other notable contributions included: SG Eddy Biniam (4pts, 3rebs, 1ast, 1stl) had a big 4^th quarter. He scored a season high of 4 points, including his first two 2 point baskets of the season. Also seeing his first varsity minutes was recent call-up, SF Jay Cole (2pts, 1reb, 1blk). Cole finished a fast break, which he initiated with a defensive rebound, for the first two points of his varsity career. Returning to the starting line-up, PF Dalon Thomas (4pts, 4rebs, 1blk) played outstanding defense on the Rebels 6’ 8” center, helping to li

mit him to 2 points.