PFLUGERVILLE — The Hendrickson Hawks have achieved a remarkable feat, securing their 13th consecutive victory by narrowly defeating East View 56-53 on March 15, 2024. This win solidifies their position at the top of the District 23-5A standings, with a record of 21 wins and 6 losses, and an undefeated mark of 5-0 in district play.
Hendrickson’s impressive winning streak has been characterized by their resilience and adaptability. The Hawks have not experienced a loss since a tournament game on December 12, 2023, against Almeta Crawford. Coach Kennon Dvorak noted the intensity of their recent games, saying, “It doesn’t seem like 13. It’s kind of been a little bit of a blur, and our guys are starting to understand that when we play people… we’re going to get their best shot.”
The game against East View, which entered the match with a strong record of 19 wins and 6 losses, showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. East View staged a comeback in the second half, overcoming a 29-19 deficit with a remarkable 22-4 run. However, Legend Samuel, who led all scorers with 20 points, played a pivotal role in Hendrickson’s response. His contributions, including two critical three-pointers, sparked a 19-4 run that allowed the Hawks to regain control.
“We weren’t making the extra pass during the second and third quarters,” Samuel commented. “Our coach told us in a timeout that if we swung the ball and made that extra pass, things would get going. And that’s what happened.” The Hawks’ ability to play cohesively has been a defining characteristic of their season.
Despite their previous struggles during a rebuilding season last year, Hendrickson has emerged as one of the top teams in the Austin area. The Hawks’ starting lineup features guards DJ Hardge, Ryan Longoria, Skyler Elliott, Tristan Thomas, and Legend Samuel, with Thomas as the only senior. This combination has allowed the team to employ an effective full-court press, which proved challenging for East View during critical moments of the game.
Thomas expressed the motivation driving the team, stating, “This whole year, we’ve felt like we’ve had a chip on our shoulder and that we’re trying to prove everybody wrong.” This mentality, combined with their long-standing chemistry dating back to childhood, has contributed significantly to their success: “We have chemistry that just clicks. The whole team has been playing together since we were 5 or 6 years old. We’re all brothers,” Samuel added.
East View also demonstrated resilience, with Cayden Hinderman-Close contributing 17 points and Isaiah Villegas adding 13 points. Despite losing four starters from last year’s team, which won 27 games, East View has exceeded expectations this season.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will face Elgin in their next game as they continue to navigate the challenging landscape of district competition. Coach Dvorak acknowledged the increasing difficulty of maintaining their winning streak, emphasizing the importance of accountability among players. “Our guys push each other and hold each other accountable, and I think that’s rare in teenagers,” he remarked.
As Hendrickson gears up for the remainder of the season, their remarkable journey thus far serves as a testament to their hard work and determination. The combination of talent, teamwork, and a strong competitive spirit suggests that the Hawks are well-positioned for continued success.
