Hermon Hawks Shock Cony Rams, Stay Top of Class B North Standings

UPDATE: The Hermon Hawks have secured their position at the top of the Class B North standings with a stunning 60-47 victory over the high-flying Cony Rams on January 23, 2024. This pivotal win keeps Hermon at 8-1 for the season, while the Rams drop to 7-2.

This match showcased Hermon’s exceptional defensive strategy against a team that had been averaging over 70 points per game. Cony, known for its explosive offense, struggled to find its rhythm against the Hawks’ methodical pace and strong defense. Coach Mark Reed praised his team for their toughness, stating, “We just really worked hard, made it hard on that side of the floor.”

The game began tightly, with a 10-10 tie at the end of the first quarter. Hermon managed to edge ahead, leading 21-18 at halftime. The Hawks maintained their composure throughout the game, with standout performances from guard Carter Wiggin, who scored 23 points, and Mason Kinney, contributing 12 points.

Cony head coach Isaiah Brathwaite acknowledged the Hawks’ control of the game, noting, “They sucked the air out of the ball on offense.” The Rams, who had previously scored in the 90s in three games this season, were held to their lowest score yet, a testament to Hermon’s defensive prowess.

As the game progressed, Hermon extended its lead, with a pivotal stretch that saw them go up by as much as 15 points. Reed credited his players for their execution: “All the credit to the kids. I just got to have a really good seat and watch it all.”

Looking ahead, both teams will need to regroup as the season continues. Brathwaite emphasized the importance of learning from this experience and expects Cony to rebound with an exciting brand of basketball. The race for the top in Class B North is heating up, and fans can anticipate more intense matchups as the season unfolds.

Stay tuned for the latest developments in high school basketball as teams vie for top positions in their respective divisions.