The EF Hawks pulled off a masterclass of teamwork and strategy on December 3 in their home game, beating the Pilgrim Panthers 52-46 through an impressive comeback.
The Pilgrim Panthers nearly dominated the first quarter, attacking and causing EF to be unfocused and somewhat mentally drained. Between missing shots and miscommunications on defense, the EF Hawks became increasingly frustrated. At one point, the ball even got stuck between the rim and backboard, reflecting the mentality of the team.
Coach Roy Garay Velazco said he expected a challenge from the start.
“I knew before the game it was going to be really competitive. They’re a talented and skillful team, so I expected a lot of back-and-fourth,” Velazco said. “When they took off early in the first quarter, I told the boys, ‘Hey, we’ve got to dig in.’ Our heart and dedication had to pull us through.”
Everything changed in the second quarter, after Velazco adjusted the lineup. The team locked in mentally, improved their pace, and communicated more on defense, thus matching the intensity of Pilgrim. Two three-pointers from Takumi “Taku” Mikihara and Aron Hyun closed the gap and brought up the mood of the team quickly.
“The second quarter was definitely the key moment,” said Velazco, “Once they matched the other team’s intensity, everything changed.”
Hyun said the team’s biggest challenge was mentality. “At the start, we weren’t locked in, and it felt like we were slipping, but once we settled down and communicated, we started scoring when it mattered,” he said.
Mikihara added that everything changed afterward, “everyone started talking and hustling from defense.”
The Hawks started getting consistent plays. By executing a coordinated defense, having confidence, getting minimal fouls, and staying composed throughout the remainder of the game, EF was able to win with a lead of 6 points. This comeback demonstrated their growth in one game.
With a win from communication, energy, and trust, the Hawks hope to carry this momentum into the rest of the season, getting consistent and great results.
