UPDATE: The Hermon Hawks have solidified their position at the top of Class B North with a decisive 60-47 victory over the high-scoring Cony Rams on January 23, 2024. This win keeps the Hawks firmly in first place as they improve to 8-1 this season.
The game, held in Hermon, was a showdown between two of the league’s top teams. The Hawks faced off against a Cony team that was averaging over 70 points per game and had only lost once prior in a high-scoring matchup. However, Hermon’s defense proved too formidable for the Rams, who struggled to find their rhythm.
Hermon’s coach, Mark Reed, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance. “I’m really proud of my kids and the toughness they played with tonight,” he stated post-game. The Hawks executed a methodical offensive strategy that effectively controlled the game’s tempo, limiting Cony’s fast-paced transition game.
Cony head coach Isaiah Brathwaite acknowledged Hermon’s game plan, saying, “They sucked the air out of the ball on offense.” He highlighted the Hawks’ ability to take their time, resulting in longer possessions that disrupted Cony’s momentum.
Star players emerged during the match, with Hermon’s Carter Wiggin leading all scorers with 23 points. Senior Mason Kinney contributed an additional 12 points, showcasing the Hawks’ well-rounded offensive performance. For Cony, freshman Carter Brathwaite led the way with 16 points, while senior Parker Morin added 12 points.
The game began with both teams evenly matched, tied at 10-10 after the first quarter. Hermon took a slight lead into halftime at 21-18. The Hawks then surged ahead, with Kinney starting the third quarter strong, and the team maintaining their lead through the final minutes.
The victory marks a significant moment for Hermon, with Coach Reed humbly stating, “All the credit to the kids. I just got to have a really good seat and watch it all.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Hawks to see if they can maintain their lead and fend off the competition in Class B North. Cony, currently at 7-2 and sitting fourth in the standings, will look to learn from this experience and regain their footing in upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the season unfolds.
