Nicki Kupchan
Stephen’s & St. Agnes, and Hayfield matched up on Day 4 of the Capitol Hoops Summer League, featuring two Virginia schools heading into the summer with different goals. The Saints were coming off an underwhelming 11-16 record and looked to turn the page during the summer league. The Hayfield Hawks entered after an impressive 18-9 season, going 14-1 in conference play, and want to build off the momentum they gained last season.
Starting the game, Hayfield guard Chase Jackson came out firing from beyond the arc, knocking down three threes to put Hayfield up 10-5.
However, at the 7-minute mark, Saints 6’8” forward Pinto Nic responded to Hayfield’s hot start with a bucket that brought the Saints within three points.
Both offenses were on fire, with Hayfield’s Chase Jackson knocking down his fourth three while the Saints got heavy contributions from Adam Richmond and Terrel King.
With four minutes to go, the Saints had a scare when starting guard Khing Terrell went down with an injury.
But the injury did not halt the Saints’ momentum, as Jake Shumer hit a three-pointer to tie the game with three minutes left.
At halftime, Stephen’s & St. Agnes led 29-28. Both teams carried momentum into the second half, with the Hawks thriving off their 10 offensive rebounds and the Saints regaining guard Khing Terrell.
Starting the second half, the Saints came out hot offensively, with Kenny Robinson hitting a clutch three to put Stephen’s & St. Agnes up by four. The Saints later improved their lead to nine by getting to the foul line frequently, shooting 7/8 in the second half.
As the 8-minute mark hit, Hayfield’s hot start from three dissipated, going 0/7 from deep in the half. The Saints capitalized on Hayfield’s lack of momentum, expanding their lead to seven.
Trying to save the Hawks, Christian Towe hit some clutch shots to tie the game at 43-43.
With two minutes left, Khing Terrell hit a tough and-one layup to put the Saints up by six. But Hayfield’s defense stayed strong and forced turnovers, cutting the deficit to only three with one minute left.
With 10 seconds remaining, Christian Towe knocked down one free throw to put the Hawks down by one.
The Hawks then intentionally fouled Kenny Robinson, who knocked down both free throws to extend the Saints’ lead to three with 2.6 seconds left.
Stephen’s & St. Agnes closed out the game 57-55, with Khing Terrell coming up big for the Saints with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Hayfield’s inconsistent shooting, going 2/14 from three in the second half, is an area they will have to improve if they want to beat good teams.
Hayfield will look to bounce back against Virginia Academy on May 31st, while Stephen’s & St. Agnes aims to extend its winning streak against C.G. Woodson on May 31st.