First-Quarter Spark Ignites Hamilton’s Biggest Blowout

First-Quarter Spark Ignites Hamilton’s Biggest Blowout

When the ball left Damen Sabalas’ fingertips, there were two seconds left on the clock, and he was a step behind the arc.

The Sophomore point guard caught the pass, shot ready, and launched a deep shot as the buzzer sounded to conclude the first quarter. With the ball passing cleanly through the rim and erupting the student section into an uproar, giving the Hawkeyes a 23-13 lead to end the first quarter of play in what was sure to be an exciting game.

“It got momentum going strong, and everyone was fired up”, Damen said.
The shot did more than just add three points. It boosted the energy of the entire team and the Hamilton crowd.

Hamilton rode that momentum into the second quarter, keeping the momentum high, forcing turnovers, and making lead-boosting shots. Creating the most dominant quarter the boys have had all season. Locking down the Dux and outscoring them 27-6.

What began as an uncertain lead quickly snowballed into the Hawkeyes’ most lopsided win of the season, a 39-point statement victory.

Teammate Andrew Plockmeyer had this to say about Damen’s waning second shot: “I think the 3-point buzzer beater created a burst of energy for the whole team, which turned into a large scoring second quarter and great intensity throughout the whole game.”

For Sabala, it was just one bucket in the final score. For Hamilton’s Varsity team, it was the spark that lit their biggest win of the season.