Hornets Sting GFA in Overtime Win 72-69

2/15/2017

What a Game!

The game started with each team exchanging baskets and “feeling each other out” when after six minutes of play Hamden Hall went on a 12-0 run to take a 10 point, 22 to 12 lead behind 6’4 Junior Chris Wright who came off the bench to score 7 points and add overall hustle.

The Lead was short lived as the Dragons of Westport were making three’s and the inside game of 6’7 Okene Sunday (a Wake Forest commit) were not to be denied. They recaptured the lead with a half time score of 36 to 37.

The score in the second half continued to be within a basket of each other until there was only 5 minutes to go in the game when GFA opened 6-point lead, but the Young Hornets responded again making four consecutive foul shots (2 by Draffan and 2 by Rice) and a basket by TJ. Rountree to tie the score 63 to 63 with only a minute left on the clock.

GFA called time out and set up a play that resulted in scoring a three to take the lead 66 to 63. With forty seconds left it was our turn to call time out at half court to set up a play as well.

It was set for TJ Rountree, the leading three-point shooter in the entire area, and it worked like a charm as he drained a three to tie the game 66 to 66, (His Third of the Game Which Tied a School Record 67 for a season) with only 10 seconds left in the contest.

After a time out by GFA (which allowed us to set up our pressure defense) their shot was off the mark as we entered the Overtime Period. This is where our defense, that has carried us so many times, shined.

We went up three with a minute left in the contest only to have GFA again hit a Three (12th for the game) to tie the score 69 to 69.

Andrew Rice was fouled and converted one of two to give the Hornets a point lead 70 to 69. GFA missed a shot and a strong rebound by Rice again gave the ball back to Hamden Hall with 20 seconds left and the shot clock off as GFA Pressured the ball.

A great pass from Chris Wright to Andrew Rice who scored under the basket to give the Boys from Hamden a 72 to 69 lead for good as time ran out for the Dragons of Westport.

As I look back and review the game several things come to mind.

Junior Chris Wright had his Best Night in a Hornet Uniform with a Career High 13 points, Diving for loose balls, Taking a Charge, and Dishing out a Great pass to secure the win.

Seniors, Dan Draffan, scoring a team high 17 points,10 rebounds and 2 block shots, Pasquale Villano, who came off the bench and gave us a lift, dropping 4 points, but played outstanding Defense against a much taller Opponent (6’7) and TJ Rountree hitting a key three to tie the game in Regulation with only forty seconds left. Not to mention he tied Two School Records 67 three’s in a season held by present Assistant Coach Dan Oglesby and handed out 17 assists to tie the record held by BJ Davis ,the Wesleyan Graduate.

The Heart of Andrew Rice who was ferocious off the backboards with 16 rebounds and 3 steals and who’s defensive effort was a thorn in GFA side. The Play of Avery Brown, the Young 8th grader, who has rapidly been learning the point guard position or the determination of freshmen Aiden Rountree. The Bench and the look of the smiling faces of all the players who didn’t physically play, but were certainly supportive and thrilled with the win.

Box Score:

Draffan-5-1-4/4-17 pts.TJ Rountree-2-3-1/2-14 pts. C. Wright-3-2-1/2-13 pts. Rice-4-0-3/5-11 pts.Baker-4-0-1/2-9pts.Villano-1-0-2/2-4 pts. Brown-1-0-0-2 pts.A. Rountree-1-0-0-2 pts.

21-6-12/17-72 pts.

Leading Scorer- Draffan-17 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Rice-16

Leading Assists-TJ. Rountree-17

Leading Steals Rice-3

Record

16-5 (10-3) We have now won 13 of 14 games since the Holiday break in December.

This was the most significant Win in the Rebuilding of the Program in the last Two Seasons since my return.

Green Farms Academy or St. Luke’s has been the winner of the League the past six years. They have earned the standard of winning the past six years.

With this win we now solely are in second place of the Fairchester League with one game remaining. (King)

The League Playoffs begin next week and with a win Friday we will be guaranteed a bye in the first round at Home. We would play the winner of the # 3rd (Green Farms) and #6th seed (Rye) at Home on Thursday.

What a Game….

The Season Continues….

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