Hawks' Flying Start Seals the Win

The West Yorkshire Hawks made a resounding return to their home floor for the first time in over a month, securing a decisive 97-71 victory over the Tees Valley Mohawks. A dominant opening quarter performance set the tone for the Hawks as they cruised to their third win of the season in front of an excited crowd at the University of Huddersfield.

The Hawks came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, delivering a masterclass on both ends of the floor. Chris Sibbett led the charge, lighting up the scoreboard with 18 of his 21 points in the first quarter alone. The Hawks’ defense was equally ferocious, stifling Tees Valley’s offense and holding them to just six points. By the end of the quarter, the Hawks had surged to a commanding 29-6 lead, thrilling their home fans with their pace, precision, and relentless intensity.

To their credit, the Tees Valley Mohawks regrouped in the second quarter, finding their rhythm offensively. However, the Hawks maintained their momentum, slightly extending their lead to 52-27 by halftime. Hawks head coach Danny Byrne was full of praise for his team’s fast start but also acknowledged the fightback from their opponents, saying “That first quarter is exactly the style of basketball I want to become the norm for us. It was fast-paced and relied on defensive intensity to spark our offense. Credit to Tees Valley though—they bounced back well and really made a game of it.”

The third quarter saw Tees Valley rise to the challenge, producing improved offensive sequences, but the Hawks continued to dictate the game. With a 27-point lead heading into the final period, the outcome was all but decided. Both teams traded buckets in an entertaining fourth quarter, but the Hawks ensured there would be no late drama as they wrapped up an impressive 97-71 win.

The Hawks’ balanced offensive attack was on full display, with Chris Sibbett contributing 21 points, Charles Andrews notching a season-high 20, Dave Walsh adding 18, and Rob Donaldson chipping in with 13.

The Hawks return to their home floor next weekend for an exciting matchup against the Manchester Kings. Fans are invited to join the fun as the Hawks celebrate their first-ever 90s Night. Come dressed in your best 90s outfits and enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane!

Ticket Offer: Fans can get 25% off tickets to this game by visiting this link and using the code HAWKS25 at checkout. Don’t miss this unique night of basketball and entertainment!