Generals out of regionals after home loss on Saturday

(Daniel Owens drives to the hoop and scores two of his six against the Hawks on Saturday).

(Anquan McLean Jr. led Herkimer with 11 points against the Hawks on Saturday at home).

(Tyquan Scott was the Generals second leading scoring in the game, finishing with 10 points).

HERKIMER, NY – Losing their first game of the season at home on Saturday (2/27), this time in a Region III semifinal game, the #1 Herkimer Generals men's basketball season ended at the hands of #4 Mohawk Valley, losing to the Hawks in regulation 54-49.

Herkimer (25-4) had beaten Mohawk Valley the past three seasons in the regional tournament, actually knocking out the Hawks one year ago at Finger Lakes Community College in the championship game. That day Herkimer shot over 40 percent from the field en route to their third consecutive Region III Championship. Saturday in the varsity gym was a different story however as the Generals shot 33 percent from the field (21-for-63), 14 percent from three-point land (4-for-28) and 50 percent from the charity stripe (3-for-6).

As a result, the team only led a few times in the game, going back-and-forth with the Hawks to the tune of 14 lead changes and seven ties. It didn't get beyond a one possession game until Mohawk Valley went on an 8-0 run in the span of seven minutes to lead 43-35 with 8:05 left in regulation. Tyquan Scott (Long Beach, NY) broke the drought with a field goal, but the Hawks pushed it to a double digits lead (48-37) within the next couple possessions, forcing Herkimer to go man-to-man with time running out.

Herkimer managed to get within four points of a tie twice after a Tru Garland (Bronx, NY) three and Justin Harley (Central Islip, NY) offensive rebound and put-back, but was unable to get any closer with Mohawk Valley answering late to keep the comeback at bay.

With the win, the Hawks advance to the Region III Championship game. It will be played at Herkimer College at 1 p.m. on Sunday (2/28). The #4 Hawks will face #3 Jefferson Community College. The Cannoneers defeated #7 North Country 85-82 in regulation on Saturday to advance.

Score:

#4 Mohawk Valley Hawks 54, #1 Herkimer Generals 49

Halftime:

Herkimer 28-27 Mohawk Valley

HAWKS (20-9) Kyron Allen 17, Janeel Frith 15, Devonte Wilson 13, Aaron Tennant 3, Creig Goldson 2, Ronnie Williams 2, Trevis Wigfall 2. Totals: 25-11-54

GENERALS (25-4) Anquan McLean Jr. 11, Tyquan Scott 10, Patrick Dorrian 8, Justin Harley 6, Daniel Owens 6, Tru Garland 3, Matthew Dallas 3, Todd Spottswood 2. Totals: 25-3-49

3-Point Goals: Hawks 7 (Allen 5, Tennant 1, Wilson 1), Generals 4 (Dorrian 2, Garland 1, Dallas 1) 

Next Game: 2/28 Mohawk Valley at Herkimer College for Region 3 Championship game 1 p.m.

-Giorgio Varlaro