Elite 8 for Senior Red Hawks at 52-team Jaguar Classic

The Senior Boys participated in the St.Joseph's Jaguar Classic Tournament and came out with an amazing result. The Jaguars Classic consisted of 13 pools of 4 teams competing over 4 days of competition at four Ottawa high schools.

In the tournament opener on Wednesday night (Jan.7) , the Hawks would take on St.Paul's on their turf. The Red Hawks and Panthers would trade baskets all game long in an offensive and entertaining affair. The Hawks earned a tough 67-65 win. Some timely 3-point shooting from Curtis Onion (15 points) helped SF earn the victory.

On Friday, the Red Hawks would earn separate 10-point victories over Aurora (Toronto) and Glebe (Ottawa). Both games were impressive team wins with the whole squad contributing . Brendan Judd and Vince Dufort were awarded with game MVP's.

After securing 1st place in their pool, the Hawks earned a play-off game Friday night against St.Joseph's (Cornwall). The Hawks were seeded 12th in the playoff round based on their point differential scores from pool play. St.Joe's was seeded 4th. St.Joe's was a top contender at last year's OFSAA Championship.

After playing 4 tough games already in less that 3 days, the weary Hawks would prove they were up to the challenge. The Hawks would take an early lead and frustrate their confident opponents with their smothering defence. Vince Dufort would continue his solid tournament play scoring it seemed from everywhere on the court. Brendan Judd was a difference maker with some big hoops on the fast break and drives to the basket. Sean McEwen did a great job of neutralizing their star post player in the key.

The Hawks maintained a 4 point lead through most of the second half until some silly mistakes would allow St.Joe's to gain the lead for the first time in the game. After trading baskets for the final minutes, a final possession in the dying seconds would see Dufort challenge the basket and get fouled. After an incredible performance from Dufort, an opportunity to seal the game would make the perfect ending to a great and emotional game. It was not to be as Vince would miss both free throws.

It would take 2 overtime periods to put an end to this legendary game. With 2 minutes to go in the 2nd overtime period, Vince would foul out of the game. Dischaine Thompson would come in and lead his team to victory with some stellar play. Down 2 points and looking bleek for the Hawks, Dish would get the ball to Brandon Wilkinson who would calmly drill a 3-pointer to put the Hawks ahead. BW would seal the game with 2 free throws.

By winning this game, the Hawks would qualify for the Elite 8 to be played on Saturday. With 52 teams starting the tournament and down to a final 8 - the Red Hawks proud of their great accomplishment were worn out physically and emotionally.

The Red Hawks would take on the number 2 seed Chippewa (North Bay) - a strong OFSAA contender on Saturday morning. With little in the tank, the Hawks would go down in deafeat. The Hawks got cold from the outside. Chippewa would go on to win the tournament.