The Hawks traveled to Jefferson Community College on Sunday for game against the Cannoneers. Coming into the game, the Hawks were on a 3 game win streak and with the semester coming to a close it was evident that closing out the semester with a win was a focal point for the green and white.
In the first half, Mohawk Valley was hit with some early foul trouble when freshman forward Isaiah Earl picked up a few early fouls in a highly physical game. For the Hawks, the first half was taken over by Tyruse Boock's 18 point performance. The highly skilled freshman scored on an array of pull up jump shots and catch and shoot threes to give the Hawks a huge boost going into the break.
Despite the foul trouble, the highly competitive first half saw the two teams head into the locker room locked in a 30-30 game.
As the second half began it was clear that the Hawks came out with a new energy. Sophomore Lateef Johnson came out in the second half an imposed his will on the Cannoneers with 8 straight points from the 19 minute mark to the 16 minute mark to give the Hawks an early boost in the second half. Freshman guard Gabe Canez continued his clutch play, knocking down 2 threes in the second half to go with his early first half three, to give the Hawks a huge boost off the bench.
Jalen Bradberry was clutch in the second for the Hawks, scoring 9 second half points and dishing out 5 assists in the final 20 minutes alone. And Tyruse Boock's hot shooting continued but his rebounding proved to be a key component for the Hawks as well.
As the game winded down, timely plays by a number of Hawks, and clutch rebounding gave the Hawks a 4 point lead with 4 minutes to go. Freshman guard Jalen Bradberry drove down the lane and was fouled, and knocked down 2 free throws to give the Hawks a six point lead.
With two minutes left in the game and Hawks lead, the Cannoneers drove down the lane and looked to cut into the Hawks lead but the ball was poked out by a Hawks defender. Freshman Oliver Rodgers dove across the floor, retreived the ball and called timeout to give the Hawks possession with just 1:30 remaining. Clutch free throws and timely plays by the Hawks ultimately secured the victory for the Hawks.
Tyruse Boock led the way for the Hawks with 21 points and a season high 13 rebounds. Sophomore forward Lateef Johnson added another double double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. And Jalen Bradberry scored 15 points, and dished out 8 assists to lead the Hawks from the point guard position. Gabe Canez scored a season high 10 points, and Oliver Rodgers 6 points and 4 steals for Mohawk Valley. Despite foul trouble, Isaiah Earl was able to make his mark on the game with 6 points, 4 rebounds and a highlight real block.
"Today was a gritty performance by the guys in our locker room. Jefferson is as physical and well coached as any team in our region and we know that this was going to be battle coming in. But our guys were ready to answer the bell and really showed toughness, mentally, emotionally and physically for the entirety of this game. Going into the locker room tied up at 30, we knew we had to do a better job being physical on the glass, and limiting their offensive opportunities in the paint. Coach Vaadi has a talented group, so we were fortunate to make some plays late and find a way to earn the victory and head into the semester 6-2, and now hopefully get our entire group healthy for the second semester. Our goal is to win another conference title this season, and get back to the NJCAA Elite 8 or beyond. If we continue to work, can get everyone healthy/stay healthy and stay connected, I believe we have everything we need to make another deep run." Coach Fuller said after the victory on Sunday.