Hawks History: boys varsity basketball team competes in City Championship for the first time
This is a special feature that both reports on the boys varsity basketball team's championship final and collects various pieces of coverage of the team's season all in one place, including photos, livestreams, and other articles.
On March 14, the boys varsity basketball team finished a historic season competing in the PSAL City Championship game. Though the team came up short with a tough 60-49 loss against Seward Park Campus, the matchup represented a milestone for the team. After a 14-0 undefeated regular season, the team became the first in Hawks boys basketball history to compete in a City Championship final.
Before the game started, Coach Abid Choudhury, who is also the assistant principal of STEM, praised the team’s growth, saying that while they had great chemistry off the court, their play on the court grew “by leaps and bounds” this season. He said that the team was looking to “cement its identity as a hard nosed, tough team."
Senior Christian Corcuera, a key player for the Hawks, said that the group came to game day prepared for a challenge. “Everyone is focused and ready to play,” he said.
That confidence was embedded through the earlier rounds, as the team racked up wins. In the quarter final against Frederick Douglass Academy the boys played a closely contested game, with both teams scoring throughout. The Hawks managed to achieve victory by just 2 points, winning 49-47 and securing their way forward to the semifinals.
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Shaw Williams
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Shaw Williams
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
That momentum from the quarterfinal victory was immediately tested as the Hawks faced Benjamin Banneker Academy in the semifinals. The game started slow, with Townsend Harris trailing 14-7 after a deep three-pointer from Banneker at the end of the first quarter, but the Hawks focused in during the quarter two. They narrowed the score to 27-21 by halftime. The Hawks leaned on their speed in the second half, using a fast paced transition game to make crucial layups and fight back for a 36-38 score by the end of the third. The final minute was intense when Banneker tied the game at 51-51 with a late steal, but with only ten seconds remaining, Christian drove through the paint for a clutch layup, sealing a 53-51 victory and advancing the team to the final round.
After powering through the earlier rounds with precision, the Hawks entered the championship game against Seward Park High School, facing their toughest test of the season. From the opening tip-off, the game was a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading baskets and neither side able to gain a comfortable lead. Seward Park consistently limited the Hawks’ opportunities to pull away, maintaining high pressure throughout the game. Though the third quarter ended with the Hawks up 39-37, but in the fourth quarter, Seward Park began to pull away and eventually achieved a 60-49 victory.
Despite the loss, the Hawk’s historic run to the finals cemented their place in Townsend Harris athletics history. In an Instagram post after the game, Coach Choudhury wrote, "Our season ended one game short of what we hoped for, but it was an incredible journey. Few expected this run, but this team believed every step of the way."
Playoff Recap
Round 0
BYE
No opponent
Coach Choudhury's Message
As the season came to a close, Coach Choudhury posted the below message to the boys varsity basketball team's Instagram page. It is reprinted in full below with Mr. Choudhury's permission.
Thank you to everyone who supported us through this magical playoff run. Our season ended one game short of what we hoped for, but it was an incredible journey. Few expected this run, but this team believed every step of the way. Hats off to our opponents for a hard-fought game and a championship performance.
A special thank you to our nine seniors for their leadership, toughness, and commitment to this program. You helped set the standard for what this team represents, and the players who follow now have a blueprint to build on.
Your impact in this program will last for years to come.
I am proud of what this group accomplished on the court, and even prouder of the culture we have built over the past two years.
Thank you as well to our student managers and volunteer assistants who supported this team every step of the way.
Win as a family. Lose as a family. Grow as a family.
To my team: this season was special, and you will always have a special place in my heart. I will always be in your corner.
"I am proud of what this group accomplished on the court, and even prouder of the culture we have built over the past two years."
The Classic
thhsclassic.com
Built with Shorthand