The South Hamilton Hawks basketball teams returned to action on Friday night, as they made the trip into the Des Moines metro to take on the Saydel Eagles in their Heart of Iowa Conference opener at Saydel High School. The Hawk girls entered at 2-1, while the Hawk boys entered at 2-0.
South Hamilton’s girls would get off to a slow start on Friday, leading only 8-5 after the first quarter. However, the Hawks saw shots begin to fall in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Eagles 22-6 in the frame to take a 30-11 halftime lead. The Hawks defense would then suffocate the Eagles in the 2nd half, forcing 42 turnovers in the game, to capture a 54-15 win. Makena Galetich was the KQWC Player of the Game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, while Tanna Thompson added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Paige Rummans led Saydel with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The South Hamilton boys followed looking to start off conference play on the right foot as the Hawks started the night with a slight 11-7 advantage after the 1st, before extending that lead to 25-16 at halftime, as fouls and turnovers slowed the Hawks in the 1st half. The 2nd half saw the South Hamilton offense come to life behind the play of Ty Koehnk and Ryland Ubben, as the Hawks led 45-26 after the 3rd quarter. Saydel would make a big push in the 4th quarter for a comeback, but Ty Koehnk free throws and defensive plays helped the Hawks seal a 63-54 win. Koehnk was the KQWC Player of the Game with 25 points, while Ryland Ubben finshed with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.
South Hamilton basketball returns to action on Tuesday, when they host Greene County at South Hamilton High School in Jewell at 6 PM.