The first practice of the season felt different even before a ball bounced on the court

That single banner in the gym was old, slightly faded giving motivation that there hasn’t been one in a past decade. For years, though, the team had hovered in the middle of the standings good enough to compete, not good enough to be remembered. That was about to change. From the first day of conditioning, the players carried themselves with a quiet edge. Seniors who had spent three seasons watching other teams celebrate were done clapping for someone else. Underclassmen who had grown up in the stands wanted their turn beneath the lights. The message was simple this year would not be ordinary but a statement. By opening night, the chemistry was visible but it hadn’t clicked. The team was under-powered considering key players were injured and also involved in the Hawkins football playoffs with that group advancing to the championship game. That first squad at the beginning of the season held up a record of  4-5 holding up a 4.66 win percentage for the first half. The wins were statements players began preparing differently, studying film longer, knowing this team wasn’t the same as the  past season .The turning point came in at the beginning of January in the Marquez New Years Invitational tournament. The hawks went across the city in East LA at Torres High school for three days dominating every team in the tournament going on to win it on the 4th day finishing at a perfect 4-0 tournament record the hawks came with one mindset during those games “WAR” every game the hawks were consistent with big threes, hard fouls, diving saves and pro level dunks putting fear into every opponent next up in line. The rest of the regular season unfolded with confidence. They defended with intensity, forcing turnovers and turning them into fast-break points. On offense, they shared the ball selflessly with assists piling up, egos disappearing and role players embracing their jobs. Even the starters trusted the bench like a child trusting their parents. By the time the final regular season game ended  the scoreboard told a story only a few could predict. An 18–8 season wasn’t just impressive, it was motivating. It earned them a high seed in the playoffs, specifically the 8th seed and home-court advantage for the second round while earning a first round bye. But more than that, it brought attention. The second round was a statement blowout game against the 9th seed Mendez high school ending with a 73-18 score. The Hawks now have to hit the road and face the number one seed east valley high school in the Quarterfinals. They faced a team known for its physicality. The game turned into elbows in the paint, bodies diving on loose balls. But they stayed composed. Their defense suffocated shooters. Their bench erupted with every big play. Key players like Ra’von Armstrong going 5 for 7 making big time threes when needed and star guard Desmaj Murphy dropping a problematic 30 points disrupting east valley’s entire gameplan. When the final horn blew, they had punched their ticket to the semifinals winning the game 76-67. The “WAR BOYZZ” had knocked down the first seed fighting against all the controversy. But as the 8th seed their back on the road. The semifinal game was held at San Fernando high school. The lights were bright, the band was loud, the stands were shaking, the Hawks were ready. Both teams came out stronger than film could show. By halftime the hawks were down by 29 points but didn’t let the lead get to them. By the end of the third quarter the hawks were down by 10 points but key players fouled out. During the beginning of the 4th nothing went the hawks way ending the game with a 85-68 score. Silence washed over their section before applause slowly rose first from parents then fans of the hawks. They had fallen just short of the championship game, but they had earned something meaningful. Respect.

The Hawks ended their year with an 18–8 season. Marquez New Years Invitational Tournament champions. A playoffs semifinal run & over 7 college coaches & AAU teams reached out about Hawkins basketball players in just one year. they didn’t just win games they changed the identity of the program. The beginning of a legacy, dynasty and unforgettable memories. 

“WARBOYZZ”