The Hawkins Hawks began the district season 2-1 but find themselves tied for third place with the Gary Bobcats in District 16-2A after losses to the Big Sandy Wildcats and the Union Grove Lions last week.

The Hawks traveled to Big Sandy last Tuesday and were in for a rude awakening. The Wildcats got huge games from Josiah Johnson and Joshua Shipman. Johnson scored a game-high 33 points with seven rebounds and 10 assists. Shipman had 26 points, four rebounds and three steals.

Big Sandy jumped out to a 26-18 lead after the first period and continued to pour it on the Hawks with a 21-11 second period resulting in a 47-28 lead at halftime. Big Sandy extended their lead to 30 points after three periods. Hawkins outscored Big Sandy in the final frame but it was too late for the Hawks and fell to the Wildcats by 28 points.

Tristian Garrett led the way for Hawkins with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Garrett made three three-pointers in the game. Camron Taylor joined Garrett in double figures with 12 points, three rebounds and five assists.

Rounding out the scoring for Hawkins were Akim Richmond with nine points, four rebounds, a steal and an assist, Everin Gipson with seven points, five rebounds, two steals and an assist, Jeffery Perkins with six points, seven rebounds and an assist, Caleb Pair with five points and four rebounds and Tyler Willard with two points and a rebound.

Hawkins lost a close 63-59 contest against Union Grove Friday. The Hawks trailed by two points after the first period but a 17-13 run in the second period put Hawkins up by two points at halftime.

Unfortunately the Hawks were unable to keep the momentum going in the third period as Big Sandy outscored Hawkins 23-13 before heading into the final period. Down by eight points entering the fourth period, the Hawks put together a strong rally but came up four points shy in the end 63-59.

Taylor led the way for the Hawks with 21 points and Garrett collected 20 points thanks to four made three-pointers. Rounding out the scoring for Hawkins were Pair with six points, Richmond with five points, Perkins with four points and Mark Pope with three points.

The Hawks (12-11, 2-3) look to get back into the win column after three straight losses. Hawkins hits the road this week against Overton, Tuesday after Monitor press time, and Carlisle this Friday. The Hawks defeated both squads by double-figures earlier in the district season and can clinch at least a fourth-place finish in district and a playoff spot with wins this week.