Hawks Leave First Season On A High
In the thrilling finale to their first-ever season, the Hawks soared to an 84-64 win over Team Sunderland, securing a resounding 20-point win at the University of Huddersfield. The Hawks, displaying their trademark offensive power and tenacious defense, closed out their inaugural campaign on a high note.
The opening quarter set the tone for the Hawks’ performance, as they racked up an impressive 28 points. Rob Donaldson, leading the charge, showcasing his scoring prowess early on, helping West Yorkshire establish a 7-point lead.
However, Sunderland responded with increased defensive intensity in the second quarter, managing to contain the Hawks to just 15 points while adding 16 of their own. The halftime break allowed the Hawks to regroup and emerge for the second half with a renewed focused.
The pivotal third quarter proved to be the turning point, as the Hawks dominated on both ends of the floor. They outscored Sunderland 23-7, solidifying their grip on the game and effectively putting the outcome beyond doubt. The Hawks cruised through the final quarter, sealing the win with a convincing 20-point victory.
Rob Donaldson and Dave Walsh emerged as the scoring leaders for the Hawks, both contributing 22 points to the team’s impressive tally. Head Coach Mark Mills expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasising the collective effort and team-first mindset that has been their focus this season.
“It has been an amazing season, and that was a great way to close it out. We put in a real team performance. Every player stepped on to the floor today determined to leave the season on a high. It is that team-first mindset that makes us tough to beat, and I am proud of them for that,” Coach Mills remarked during the post-game interview.
Coach Mills also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Hawks’ loyal fan base, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout the season. “I also want to thank the amazing crowd today and across this season. They have been unreal and have a huge impact on the performance we put onto the court, thank you.”
The Hawks, finish their debut season in 5th spot in the division and will maintain their Division 3 status for the next season. Plans are already in motion for the Hawks to build on their success. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the club’s website and social media channels for updates throughout the off-season. The West Yorkshire Hawks have truly made their mark and the next chapter is set to be even more exciting.