Disney Days

Taking a trip to Orlando Florida over the Holiday break to play in a National Tournament was an opportunity for the team. It not only allowed a chance to play schools from other parts of the country but also to build team chemistry as well.

The team stayed in the Disney Park itself and now was part of a National Event, something the Hornets hasn’t been part of in quite some time.

First Game was against Eastside H.S. from the State of Virginia, a solid team that focused on deliberate plays and defense. Our boys in the first half seemed to be in awe of the team, the Park and the Rays of sunshine. We were down by 5 at the half. At half time we made some changes and had a 15-0 run at the start of the period and never looked back for a 69-53 win.

We were led by Andrew Rice who had a “double/double” with 27 points and 13 rebounds and 7 steals, Chris Wright contributed 16 points (12 in the second half) and TJ Rountree with 12 points

The Second Game was against another public school from Tennessee, Alcoa High School.  We have gotten off to slow starts early in the game most of the season and this game was no different being out scored 19 -8 in the first period and a half time score losing 30-23. The third period the Hornets playing without TJ Rountree, who was hurt, rallied behind Andrew Rice and Kyle Smith to end the period 43-41 Alcoa. In the final period both teams traded baskets until the last minutes of play and Hamden Hall suffered a loss 62-56. It was a game that could have been won, missed foul shots and turnovers were key to the final outcome.

6’3 Sophomore Andrew Rice had 15 points and Senior Kyle Smith chipped in 11 points.

6’5 Junior Pasquale Villano scored a career high 11 points and 8th grader Aiden Rountree added 10 points.

In the next game for third place in our division was Shawnee High School from Oklahoma. With a quick start the Hornets held a 13-3 first period lead and closed the half with the score 22-10 and everything seem to bounce the Hornet way. But someone forgot to tell the lions of Shawnee. They outscored us in the third period 20-10 and the score at the end of the third period was now 32-30 Hamden Hall. We clearly let them back in the game and they knew it. The fourth quarter the teams traded baskets and Shawnee took the lead with two minutes to go.

A steal by Rice which led to a three point play put the Hornets back in the lead. Key foul shots by Pasquale Villano and Kyle Williams kept the lead and preserved a third place finish with a 40-38 win.

This was a good trip and more than the two wins and third place. I believe it further built friendships and created memories that are part of the wonderful experience at Hamden Hall.

The boys headed back for a few days off and then get ready for Choate an “A” school on Friday the 8th and Saturday the 9th against Masters a “B” school in the Fairchester league.

As a “C” School, being considered for the New England Tournament not only your record is considered, but who you beat and what level they are, counts heavily in determining the selection process

Hard to believe we have played a third of the season already.

The season continues……