Hawks Soar at Tip-off, but Challenge too Steep

     The Boys Varsity Basketball team opened their 2014-2015 home schedule, with their annual Tip-Off Classic. Their perennial opponent; Montrose Christian came with a formidable line-up, made up of several boys above the height of 6’6”. The Hawks were well prepared, and started of the game on a 13-2 run, holding Montrose to 2 points over the first 5 minutes 40 seconds. Unfortunately, Montrose then shook off their rust, and began to dominate the game. The Hawks hung onto the lead in the first quarter (13-11), but the length and height of Montrose clipped the Hawks wings, and by half-time, the Hawks trailed by 10 points.

    The second half, often the time when the Hawks reclaim their momentum, was all Montrose. They held Hayfield to 8 third quarter points, while they rolled off 21, inflating their lead to 23 (52-29). In the 4^th quarter, Hayfield still struggled offensively, but played better defense, holding Montrose to 18 points with a full court press. In the end however, the overwhelming height superiority, quashed the wind beneath the Hawks wings, as they fell to 0-2 on the young season, with a 30 point loss to Montrose Christian.

    The Hawks were led by SF Kelsey McCrimmon (7pts, 3rebs, 2asts), who connected from downtown twice, hitting 2 of the Hawks 5 three pointers. Other notables included PF/C Corey McGhee (2pts, 5 rebs, 2stls), who anchored the Hawks 4^th quarter full court press. PG Will Douglas (1pt, 1stl, 1dfls) scored his first varsity point of his career, and played solid defense during the 4^th quarter. SF/PF Aaron Jeter (1pt, 4rebs, 1ast, 1stl, 1blk) was seemingly everywhere during the 4^th quarter, hustling until the last whistle. SG Romaine Oakley (4pts, 2stls) got into the defensive effort, intercepting two passes, including a pretty one at half-court, leading to an easy finger-roll.

   Pts. Scored By: Poindexter (0), Phox (0), McCrimmon (7), Hodge (4), Jones (6), Biniam (2), Oakley (4), Donley (IR), Haque (5), Douglas (1), Thomas (5), Cobbs (3), Jeter (1), McGhee (2)