Hawks Cruise Pass The Patriots

The young Hawks came out shooting and controlled much of the game to take the home court advantage and win against Yorktown Patriots 65-48.

At the very beginning of the first quarter, Monty Byers utilized a high pick and pop to score the first 3 points from the top of the key. Ensuing deflections and steals by Monty Byers lead to easy baskets for Tre Pearsall. Soon Jahvon Hutchinson followed with a two point conversion as the three guards’ rotation played early dividends for the young Hawks as they closed the quarter 15-9.

The second quarter was not as productive as the young Hawks struggled with their offense. They shot 30.8% (4-13) from the field, 0% (0-5) from the 3 point range, 0%(0-3) from the free throw line. On the hand, Yorktown managed to take advantage of the young Hawks inconsistency to tie the game 23-23 to end the second quarter.

In the beginning of the third quarter both teams picked up the pace and exchanged baskets. To alter the pace, the young Hawks adjusted the tempo by switching to half court Man-2-Man defense. This generated deflections and interrupted the offense of Yorktown. Soon the deflections generated steals and scoring opportunities. At one point Joseph Manga deflected the ball from the right elbow and dribbled the length of the floor to score.  With alternating rotation from small and quick to big and lengthy players, the young Hawks were able to defensively control the floor which generated transitional offense. As a result the young Hawks scored 28 points in the third quarter (most this season) and to end the period 51-37.

The fourth quarter opened with similar style of play.  However, Hayfield frequent rotations of players to offset Yorktown’s strategy exploited both sides of the court as they continued their lead 60-44 after 3:32 of play. Nevertheless, Yorktown continuously fought to narrow the margin.  Despite Yorktown’s valiant efforts, the young Hawks utilized the clock and floor space to slow the pace and eventually closed the game 65-48. Go Hawks!