Hawks Corral Stallions for 1^st Regional Victory

     The Boys Varsity returned to the Hawks Nest, two days removed from their heartbreaking 1 point loss in the conference championship, and returned to their winning ways, with a solid (if not convincing) seven point victory over their cross town rivals, the Stallions of South County. While the Hawks never trailed in the game, there were many times throughout the game, where it seemed that the Stallions might make a run. Each time however, the Hawks came through with a key stop, or key basket to turn the tide. In the end, the Hawks won the game at the free throw line, converting 19-28 in the second half (including shooting 10 for 10 down the stretch).

      Hayfield’s game plan was to limit the amount of open looks the Stallions received, especially their main scorer (Bamgan). For the first quarter, this strategy worked, as SG Phil Guydon (4pts, 4rebs, 3asts, 2stls) held him to 0 points.

Other Hawk defenders were less successful, but the die had been cast, as the Stallions never really found any offensive rhythm, although they came close a few times. The Hawks offensive plan has remained the same all season long, pound the key, and overwhelm the defense with a healthy dose of Donley, Thomas, and Wilson. Monday night’s game was no different, as the Hawks received 29 points, and 20 rebounds (22pts in the 2^nd half) from their trio. C Eliet Donley (17pts, 9rebs, 1blk) continued his streak of double digit scoring games (now at 10), PF Dalon Thomas (9pts, 8rebs, 1ast) had a monster third quarter scoring all of his 9 points (on 4 of 6 shooting) and grabbing 4 of his 8 boards. PF Montez Wilson (3pts, 3rebs, 1stl) had the steal of the game in the fourth quarter, halting the Stallions last attempt to win the game.

      Senior SF Amir Atkins (20pts, 3rebs, 2blks) in possibly his last game of the season, made sure that he and the Hawks would move on to meet Herndon HS. Atkins scored 11pts in the 4^th quarter, including hitting all of his free throw attempts. Atkins, who earlier in the game, had ended his free throw streak at 43 straight, picked right back up by going 8 for 8 in the last 6 minutes, which along with his three pointer, and two free throws by Donley essentially sealed the win for Hayfield.