September 29, 2008 - MetroHawks get scare but take down CBC
The MetroHawks came into this game with an undefeated record, and were barely challenged. But playing the Connecticut Basketball Club on this day proved to be the biggest challenge that they have faced to date. And staring defeat into the eyes, the MetroHawks pulled together, and Tristan Thompson showed why he is considered by many the #1 player in the 2010 class, as he the MetroHawks late to a 70-65 victory over the CBC.
The Connecticut Basketball Club was playing their first is8 game of the tournament and came out hot. They came with no real stars, but a very balanced team and had good shooters with a nice combination of height. Guard, Greg Langston got them started as he hit a three early and a conscious effort to get big man Darryl McCoy the ball early helped the CBC take the early 15-5 lead. The Metro Hawks soon after a timeout came back with force as Mr. Everything, Tristan Thompson did everything. Late in the quarter off a defensive rebound, Thompson took the ball the entire length of the court and then laid the ball with a silky finger roll like the Ice Man. With the lead slipping, the CBC hit a three again late by shooter Phil Gaetano and the CBC held the surprise 1st quarter lead 19-15.
The 2nd quarter was all MetroHawks. They showed their amazing depth as many players got in on the action and a stingy defense limited what the CBC could do. Shaquille Thomas, after struggling last weekend at is8 came up big in this game as he grabbed rebounds and made crisp passes to open cutters, and in the 2nd he showed his range hitting 2 corner 3’s in the middle of a 12-0 MetroHawks run. Aaron Brown who was last weeks star for the MetroHawks, showed an ability to go to the whole as well, as he drove from the wing and threw down a nasty dunk late in the 2nd to show off his talents. CBC forward Dominique Langston kept his team close as he grabbed 4 rebounds in the quarter and made 2 beautiful passes, each to Greg Langston (no relation) for short jumpers, but the MetroHawks were starting to pull away as they had the halftime lead, 39-28.
The 3rd quarter saw the CBC creep back into it. Jevon Williams, Danny Lawhorn, and Gaetano each hit 3 balls in the quarter and the press was added after the half by the CBC which caused turnovers by Myck Kabango who was not his usually big time presence in this game. The CBC took advantage and slowly got there way back into the game. Thompson though would allow them to only get so close. 2 thunderous dunks would give the MetroHawks breathing room after a 7-0 CBC run, but going into the 4th, the MetroHawks didn’t have that feeling of invincibility and only carried a 7 point lead going into the 4th.
When the 4th quarter started, both teams were still in the game, and the MetroHawks had to play a tough 4th quarter for the first time this is8 season. Defensively, Tristan Thompson was doing a nice job taking away the only true big man threat for CBC in Darryl McCoy, but the shooter for the CBC still had the touch. Anytime the MetroHawks would get the lead back to 8 or 9, the CBC would close the gap again with long range shooting. With the MetoHawks holding a 64-63 lead late, Myck Kabongo for the first time was able to drive the basket and kick out to Thompson who hit a big right wing jump shot. After that, the CBC were chasing points and after a few free throws and were not able to get the game even and the MetroHawks were able to close out with a 70-65 win.
Tristan Thompson did what he needed from the floor and the free throw line whenever he needed. The young Michael Beasley put in 26 points and had 14 rebounds in a big time performance. Aaron Brown and Shaq Thomas each chipped in 15 big points and had dominant stretches for the MetroHawks.
Mike Libert www.NYHoops.com |
