County Center Game

The Westchester County Center hosted the annual Challenger’s Game between the South East Consortium Hawk’s and the North East Knights yesterday afternoon. Next to Madison Square Garden the venue does not get much better;  now home to the Westchester Knicks farm team, the Westchester County Center game allows players on a regulation size court, scoreboard and announcers belting out player names and jersey numbers.

 In years past the Hawks had a difficult time finding a team to play let alone a team that would challenge them. This was not the case yesterday. The Knights came out hot, scoring 15 points in the first quarter led by number 23 of the Knights.

In the second quarter the Hawks crept back up on the Knights coming within 8 points of the lead. At the half: Kinghts 23, Hawks 15. Hawks looked tired but not ready to give up at the half. With DJ Jason Frank spinning some hot tunes the Hawks seemed to become re-energized!

Led by Alex Pflaum up top and James Beveridge and Andrew Brooks under the net the Hawks were able to put up 12 more points before the final buzzer. Unfortunately it was not enough to stop the Knights from taking the day.

Of course winning isn’t everything. The Hawks have shown much improvement in their ball handling skills, defensive positioning, setting picks and passing the ball. This is due in large part to the addition of two new coaching staff members, Johnathan Powers and Teddy D’Alessio.

“This is team has come so far this season, its amazing. We are just going to keep building on where we are right now” said coach Jonathan Powers.

“I think the pick and roll is one of greatest assets in our offensive arsenal. We have height under the net and quick ball movement up top, that’s chemistry right there,” said coach Teddy D’Alessio at half time in reference to Andrew Brooks and James Beveridge.

The participating players in yesterday’s Challenger game included Gabriel Mineard, Chris Bisconti, Johnny Reichelt, Maggie Stone, William Byrnes, Christopher Horan , Matthew McCarthy, Andrew Brooks, James Beveridge, Alex Pflaum and John MaCaulay.

One aspect of the Hawks that certainly can’t be taught or drilled is the team spirit and good sportsmanship they exhibit in every game they play. That’s always just natural for them. 

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!