Team Concept Prevails - Hawks Edge Out the Stallions

With fresh thoughts of poor shooting from the previous night, the young Hawks started the game determined they were going to perform better. From the very first possession they immediately attacked the basket and attempted a high percentage shot. This established the tone which was used by the young Hawks to build their confidence that eventually positioned themselves to win 53-51 against South County.

The initial minutes of first quarter started out strong as the young Hawks played aggressive defense and scored the first 5 points in less than 29 seconds of play. However, the momentum leveled out as South County was able to regroup; hit long range shots and forced six (6) turnovers while the young hawks reverted back to subpar shooting (25% from the field, 25% form the free throw line and 3 Point Line) to trail in the  first quarter 17-10.

Despite their subpar actions in the first quarter, the team held their heads high and continued to encourage and challenge themselves. Incrementally, their positive attitude and determined actions narrowed the lead 28-26 to end the second quarter.

During the half time meeting, the coaching staff asked the players what they would do differently to win the game. The responses varied but the common thread the coaching staff heard was the word “team”. Entering the third quarter, the first four minutes were in search of this team concept. The young Hawks struggled to find their ways as South County increased their lead 33-26. Nevertheless, the young Hawks sustained their efforts and at the 4:30 mark they found ways to execute as a team. They rotated defensively which caused deflections and steals; looked for higher percentage shots (layups or feed the low the post players) that generated easy baskets. Eventually they scored seven (7) consecutive points to tie the game 33-33.  Excited and proud of what they accomplished, they continued to play hard and eventually led 34-39 to end the third quarter.

The young Hawks opened the fourth quarter with six quick points to increase their lead 34-45, however, South County continued to fight and eventually narrowed the margin 51-53. With 12 seconds left on the clock, the possession of the ball changed multiple times giving South County the last opportunity at their baseline with 7 seconds remaining on the clock. Knowing what was on the line, the Hawks called time out to reemphasize defense but more importantly TEAM defense. 

As they huddled to discuss their final plan, the sense of urgency was a welcome sight as the young Hawks united as a team with one common goal – prevent South County from scoring the three point shot.

Although the last play displayed 7 seconds on the clock, it seemed like it was eternity as South County was able to launch multiple shots from many locations to either tie or win the game. Surprisingly, the young Hawks found ways to alter their opponent’s intentions. The team hustled, attempted to block or alter shots as a committee; disrupted all offensive actions but more importantly the players on the bench screamed out supporting remarks to their teammates to help the with their actions. It was certainly a team defense.

And when the clock diminished to zero, the young Hawks jumped for joy as they prevented their opponent from scoring. Go Hawks!

Points Scored By:  Timreal Drummond-Wiggins 2, Joseph Manga 18,Monty Byers 19, Willis Rouse 2, Alim Muhammad 4, Jahvon Hutchinson 4, Chris Crevecoeur 4