The Hawks’ normally sharp offense simply couldn’t buy a basket during their 65-44 loss, especially in the first half when they scored just 14 points and were held to just two field goals.
Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles’ offense, which was paced by guard Gabe Martinez’s 22 points, overwhelmed the Hawks right from the start.
“We made some shots early and got some confidence. Maybe we’re finally staring to shoot the ball good enough to keep up with our defensive intensity,” said Hanna head coach Todd Barckholtz.
But while Hanna’s D was solid, the Hawks’ lack of offense definitely helped the Eagles.
South scored only six points in the opening quarter and eight in the second as shot after shot refused to fall, even at the free-throw line where the Hawks went 5 of 10 in the second period.
“They had a bad night shooting. I don’t know if it was our defense or they just had an off night shooting, but we capitalized on the situation,” said Barckholtz.
After taking a 14-6 lead after the first quarter, Hanna’s offense poured it on in the second as Martinez scored nine points to help the Eagles go up 29-14 at the half.
In the third frame, the Hawks came out with a bit more intensity and shot somewhat better, but Hanna got scoring from six different players to increase its lead to 46-25 heading into the final period.
The fourth was the Hawks’ best-played quarter as they scored 19 points led by Luke Bradford, who scored six points to finish with 17.
However, the Eagles, who struggled to score early in the quarter, eventually got their rhythm back and also scored 19 to close things out with the 21-point victory.
With the win, the Golden Eagles improved to 2-1 in District 32-6A play while the Hawks fell to 1-2.
“We’re very pleased with this (win). The kids maybe grew up some, maybe grew up a lot tonight,” Barckholtz said.