George-Little Rock took advantage of Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn miscues in beating the Hawks 83-34 December 19 at Hartley. A number of the 20 HMS turnovers resulted directly in baskets for the road team as the Hawks dropped to 0-4 in War Eagle Conference action. At 0-8, the inexperienced HMS team enters the Christmas break still seeking its first win.
“We really struggled in all facets of the game,” admitted Hawk head coach Naet Hoaglund. “Probably the two most disappointing areas would be defensive rebounding and turnovers. Most of our turnovers were live ball turnovers leading to easy baskets for them. GLR was also able to capitalize on their (18) offensive rebounds scoring 15 second chance points. It’s going to be a struggle to compete if we spot opponents free possessions and easy opportunities like we did. We’ve got to learn to take care of the basketball and be more efficient with our opportunities. You look at a game like that and you try to come away with some positives for our young crew and it’s tough. They are working hard and trying to do the best they can. They are learning and they are growing, even though outcomes like this doesn’t make it feel like it. We reassure them to hang in there, be positive, and continue giving maximal effort.”
Lawton Schiphoff scored nine points to go along with three rebounds and three assists. Jayden Leth tallied eight points and grabbed two rebounds. Josh Cruz contributed six points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Bradley Van Beek also scored six points to accompany three assists and a rebound. Kolby Douma hit a three-pointer and came away with a steal. Alex Billings recorded two points, three rebounds and a steal.
HMS was 13-of-38 from the field for 34 percent. The Hawks hit eight of their 25 shots from behind the three point line but missed all three of their free throw attempts. George-Little Rock shot 53 percent with 33 makes in 63 tries. The Mustangs were 8-of-17 from distance and 9-of-12 at the line. The visitors committed 10 turnovers.
G-LR 28 23 15 17 – 83
HMS 12 8 5 9 – 34