The Hawks come into the game as the number two seeded team with a 13-5 overall, 7-3 in conference record, only trailing behind the Edmond-Woodway Warriors in the standings.

The Meadowdale Mavericks, on the other hand, have struggled to gain any consistency throughout their seasons and have had quite a few losses. They came into this game with a record of 9-10 overall, 3-8 in conference.

The Hawks got off to the quick start. Three minutes in, the Hawks were already up 7-0. They would push their lead to eight points as they led 10-2 in the first quarter before the Mavs finally hit their stride. The main catalyst of the Hawks’ offense was senior forward Derek Anyimah who had eight of the Hawks 12 first quarter points.

Through the roar of their crowd, the Mavs started to put pressure on the Hawks and forced a handful of turnovers that led to high-percentage buckets in transition. Despite trailing early, the Mavs were able to cut the deficit down to just three at the end of the first quarter, 12-9.

The second quarter made way for a tit-for-tat battle between the two teams, both teams fighting for any advantage that they could get. When it looked like the Hawks were going to go into the halftime locker room with a three point lead, the Mavs were able to come down and hit a three to beat the buzzer and tie the game at 23 points apiece.

The beginning of the third quarter was owned by Meadowdale’s senior forward Harry White, who through his own efforts sparked a 5-0 run. Anyimah responded to the challenge and answered the bell, giving the Hawks a one point advantage headed into the final quarter of regulation, 36-35.

Meadowdale’s home court, known for its nickname, “the Stable,” was filled with loud and excited fans. In the fourth quarter, when all looked lost for the Mavs, they were sparked by their crowd. With five minutes left in the game, the Hawks had a five point cushion and led 40-35 over the Mavs. From then on, the Hawks wouldn’t score a single point. The Mavs would go on a 14-0 run to close out the game, leading them to their 49-40 victory.

The Mavs were led in the final minute by their senior forward Drew Tingstad who hit the dagger triple to put them up by five points with only 34 seconds left to spare.

The Hawks play their next game on their home court against Shorewood High School tonight at 7:15 p.m. This game will be the final game of the regular season and  will celebrate the seniors on the team. The Hawks have four seniors on the roster: Gabe Altenberger, Gabe Powter, Derek Anyimah and Shimron Masih.