HAWKS COMPLETE SWEEP AT EAST/WEST HOLIDAY SERIES
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
By: Natalie Stoberman
BRAMPTON: The Hawks tested well against rival Seneca Sting by beating the Sting 54-37. Veterans Brayden Gohn and Ancil Martin were the game's leading scorers with 11 points each.
Humber's match up with the Sting had a playoff atmosphere. This was a game with a lot of pride on the line especially with the history that most coaches and players have had with one another. The aggression was evident in the numerous fights for possession under the basket and the pressure on defence from both squads. Brayden Gohn led the way with five points in the low scoring frame where the score was only 10-7 in the Hawks' favour for nearly half of the quarter.
The Hawks started the second quarter with a 13-8 lead, but had a hard time executing their game plan with Seneca's tight defence. Gohn stepped up with a three pointer that settled Humber's offence down. Then the Hawks went on a ten point streak where Seneca tried to slow down Humber's attack with a timeout. But Seneca didn't have an answer and was kept to only five points in the quarter while the Hawks took off to a 25-13 lead at the half.
It was Seneca's turn to stir the pot and they made it happen with a 14-8 point run that forced a Humber timeout. It was just what the Hawks needed to get back on track and this time they drove harder and faster to the basket. Curwin Elvis gave Humber a boost with a strong drive to the hoop in traffic and took the harm for a trip to the line for the "And One". Clutch defensive rebounding from Ancil Martin was key in stopping the Sting but they still chipped away for a 41-29 deficit at the buzzer.
Gohn's veteran leadership shined on the floor. The forward made the right passes that set up his teammates cutting to the lanes for quick baskets and many trips to the free throw line. His confidence spread to his team and their intensity paid off with a number of steals and Seneca turnovers. Humber worked their way to a 20 point lead in the final two and a half minutes thanks to a buzzer beater and two close range baskets from Martin that had his bench fired up. The Hawks maintained their confidence and composure to take the 54-37 win.
Humber continues their exhibition schedule in the New Year when they take on the Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. when they host the University of Waterloo Warriors.
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