Hawks Win Wright Way

Albany – It’s a good thing the Albany Police did not attend last night’s home opener, good for the Hawks anyway because they would have had no choice but to arrest Point Guard Jay Wright.  Jumpin’ Jay did everything but crawl in the Melbourne Sharks window at midnight and steal their jewelry with 5 steals in 36 minutes to set a new season mark.  “He was taking candy from babies and then giving them a beat down.  Almost cruel to watch” said partner in crime Alex Petkov.  The home crowd had no such compunction as they chanted off each steal, booing when Jay left the game prior to start of the fourth quarter and chanting 6, 6, 6, for most of the fourth.

This game left its mark on the Hawkeye Record books as well with the team posting several new season individual and team marks from team points (162) through to individual offensive rebounds (Elli Skotgladi).  “We have been together for a long time, we understand where people are on the court and what they will do next.  Other teams are still learning each other at this stage of the season and that creates an advantage for us. Our guys did a great job of exploiting this advantage,” said the coach.

The game turned at the 9:42 mark in the first when Oscar Ruiz (SG - 12 pts on 2 for 13) attempted a 3 pointer, Qinglai Huang blocked it (his second block of the period) and as it bounced away Edu Bayon (4 pts) attempted another 3 pointer which was sent back by Elli Skotgladi.  Quikez Lacadena (6 pts on 2 for 20) then threw up a prayer that missed everything.  As Elli Skotgladi recovered the errant shot he was blatantly fouled on a no call. As the Sharks relaxed expecting a call Elli smartly tossed the ball to Humongous George (20 pts, 7 Rebounds) who dumped it off to a streaking Jay Wright for a lay up making it 6 – 1.  At that point Elli exploded for 17 points in the quarter a feat that becomes more impressive when you note that the Melbourne team only scored 12 in the period.  Besides his two blocks in the period Qinglai scored seven and Jay got his first steal.  “We were a step behind all night long” said opposing Public Relations Manager Anucha Browne Sanders. “You getting in the car or not” added Stephon Marbury.  Although were not sure who he was talking to.

Mad Melivmbe Otumbabababawon the Nigerian Bomber opened the 2nd with a three point attempt from just past half court.  He regretted it soon after when Jay Wright threw a pass off the back of his head for a turnover.  The point was made and on the next trip down the court Mel passed the ball to Jay for a short jumper.  Jay (who had 12 points in the second) and Mel (a perfect 3/3 in the period) were defensive terrors in the 2nd.  Jay had 3 steals and Mel 2 blocks as the team held the Sharks to 6 points total in the period.  The game was turning into a laugher, consummate team player Q Huang didn’t attempt a shot in the period despite grabbing 6 boards.  Jack Carter nailed a jumper, Kutur added 5 and Timmy Turdburgle 10.  Concern regarding Turdburgle continues in the Albany locker room as he again left the floor limping after playing only 6:13 in the period.  This marks the second straight game Timmy T. has not gone the distance.  Team trainer Jessica Alba “I massaged all 3 legs last night and  maybe I over did it, he definitely needs rest and I will be rooming with him on the next road game to make sure he gets it”.  Everyone seems willing to take one for the team.

In his first extended Aussie 1 action Jack Carter came alive.  Scoring 14 points in the third “the Knife” carved up the Melbourne defense with a devastating array of shots.  MelO was right behind him with 10 and more stellar defense with 2 steals and a block in the period.  Jay Wright added 9 on 4 for 5 and in what the teams hope is an encouraging sign Timmy Turdburgle returned after spending halftime in the training room with Jessica to pump in 6 on 3 for 3.  Q also had 9 hitting 2 of 3 3point shots as the Hawks scored a devastating 48 points hitting on all cylinders.  Leading 122 to 28 the Hawks rotated everyone for the final quarter.

After watching Jay for 3/4′s Alex Petkov knew exactly what to do, he came in and quickly stole 2 and added a block plus 6 rebounds for a solid 12 minutes.  The Hawks continued to dominate as Cvetelin Kalinski started the period off by feeding Kutur for a jumper and then Humongous George for another.  Sharp Shooter Elli “IceMan” Skotgladi continued his hot hand scoring 13 while George was nearly as effective dropping 11.  Kutur Skyhook is quickly developing into a reliable go to guy late in games and had 9 of his own.  As the Hawks reeled off another 40 points to close the game out at 162 to 41.  The Hawks hit the road for a tough contest against the Cambridge Cangaroos tomorrow night in what should be an interesting match up.  We expect the Cambridge coach will be dialing 911 in advance of Jay Wright’s appearance.

 

The Hawks released their new logo as previously announced and buying was brisk at the Hawk Shop.  New uniforms are hoped to be released before season’s end.