Hawks Sweeps South Lakes

The journey the young Hawks experienced this season was certainly full memorable moments. Tonight’s game will certainly contribute to those moments and will be remembered and cherished for a long time. The young Hawks not only played for their school, family and friends tonight but for graduating Boys Varsity Senior players as it was their Ceremonial Senior Night game. Although Mother Nature interrupted their scheduled ceremony, the young Hawks were determined and focused to finish the season strong and send off the seniors on a winning note. From the very beginning of the game, the young Hawks controlled many categories on the floor which positioned them-selves to win against a very competitive South Lakes team 61-49. 

During the first quarter, the young Hawks displayed their man to man switching defense as they were able to interrupt and contained South Lakes’ offense to only two points after 6:36 seconds of play. The young Hawks patrolled the floor and generated 12 deflections, 7 steals, 1 block shot and 10 rebounds in the quarter to control the pace. They rotated their lengthy players (Dane Kappeler and Chris Crevecoeur) to disrupt the activities in the paint area while the quicker players (Tre, Jahvon, Tim, Joseph) were positioned to play tighter on the ball handlers of South Lakes.  At the same time, young Hawks meticulously worked their offense to take the lead 8-4 to end the quarter.

The defensive pace continued in the second quarter as Jahvon Hutchinson, Tre/Carl Pearsall, Joseph Manga, Alim Muhammad, Willas Rouse and Salvo Deleo controlled the boards or initiated deflections which resulted in steals and transitional points.  However, South Lakes adjusted on both ends of the floor to generate opportunities.  Needless to say, the young Hawks ended the half leading 17-11.

In the early part of the third quarter, South Lakes cut the lead 17-22 after 3:19 seconds of play. However, with a few guard adjustments (Tim and Tre) on the ball handler and South Lakes offensive enablers, the young Hawks increased their margin 34-20 after 5:06 seconds of play. To change the pace, South Lakes inserted several players as they were able erase the deficit 38-30 after 3 quarters of play.

With the momentum swinging, the Hayfield coaching staff asked the players to play tougher defense and to take the best opportunities on offense. Immediately, as the fourth quarter opened, Joseph Manga drove to the basket for two points and in the ensuing plays Tre converted on two free throws. Moments later, a steal by Joseph Manga led to a three point opportunity by Tre to extend the lead 45-33 after 2:08 seconds of play. Patiently waiting on the sideline, Amr Mahmoud was called on the floor. He immediately contributed by containing his opponent and grabbing a rebound. Within a minute he was rewarded by Jahvon as he moved towards the basket for a layup. This brought the crowd to their feet and the chants of “Amr, Amr” momentarily echoed on the floor. As the clock began to dwindle and the fouls favored bonus shots for the young Hawks, they wisely spread the floor to manage the time and their possession. To increase their lead, they converted their free throws to seal and capture the game.

Although all good things must come to an end or at least put on hold, memories have been made and will be cherished, stored and used to reflect on.

Indeed, a memorable season! Go Hawks!

Points Scored By:  Timreal Drummond-Wiggins 3, Joseph Manga 23, Tre/Carl Pearsall 8,  Amr Mahmoud 3, Willas Rouse 2, Alim Muhammad  5, and Jahvon Hutchinson 17