The 4th grade boys AAU basketball team, Phoenix of Darien, notched their second win of the season on Saturday, May 25th at John Jay High School in Cross River, NY against the Hudson Valley Wolves by a score of 27-25.
Either team could have been the victor in the final minute, but the firebirds stayed true to their mantra: "Phoenix always wins the close ones."
Phoenix's full court press, tenacious man-to-man defense and relentless fast break proved too much for the Wolves as fatigue from the non-stop pressure took a toll on the team from the Valley in the waning moments of the game.
The well-conditioned Phoenix team forced the Wolves to commit several turnovers which resulted in easy field goals.
Phoenix fell behind early by six points, but rallied back to take a one point lead at the half on a two point buzzer beater by Logan Troeger. Troeger finished with two points and led his team with seven rebounds.
Ben Secor was excellent on both ends of the court. He led Phoenix in scoring with seven points, including a baseline three. He added five rebounds, four steals and a blocked shot.
Evan DeVita was awesome on the defensive boards and blocked a shot.
Ryan Howard scored four points along with four rebounds, two blocked shots and two steals.
John Hearle scored a field goal and had two assists and three steals.
Harrison Stockdale added a key field goal late in the game along with two assists and a steal.
Sam Hadlow put up two field goals and led his team in offensive rebounding department with four.
Teddy Christensen buried two field goals and forced several turnovers as he executed the press perfectly.
Zarek Swetye got into foul trouble early, but it was worth the risk as three of his fouls prevented easy layups and the Wolves did not convert the free throws.
Hudson Hearle, the younger half of the dynamic Hearle duo, made his AAU debut and was integral to the success of his team. He committed no fouls or turnovers and kept the defensive pressure on the Wolves with his perfect play on the press and fast break.
Teddy Brennan earned the defensive player of the game award. He picked up two defensive rebounds and had two steals, but it was his hustle on the press that forced the Wolves to commit many of their turnovers.
