Hawks Home Opener
Lady Hawks Hope Opener:
"There's no place like home…" Never truer a sentiment than when one starts the 2024-25 basketball season with consecutive road games halfway across the Lone Star State. After a lackluster road trip to open the season, The Lady Hawks returned to Big Spring for their home opener in the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum against Ranger College on Nov. 6th. Those fire-colored seats in the stands certainly lit one under the Hawks as they were not going to let their first home game get away.
There wasn't so much of a fire lit as it was more of a raging inferno. The Hawks came out the gate swinging and never looked back. Howard had the games only points well into the 1st quarter. After what felt like an eternity, Ranger was finally able to get on the board. It was all Howard to open the game as the 1st quarter came to an end with the Hawks leading 22-2. Seven different Hawks either matched or exceeded Rangers score by themselves. Howard held ranger to just 1-9 shooting from the field to open the game. Never ones to be outdone, Ranger put together a much stronger second quarter, but the damage had already been done. The Hawks led at the half 44-20. The second half was no different as Howard would go on to outscore Ranger 35-17 ultimately doubling up Ranger 79-37.
Howard was impressive on both sides of the ball as the Hawks held Ranger to 30.8% from the field, holding them to only two 3-pointers made, and forcing 33 turnovers. Offensively, Howard put together impressive numbers: 40.0% from the field, 34.8% from 3, and 71.4% from the charity stripe. 3 different Hawks scored in double figures with Mackenzie Heeke leading all scorers with 16. Guard Jah'mareah Linville said of the first victory of the year.
"Our team really came together last night and played with heart. We stayed focused, communicated well, and pushed each other to be our best. I'm proud of how we competed, and I know we'll keep building on this performance moving forward."
The Hawks will have the luxury of playing 3 of 4 games at home over the next few weeks. When asked about the first win of the season after starting out on the road, Head Coach Al Davis responded:
"I am very proud of how we came into this week of practice after playing two tough road games over the past weekend. Our defense looked good and we pushed the pace on the offensive end. Everyone who stepped on the floor today played their role & we were able to come out with the victory."
The Lady Hawks will look to keep the momentum going on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Northern Oklahoma College.