Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn was in control for three of the four quarters against Trinity Christian. That was more that good enough to secure a 49-33 non-conference win over the Tigers December 3 in Hull.
“I was happy with our defense,” said HMS head coach Ashley Tessum. “We just needed to be more aggressive scoring, especially in the third quarter, in order to pull ahead for the win.”
Ah yes, the third quarter. After the Hawks built a 26-15 halftime lead, the Tigers responded by outscoring HMS 16-8 in the third. “Trinity hit some good three-pointers in the third quarter, and we didn’t take advantage of open shot opportunities like we usually do, so that allowed TC to creep back into the game,” noted Tessum.
The fourth quarter was the Hawks’ turn to answer. They got back in the groove with 15 points while holding Trinity to just two. “The difference with the fourth quarter was our shooting,” explained Tessum. “We passed the ball well and really worked together on offense which allowed us to dominate the final quarter.”
HMS got scoring from eight different players. Frankie Mohni tallied 11 points, Gracie Knobloch 10, Abby Douma eight, Moriah Otto six, Kylee Schiphoff and Eliza Tewes five each and Lindsey Van Es and Addy Sheeler two each. Knobloch also contributed four assists and two steals.
The Hawks shot 37 percent with 20 baskets in 54 attempts. That included going 4-for-18 from three-point range. They sank five of nine free throws. Trinity Christian was 11-of-40 from the floor for 28 percent. The Tigers were 2-of-14 from distance and 9-of-14 at the foul line.
Otto snatched 10 rebounds and Schiphoff grabbed six. Douma pulled down five rebounds and blocked three shots. The Hawks committed 15 turnovers while Trinity turned the ball over 19 times.
HMS 11 15 8 15 – 49
Trinity 7 8 16 2 – 33