Boys’ JV Beats Cardinal Stritch 33-13, Goes Undefeated in First Round of TAAC Play

From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash.

Another TAAC Friday night adventure for the Hawks as they faced the Cardinal Stritch Cardinals in the final game of the first round of TAAC play for the season. The Hawks started out well in the first quarter, playing unselfish ball, great defense and they got their offense going early AND often with Collins - 4, King - 3, Okeke – 2, and Hazimah – 1, each producing dividends for the Hawks. Collins scored down low with two great moves in the post, King hit a three from the top of the, Okeke worked it in the middle and Hazimah hit one of two from the line as he was fouled penetrating the defense. The Hawks finished the first quarter leading the game 12-0 as their tenacious defense did not allow the Cardinals to score a point in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Hawks offense cooled off a bit as some good shots just would not fall. Okeke hit the only basket the Hawks would score in the quarter, but their defense continued to be relentless, only allowing the Cardinals 3 points in the second. The Hawks went into the half up by eleven over the Cardinals, 14-3.

With King in a little foul trouble, Knabbs and Hazimah ran the offense for the Hawks for a good part of the second half. We continued to see great defense from the Hawks and balanced scoring as the Hawks continued to execute their offense well in the second half. You gotta love, love, love the play inside from Collins and Okeke throughout the game, a couple of shots that should have fallen didn’t, but great job guys down in the post on offense and on defense as you contained the Cardinals inside. The Hawks finished the third quarter leading the Cardinals 24-9.

The Hawks played the fourth quarter with more of the same; unselfish play, solid defense and good execution of their offense. One of the crowd favorite plays from the second half was a 3 from the top of the key from MacPherson just as he entered the game for the Hawks – he squared his shoulders, set his feet, had good rotation on the ball and SWOOSH – nothing but net – you go Grant. AND we love, love, love how Knabbs and Hazimah continued to penetrate the defense and dish or shoot a nice bank shot off the glass. The Hawks finished the game, beating the Cardinals 33-13. To continue to quote Gayle King (ask your mom’s who she is boys), “special mommy hugs to all of you!”

Overall, a very well played game by the boys’ JV!

Up next, the Hawks take a little bit of a breather after completing round one of TAAC play. A week from Saturday, they will travel to Toledo Christian and play Eagles to kick off the second round of TAAC play for the season. Round one done, let’s go Hawks for round two! Remember, no rest for the weary, you have to keep working; they think they know your tendencies now, so come up with some surprises for round two.

Scoring – Collins 8, Hazimah 8, Okeke 8, King 5, MacPherson 3, Woodard 1