Basketball Recap: Make It Three in a Row for Hawthorne

Hawthorne had to skate by with only a two-point margin when they last took the court, which might have inspired the 24-point drubbing they dealt Palm Bay on Saturday. The Hawthorne Hornets ended the year with a bang, routing the Palm Bay Pirates 65-41. The Hornets' victory was nothing new given the team hasn't lost yet this season.

Hawthorne's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Darian Bowie led the charge by putting up eight points along with six boards and six steals. Those six steals gave Bowie a new career-high. Kelvin Baker was another key player, going 5 for 9 on his way to 12 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals.

Hawthorne's record now sits at 3-0. As for Palm Bay, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 4-8.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Hawthorne will have some time to savor their win since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Gainesville at 7:30 p.m. on January 7, 2025. One thing working in Hawthorne's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season. As for Palm Bay, they will face off against Jordan Christian Prep at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Jordan Christian Prep will roll in looking for their fifth straight victory, something Palm Bay surely won't give up without a fight.