Hawks Win Thriller in Fairfax

It was another nail biter and close game for the young Hawks. With less than 5 seconds to play and the game tied, the Alim Muhammad executed scripted baseline play and converted an up and under, off the glass move to take the lead and win the game 42-40 against Fairfax High School.

Despite the excitement at the end, the first quarter was the lowest amount of points generated by the young Hawks this season.  They only scored 5 point as the young Hawks converted 2-4 (50%) from the field, 0-2 (0%) from the 3 point area, 1-2 (50%) from the free throw line to end the quarter behind Fairfax 9-5 at the end of the first quarter.

However, the second quarter opened with some zeal and excitement as the young Hawks were able to control the defensive boards, generate deflections and steals to lead 11-9 after 4 minutes of play. With a deflection from Timreal Drummond-Wiggins, Salvo Deleo picked up the ball and converted a midrange jumper for two of his four points in the quarter. To liven up the game, Tony Castillo entered with unexpected energy as he hustled after loose balls and even attempted to block a shot off the glass. His efforts generated much excitement applaud from teammates. As a result, the young Hawks finished the second quarter with a 18-15 lead.

The young Hawks carried their excitement early in third quarter, they padded their lead 26 to 20 after 5 minutes off play, however, Fairfax adjusted their line up to reduce the margin 28-24 at 7:25 but the relentless efforts of Joseph Manga on both sides of the court favored the  young 30-24 to end the quarter.

As the fourth quarter began, Fairfax adjusted their game to stay within a field goal. And as Alim Muhammad received his 4th foul mid quarter and temporarily removed from the game, the young Rebels worked their mid-range and low post game to eventually take the lead 40-39 with 22 seconds to play.  

Aware that Fairfax had 10 team fouls and all ensuing fouls will be awarded two free throws, the Hayfield coaching staff asked the young Hawks to execute their inbound play looking for low risk entry and an opportunity to be fouled. Joseph Manga found a way to drive to the basket but he was fouled and twisted his ankle. With much pain on his face, he asked the coaching staff if can shoot his free throws. Aware he will be removed from the game soon after, he shot his first and missed. Fairfax immediately called a time out to extend the moment. Then with the game on the line, Joseph looked calmly at the basket with his injured foot barely touching the floor and sank his free throw to tie the game 40-40 with 15 seconds left.

To relieve Joseph, Tim was asked to contain Fairfax’s main scorer (#23). With his aggressive style of defense, Tim was able interrupt #23 and the team was able get the ball back. With possession of the ball at their baseline, and seven ticks left on the clock; the Hayfield coaching staff modified their inbound play to feed their big man. Unfortunately as the noise of the crowded echoed in the gym, this affected Alim Muhammad’s concentration as he travelled with the ball. Immediately, Fairfax called a time out to set up their inbound play. The young Hawks countered with their quick lineup and forced a 5 second inbound penalty play to gain possession with no time taken off the clock. Once again, the Hayfield coaching staff, instructed to look for the big man. With five (5) seconds on the clock, Alim Muhammad was again given the same opportunity at the short baseline. This time as he caught the ball, he showed the ball high which created enough space for him to dribble toward the basket, then he showed the ball high again to raise his defender off the floor as he countered with a perfect up and under, off the glass move. As the ball left his hand and was in flight, you can hear and see the crowd and players momentarily pause. Then as the ball gently hit the backboard, it found the basket and the Hawks captured the lead and eventually the game 42-40.  Go Hawks.!

Points Scored By:  Timreal Drummond-Wiggins 3, Joseph Manga 18, Willis Rouse 2 , Dane Kappeler 2, Alim Muhammad 3, Salvo Deleo 4, Jahvon Hutchinson 10