Hawks Battle #9 Eagles (Md.) in Tune-up for Regular Season Finale The Boys Varsity ventured over the Wilson Bridge, to take on the Clinton Christian Eagles, as a tune-up for their upcoming game vs. Liberty Conference opponent Washington & Lee HS. The Eagles are currently ranked in the top 10 in the state of Maryland. The Hawks brought their “A” game, which was needed as they competed against one of the best teams in the Metropolitan DC area. The Hawks more than held their own for the first 2 quarters of the game, leading by 6 (starting on an 11-0 run) after one quarter, and trailing by just a point at the half. Unfortunately, the Eagles stepped up their rebounding and intensity in the third, scoring 11 points alone off the offensive glass, and opened the lead up. The Hawks bounced back in the 4th quarter, finally getting to the free throw line, where they were perfect for the quarter (scoring 13 points, en route to 15-15 for the game), but the lead was too great. In the end they closed to within 9 points (67-58), as reserve SF Kelsey McCrimmon (4pts, 3rebs, 1ast) converted all four of his attempts in the closing seconds. Normally, a night where the Hawks were perfect from the stripe, coupled with getting 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks from their Power Forward / Center position, would result in a Hawks victory. It was not to be against the Eagles of Clinton Christian. Such a strong showing however, against a ranked opponent, can only bolster the Hawks confidence when they tip off this week @ arch nemesis Washington & Lee HS on Wednesday, and next week in the conference tournament. As stated above, both C Eliet Donley (15pts, 7rebs, 3 blks), and PF/C Montez Wilson (8pts, 6rebs, 2blks) played exceptionally well, against the taller Eagles. Donley was a whirling dervish in the paint, but also showed off his range when he cooly made a 17 footer from the baseline. Wilson shot 66% from the floor, and played sterling defense, especially in the transition game. SF Amir Atkins (14pts, 2rebs, 1stl, 1blk) stepped it up in the third quarter, when the Hawks need him most, accounting for 6 of the Hawks 14 points. In all, 5 different Hawks stepped up to the free throw line in the final quarter, and all left it perfect (13-13).