The Red Hawks junior guard Sam Longo drives past his defender./DARREN LUM Staff

Junior boys Red Hawks basketball team season in review

Submitted by Paul Longo

Published March 5 2019

The junior boys’ Red Hawk basketball team closed out the 2018-2019 season at the COSSA A Championships on Feb. 25 in Belleville. Representing Kawartha West as the No. 1 seed the Red Hawks squared off against the No. 2 seed North Hastings HS from the Bay of Quinte region in a do-or-die semi-final. To counter the size advantage lost to North Hastings the Red Hawks attacked on offence and managed to get to the foul line eight times in the first half. Despite being outrebounded the Red Hawks held a 20-13 lead at the half. The Red Hawks struggled from the foul line in the second half but would not give up despite being down a point heading into the fourth quarter.
Down a bucket with one minute left in the game the Red Hawks had a chance to tie the game from the foul line but unfortunately we could not convert. Final score – North Hastings 39 HHSS 37. It was a heartbreaking way to end a very successful season. Overall the boys finished the season with 12 wins and eight losses including tournaments. In Kawartha league play we finished the season with 10 wins and three losses. Coaches Lapierre Little Longo Rieger and Valickis are extremely proud of your achievements this season boys.  You have been an absolute pleasure to coach. Good luck to the players who are moving up to senior ball next season.