Harlow Hawks vs Michaelians – Division 1 (19.10.25)
Final Score: Harlow Hawks 56 – 61 Michaelians

THE first Full Hall Game of the season saw Harlow Hawks take to the court in front of a
modest home crowd of over 100 supporters at Harlow Leisurezone. The atmosphere was
electric, and the energy carried onto the floor as the Hawks looked to make a statement
early in the season.

The Hawks started strong, with guard M. Niaz opening the scoring with a confident
mid-range jumper. A pair of inside baskets from G. Migliori and a composed finish from P.
Simecek helped the hosts take an early 6–3 lead midway through the first quarter. However,
a lapse in concentration on the offensive end allowed the visitors to capitalise, closing the
quarter on a 10-4 run to lead 13–10 into the first break.

The second quarter continued in similar fashion, physical and scrappy at both ends. Rookie
R. White opened the scoring with a strong drive and finish through contact. Point guard P.
Caleb added four points on the break, either side of a smooth reverse layup from newcomer
G. Paulauskas. The Hawks’ momentum grew with a strong inside finish from rookie big man
A. Riley, followed by back-to-back deep shots from captain L. Morris to push the home side
ahead. But a few costly turnovers allowed Michaelians to claw back before the half, leaving
Harlow narrowly behind 30–26.

The third quarter proved the toughest stretch for the Hawks, who struggled to break down
the visitors’ full court press and well-organised zone defence. Despite a couple of inside
scores from G. Migliori and a three-pointer from player-coach S. Niaz, the period was
dominated by Michaelians’ sharpshooter #13, who caught fire for 15 straight points to push
their lead to double digits, 48–36.

Down 12 to start the fourth, the Hawks showed true grit. With the crowd behind them, they
dug in defensively and chipped away possession by possession. Migliori led by example,
powering his way to 11 points in the quarter as Harlow fought back. With two minutes to play,
the gap was down to just four points. With both teams fighting exhaustion the fouls began to
stack up and the visitors capitalised, knocking down 5 of 8 from the line. After a clutch
three-pointer from Morris in the final seconds, a last ditch attempt to end with a victory was
halted by another pair of free throws for the sharpshooter #13. Splitting the pair, Michaelians
held their nerve to close the game out and escape with a 61–56 win.

It may have ended in defeat, but this was a spirited showing from the Hawks, full of heart,
hustle, and promise for what’s to come this season.

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