The boys varsity basketball team played Lewis on senior night, squeaking out a win in overtime staying undefeated at 17-0. Trailing for most of the game, Hayfield did not look like their normal selves. Senior night was filled with festivities, remembrance of the past basketball years, and a close win against Springfield’s Lewis. 

Hayfield was trailing when the starters, who sat in the first quarter due to senior night, came into the game at the start of the second quarter. The starters struggled to score due to Lewis’ defensive effort. Lewis kept the game close with timely shooting and a big paint presence. At halftime, Hayfield was losing 32-25. This was their largest, and only, halftime deficit this season. 

Hayfield trailed by ten with 4.04 left in the fourth quarter. They then proceeded to go on 8-0 run fueled by David King(11) and put the game within striking distance. Multiple made layups, missed free throws, and an exchange of words between Hayfield and Lewis, and the game was tied at 62 a piece. Braylon Wheeler(12) dribbled out the ball from 31 seconds down to the last five, took a contested three point jumper, and came up short.  After a half court heave by Lewis, the game went into overtime tied at 62. Wheeler played well with 16 points and seven steals. 

In Overtime, Hayfield spurted out to a lead of five and never looked back from there. Ashton Pratt took over in overtime making tough, contested layups and iced the game with a fast break layup. He ended the game with a high of 25 points. Hayfield ended up winning the game with a final score of 76-65.

This game was not the pinnacle performance we are used to seeing by the hawks, but managing to overcome a close game showed that they could win in an emotional and tough atmosphere. Hayfield will take on the 38th ranked team in the country and fourth ranked team in the state according to MaxPreps’, John Marshall this weekend. That game will take place in Richmond at 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 5th.