Hawks win two straight to remain in playoff hunt

After being drubbed by District 5-3A co-leader Burkburnett two Fridays ago, the Iowa Park Hawk basketball team was faced with a 2-4 conference record and the door to the state playoffs quickly closing.

Coach Tim Clark, knowing that six wins would almost assure a playoff spot, and five wins “...could get us there with a little luck,” initiated “a four-step process” for his Hawks with four conference games remaining.

“We decided we would take it one game at a time and give ourselves a chance,” he noted Wednesday.

Two of those “steps” have been taken, thanks to a 56-18 win over Vernon Friday, and an impressive 42-37 win Tuesday against Decatur.

The Hawks now stand at 4-4 with two games remaining ... Friday night at home against Bridgeport, and Tuesday night at 5-3A co-leader Hirschi.

Decatur, meanwhile, falls to 5-4 in the district, and has Hirschi at home Friday night, then travels to Burkburnett Tuesday.

If the Hawks win one of two, and Decatur loses both games against the conference leaders, the two teams will end regular season tied for third, forcing a one-game playoff for the third spot in the state playoffs.

STEP ONE
The Hawks overwhelmed Vernon at home Friday night from the start, outscoring the Lions 17-9 in the first period, then going on an 18-2 run in the second period to lead 35-11 at intermission.

The Hawks continued their scoring binge in the third period, outscoring Vernon 17-4, adding one point to their lead in the final period 4-3 for the 56-18 win.

“We were really up for the Vernon game, and came out of the gate well,” said Clark. “That was a big win for us. Burk had steamrolled us at their place, so we got to steamroll someone at our place. That was a good feeling. The kids played hard.”

Richard Smoak led all scorers with 12 points, while Lee Clubb added 10, Matt Rodgers nine, eight points each from Jesse Harris and Reid Hayler, seven from Chase Lawson, and two from Cody Harper.

The Hawks were seven-for-nine from the free throw line.

STEP TWO
Tuesday night’s matchup with Decatur had question marks for the Hawks even before the game began, with three players under the weather.

Decatur outscored Iowa Park 8-6 in the first period, and built a 16-7 lead in the second period before the Hawks rallied to close the gap and trail by just one point at intermission, 22-21.

The Hawks controlled the second half, taking the lead early in the third period and, despite the game being tied twice, holding on for the 42-37 win.

“Basically, as a team, we refused to lose,” said Clark of the effort by his Hawks.

“Decatur plays pretty good defense. They have played Hirschi and Burk both close. We knew we would have to play well to beat them here,” said Clark.

“We had some kids that were sick, and not feeling very well, but they played hard and got after it,” he continued. “It was a great team effort. It wasn’t necessarily one or two individuals stepping out. Everybody contributed by playing decent defense.”

Smoak again led Iowa Park with 13 points, including a pair of three-pointers. Lawson hit two three-pointers and ended the game with 10. Hayley added nine, and Clubb six.

The Hawks went 10-for-12 from the free throw line, including five-for-five in the final period.

“Free throws were really huge,” said Clark. “That was a big plus. That is getting in the gym and working on your free throws. We won that game last night because we made free throws and executed down the stretch.

“The kids laid it on the line, and hustled hard. They gave a great effort. That is the difference between winning and losing.”

FROSH, JV
The JV Hawks defeated Vernon Friday 40-35, led by Blake Posey, Corde DeWeese, and Jake Weaver with eight points each.

Tuesday night, the JV Hawks lost to Decatur 39-30, with Josh Biddy leading the Hawks with eight points.
The Frosh Hawks were nipped Friday 35-33 by Vernon, with Tyler Habeck scoring 12, and five each from Brendan Prince and Kenen Wineinger.

Tuesday, The Frosh Hawks lost to Decatur 42-23. Chance Gardner scored six, and Josh Nolen five.