Hawks Get Even with Saxons

With a goal to improve their free throw percentage, the young Hawks worked on their shooting during the Christmas break to overcome their poor free shooting performance against Langley Saxons last month. To refresh your memory, the young Hawks shot 3-21(14 percent) during their last encounter. With some practice, the young Hawks were able increase their percentage to 9-18(50 percent) to alter and win the game 50-43.

Despite the absence of one of their dominant scorer and defender, the young Hawks were eager to prove they were up for the task. From the tip off they attacked the basket and attempted long range shots. Although the first quarter started out slow the young Hawks were able take advantage of several defensive deflections and convert them to points. They shot 5-8 (62.5%) from the Field, 1-2 (50%) from the 3Point Line, 1-3 (33.3%) from the free throw line). As a result, they led 14-9 to end the quarter.

However, the young Hawks were not able to sustain their efforts during the second quarter as Langley generated steals and made key baskets to end the quarter with a 24-19 lead. 

The early minutes of the third quarter, Langley aggressively attacked the basket and increased their lead 34-25. With the game slipping away, the coaches regrouped the team and asked the young Hawks to focus and alter their defense to full court deny. Within 30 seconds the athletic abilities of the young Hawks decreased the lead by 5 (34-29). Eventually, the young Hawks incrementally dwindled the lead 36-34. And with continuously aggressive play and some luck, they young Hawks were able to steal the ball with 2.0 seconds left to close the third quarter tied.

As the fourth quarter began, both teams countered each other’s possession. Fortunately, the young Hawks were able to generate a steal and make free throws to lead 41-38 after 3:22 seconds. Utilizing their man power, the coaching staff rotated to a small and quick line up when they played defense to generate deflections and steals. And when given the opportunity to play the half-court game, the young Hawks utilized their length and height to convert shots in the paint. This technique worked as they were able to increase their lead 48-40 after 5:50 seconds of play.  With the clock ticking away, the Hawks utilized the court and clock by spreading the floor and slowing down the game. Although there were instances of indecisiveness and carelessness, the young Hawks were able to manage their time, efforts and poise to win the game 50-43. Go Hawks!

Points Scored By:  Timreal Drummond-Wiggins 2, Joseph Manga 17, Willis Rouse 3, Alim Muhammad 10,  Jahvon Hutchinson 16, Chris Crevecoeur 2