Hawks plan to keep up their momentum
The key is the speed of the game. After scoring 100 points in its last regular season game, Pleasant Grove looks to keep the momentum going as it faces Wills Point in a Class 4A bi-district boys basketball playoff game today at 7 p.m. at Mount Vernon’s Tiger Gym.
“Wills Point will try to slow it
down, so we’ll try to speed the pace up,” Hawk head coach Billy Brewer said. “We just need to play like we have in our last five games.”
Pleasant Grove has consistently played at a high tempo throughout the year despite occasional slow starts.
Senior Connor Ouellette, the leading scorer for the Hawks this season, starts at guard. Ouellette is also a good rebounder, passer, and defender.
Cory Jones, the other starting senior guard, is quick off the dribble and excels defensively.
Other starters are senior forward Cameron Edwards, senior guard Stephen Austin, junior guard Aaron Harmon, and junior forward Xavier Benson.
Any of Pleasant Grove’s 12 players are capable of hitting double figures in the scoring department.
“We need to play with a lot of energy,” Brewer said. “We have experience in the playoffs and a lot of good guys coming off the bench. We won’t overlook any team. Everything in practice is looking good. The kids just need to keep their focus and intensity.”
Senior forward Jackson Pace, junior guard Luke Harmon, senior forward Zach Carpenter and junior point guard Griffin Young have contributed to the Hawks’ success. Also coming off the bench are sophomore forward Garrett Young and freshman guard Ben Harmon.
Pleasant Grove was the runner-up in District 14-4A to
Paris and is 20-9. Wills Point placed third in District 13-4A and is 12-16.
“Wills Point has a fundamental team, and they play good ball,” Brewer said. “They have a good post and a couple of good guards; they handle the ball well.”
The winner plays either District 15-4A champion
Gilmer or fourth-place District 16-4A Tatum in the area round later this week.