Despite the Hawks leading the majority of the first half by double-digits, the Eagles were able to tie the game at 39 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter. In another thrilling Battle of the Birds, Hayfield found itself in a similar spot to last year’s January 27th matchup that resulted in an Edison victory in overtime.
But Hayfield was able to close out the game guided by experience and a stingy defense, to secure a 51-43 victory and clinch the regular season National District title.
“This season the experience that we bring back, the experience that we’ve added, and the hard work that they’ve put in, culminated in them being able to withstand that.” Hayfield girls basketball Head Coach Jason Kirby said.
“Last season we probably would have wavered quite a bit more. Plus we built our season to try to go through some of this stuff. We’ve been in this spot with some of the tough teams we played early. Some games didn’t culminate in the wins, but they culminated in experience.”
The Hawks were led by junior guard Eva Philips who tallied 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Hayfield also got big contributions from junior guard Alexis Cox with 10 points, 3 assists and 3 steals, and sophomore forward Madison Davis with 5 points and 12 rebounds.
Hayfield started the game with a convincing 8-0 lead, thanks to an electric start from Philips who scored the first three baskets for the Hawks.
“Coach always tells us to have high energy from the start, so I was trying to make plays,” Philips said.
The Eagles started to find a rhythm late in the first quarter, but Hayfield led 20-11 heading into the second quarter thanks to its defense. Coach Kirby credits the Hawks’ defensive efforts to their athleticism, length, and communication.
“We work really hard to know where everybody is and know what everybody does,” Coach Kirby said. “Our coaches put together a nice gameplan. We were able to come into this game knowing, or hoping to know everything that (the opponent) does.”
Hayfield continued to control the second quarter, but Edison cut away at their lead as foul trouble sent the Eagles to the free throw line late in the quarter. The Hawks led 30-23 at half.
The Eagles (10-2, 17-3) began the third quarter with an 8-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 31-30 with five minutes left in the quarter.
But the Hawks (12-0, 16-5) regained their composure with a much needed three-pointer from Philips that would help create a 38-36 lead heading into the fourth, before eventually closing the game out.
“We realized we had to make plays and stop rushing the ball,” Philips said. “We work together and we learned that we have to talk through everything. We all love each other and work together on and off the court.”
Coach Kirby was enthusiastic to see how his team has continued to progress and still has room to grow.
“We’re only graduating one, so we’re still growing – this is not the best that we can play,” Coach Kirby said. “We’ve still got some things to do and that’s what really makes us special – what we’re doing now, we can continue to get better.”
–TJ Davis
@Ttown316