The Blackhawks opened the Stratford Christmas Tournament up with a big win versus the Fall River Pirates with a strong 68-54 victory to advance to the Championship game.

In a game that was back and forth during the first half, both teams traded the lead as the Blackhawks continued to stay aggressive the entire game. Winston Poehler came out hot, hitting from behind the arc to give the Blackhawks a boost offensively. Poeher scored the Blackhawks' first six points of the game as the Hawks trailed 7-6 early. A nice post feed from Colin Fritz to Jack Wendler for two, and then a pair of free throws by Wendler gave the Hawks a 10-9 lead. A big three by Dominic Sherwood and a drive and finish by Sam Wells extended the lead to 15-9. Poehler would later hit a three and a pair of free throws to keep the lead. The Blackhawks battled to a 26-23 halftime lead.

The determined Blackhawks came out ready in the second half scoring on 10 of their first 14 possessions of the half. Wendler scored four points inside along with Wells with two drives for hoops. Paczkowski would find Sherwood on a cut for two, and then Sherwood took one coast-to-coast off a defensive rebound. With the score 50-40, the Pirates would try to mount a comeback, but a lay-up by Wells and a steal and finish by Fritz would counter their moves. Fritz would later hit a big three to keep the lead at 59-51. The Blackhawks finished strong at the free throw line, going 6 for 8 in the end. Senior Mathew Wilson also found the bottom of the net from a Carter Lindgren pass to make the final score 68-54.

The Blackhawks finished 17-20 (85%) from the free throw line, along with 14 steals and only five turnovers for the game.

Box Score: Poehler 20 pts, 6 rebs; Sherwood 17 pts, 10 rebs, 2 asts, 3 stls; Wells 10 pts, 6 rebs, 3 asts, 5 stls; Wendler 10 pts, 6 rebs; C. Fritz 5 pts, 2 rebs, 2 asts, 3 stls; Paczkowski 4 pts, 2 stls; Wilson 2 pts; P. Fritz 4 rebs.

Coach's Comments

We came ready and continued to pressure their big lineup, with four players 6’3” and taller, we had to rebound and sink inside. Our post defense and weakside doubles were solid all night. Having only five turnovers all game shows how well we took care of the ball.