This was the boys biggest test of the season up against a team who had been beating teams by large margins. We made a good start taking a 7-0 lead before County Upper starting getting into the game and took the lead themselves.
We were playing with good energy and togetherness with Ethan first off the bench for this game and playing solid defence and running the offence as we wanted. Also there was lots of noise coming from the bench too which is always a good sign.
End of 1st quarter County upper lead 21-31
The second quarter was played at a frantic pace and the lead went back and forth. With Saul playing well under both baskets and Pani and Hari scoring some big lay ups the team played their most determined quarter of the season and at half time tied the game and also got the opposition’s main offensive threat (#12) into foul trouble.
End of 2nd Quarter Hawks 46 v 46 County Upper
The 3rd quarter did not go so well with maybe half time halting our good run and impetus.We only scored 7 points and maybe the effort needed in the 2nd quarter to tie the scores being a factor. But right at the end of this quarter Oliver was fouled going to the basket by #12 who fouled out of the game. At this point also Freddie and Dante were in foul trouble so the game still hung in the balance. We just needed a flying start in the fourth quarter.
End of 3rd Quarter Hawks 53 v 62 County Upper
The boys started the fourth quarter strongly and reduced the deficit to 4 points 64 v 68 with 5 minutes to go. With Freddie (2nd game in a row) and Donte both unfortunately fouling out that was the nearest we got to County Upper who kept the boys at arms length with good team play of their own and ended up with the win by 11 points. This meant we lost the last quarter by an agonising 2 points.. The boys played right until the final buzzer and can hold their heads high..
Final score HAWKS 72 v 83 COUNTY UPPER
All the boys put in an excellent effort during the game today with every player making a positive contribution. At times we played some sparkling basketball under a lot of pressure from County Upper’s full court pressure defence.
This is the level of effort and togetherness we need to bring to every game and training session going forward. We’ve showed what can be achieved by playing hard and playing for each other.
Thanks to all the team and parents for an excellent game.
Written By:- Coach Graham
