It was non-stop action from the tip off when the South East
Consortium Hawks squared off against North East Consortium Basketball last
Tuesday night in the second annual SEC v. NEC basketball game.
With the bitter taste of defeat still fresh on their taste
buds from last season’s disappointing defeat, on their home turf no less, the
Hawks came swooping in, talons out and ready to play. The long awaited re-match
was met with ultimate victory for the Hawks (30-24.)
The Hawks quickly took the lead under power forward
Alexander Pflaum. Alex, known as the Savage Dancer by his team mates for his
delicate footwork and precise jump shot coupled with his intensity up and down
the court, sank 8 points in the first three minutes of the game.
North East realized that this was not the same team they
played one year ago, re-grouped, and caught up with 6 unanswered points before
the end of the first quarter.
The Hawks went right back at it full force in the second
quarter. The unavoidable excitement from the crowd off the court and rough and
tumble action on the court electrified the air infecting our Hawks. Typically
composed players were rushing shots resulting in turn overs and making some
daring passes that did not always work out in their favor.
The second quarter saviors were Chris Horan and Andrew
Brooks. Horan (now known as “the Surgeon”) hit three jump shots in a row with
surgical precision. Brooks, all 6’4” of him, camped out right underneath the
hoop on defense stealing every rebound that came his way.
At half the Hawks had some time to cool down, collect
themselves and refocus their energy. Victory was in sight. The importance of
the evening and what it meant was now understood but like professionals they
didn’t let it get in their heads. Their eyes told the story “There’s a job to
do and my team mates are relying on me.”
The Hawks regained the lead after the third quarter and
never looked back. Smashing their way through the North East defense to the
board for multiple lay ups and increased aggressiveness on defense kept NEC at
bay.
North East Consortium battled valiantly through the entire
game making it very exciting to watch. Both teams a spectacular job by
displaying every skill indicative of a great basketball team. Plus something
that cannot be taught but acquired through maturity and respect; sportsmanship.
Something everyone should be proud of.
The game was made complete with the scoreboard lit, half
time music and even the Bronxville Broncos Mascot joining the action, dancing
and rooting on the home team. The night could not have been possible without
the amazing dedication and creativity of the Bronxville Youth Council
spearheaded by Kenny, Thomas and Jack.
The Hawks closed out the season with a big win making them
undefeated for the 2014 season. But like any great team you are only good as
your last win. The Hawks are already looking towards next year as re-peat
undefeated title under their belts. GO HAWKS!