Sound Shore Stars Basketball Game

The Hawks took flight once again last Tuesday night against local team Sound Shore Stars led by coach Suzan Elson. Last Saturday at the Special Olympics tournament at Albert Leonard Middle School both Hawk teams met defeat at the hands of the Stars.

“It was a bitter sweet game,” said game captain Alex Pflaum on loss last Saturday. “We played our hearts out but some bad calls with some aggressive offense from the Stars tipped the scale,” Pflaum continued. The Hawks had lost 28-24.

It was a different story last Tuesday night. The Hawks had sharpened their talons and were ready to play. Major improvements were seen in defense and ball handling. The Hawks were relentless in their game under the net led by James Beveridge and Andrew Brooks. Also, their long game was on point with Alex Pflaum and John Reichelt sinking back to back three pointers. Nothing but net.

The game played at the Hommocks Middle School took place during the Stars normally scheduled practice time. The Stars have an upcoming tournament this Saturday at Marist College.

The night also saw many players debut appearance on the hard top including Douglas Campbell, Vincent Mulvey and Richard Egan who put up two points in the second quarter. The Stars offense seemed to come up against a brick wall every time they came to put up some buckets.

Defense was the theme of the night with the Hawks. An aspect they had been struggling with in recent games. Andrew Brooks went vertical and slapped a ball away from the net to the cheers of the crowd. Matthew McCarthy was playing his heart out, racing from one player to another harassing them all the way to the net.

Although the intensity was high on the court the comradery and good sportsmanship was palpable as well. “I love playing with these guys because it’s a lot of fun,” said Stars player Nick Brown.  “I love South East!” said Joey Lombardozzi.  Both Brown and Lombardozzi participate in several South East Consortium programs throughout the year.

It was a fantastic game where everyone received some playing time. The Hawks are now turning their attention to their next big game on April 25^th against Bronxville High School. Are the Hawks nervous? What do you think?

Second Annual SEC v. NEC Basketball Game

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!

5th Annual Challenger Game

It was a back and forth swish fest on the hard top.  The South East Consortium Hawks met at the Westchester County Center for a full court inter-team friendly match last Tuesday evening.

Friends and family were in attendance as the divided Hawks played the fifth annual Challenger Game. The full court game had all the fixings of a pro- event; score board lit, two zebra striped officials, booming announcers commentating on plays and blaring pop music between periods. All that was missing was Spike Lee in the front row.

It was a nail biter from the tip off. The score was tied after the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd periods. With 20 seconds to go in the fourth Alex Pflaum got the personal foul but it was too little too late. The Hawks team under the coaching expertise of John Farrell pulled off a down to the second victory 44-40.

Both Hawks team have so much to be proud of. The high scoring game was a result of sound game mechanics, some incredible 3-pointers and hustle and determination from every player on the court.

It wasn't just the usual Hawks crew soaring up and down the court. Both teams saw some new, but hopefully returning, faces donning the blue and white strip. Meg Lewis, Gabriel Mineard and James Beveridge laced up their sneakers to take part in this exciting event.

The Hawks look forward to their next event taking place in May against their rivals North East who they narrowly lost to last year. 

Hawks VS North East

Bronxville High School – April 10, 2013

The South East Consortium Hawks swooped into action last night against their friendly rivals to the North at Bronxville High School this past Monday night.

The Hawks squared off against North East basketball in a fast paced, high scoring game. Unfortunately the momentum gained in the second quarter by North East did not let up. For a second time the Hawks met defeat against North East (28-36.)

Chris Horan, Magaret Stone, Johnny Reichelt, William Byrnes, Andrew Brooks and Darnell Winfield put up big points throughout the game. Larry Succo, Brian Smith, Chris Bisconti and Andrew Myers played tenacious defense.

Points aside the game was a huge success for the home team. Parents , fans coaches and athletes cheered on as every player saw court time. It was a new and rewarding experience for several Hawk members.- Jason Frank, John Cortalano, Gabriel Anderson and John Feiner.

At half time the team analyzed their game play up to that point; what was working and what wasn’t. After the half ,back on the court, there was a marked improvement where needed.

The evening would not have been possible without the remarkable dedication and enthusiasm from the Bronxville High School student volunteers; Preston, Rosalie, Mcleod, Delia and Matt. The sign toting students kept game time, recorded points made and helped officiate the game.

The Hawks hope to continue and strengthen their relationship with North East by playing more games in the future. GO HAWKS!

County Center Basketball Game

The Westchester County Center was electrified with competition this past Monday. South East Consortium’s Tuesday night basketball team, the Hawks, played against North East in a tit for tat shoot out which left the Hawks three points short of victory (27-24.)

South East took an early six point lead going into the second period led by point guard James Beveridge supported by Christopher Horan who led the team in assists for the evening.

The Hawks held the lead through the half. The third period saw a comeback by North Eastled by small forward number 32. The Hawks defense was unprepared for the ferocious speed of the nimble baller who sank 10 points from break away lay-ups.

The Hawks had a six point lead going into the fourth period but North East led by number 32 creeped back from behind to snatch the W.

It was a great experience for both teams to play at the Westchester County Center. The games highlights were announced over the house loudspeakers and pop music blared between periods.

“This was so much fun! I would definitely play a game here again.” said forward Johnny Reichelt

Despite stalwart defense put forth by Maggie Stone and some late game three-pointers sunk by Alexander Pflaum the Hawks were unable to grab the win. Luckily the Hawks will have a chance at redemption on April 9^th at Bronxville High School. The smell of rivalry is in the air!

Hawks Soar To Victory

The Hawks, South East Consortium’s premier basketball team, swooped in to pick up third place in a recent Special Olympics Basketball tournament. The Hawks met defeat against Yonkers (34-32) in their first game of two. The nail biter ran into overtime but victory fell just out reach of the Hawks talons. It was an extremely exciting game for players, coaches and parents.

“Even though we didn’t come out with a “W” that was one amazing game!” said Maggie Stone, South East’s power forward.

The Hawks demonstrated sound game skills and impressive team work in their victory against the Sound Shore Stars (46-24), their second game of the day. Good sportsmanship was pulsating from the court as the Stars and Hawks battled it out.

“I love these tournaments because you get to meet and play against all these different teams from around the area.” said Hawks center Andrew Brooks.

Pace University in Pleasantville hosted the February 17^th event.

- Jack Reisman
  Coach