Archbishop Hannan trims Holy Rosary

By Mike Pervel
St. Tammany News

Archbishop Hannan sophomore Mike Hess came through with a double-double scoring 16 points with 12 rebounds Tuesday to help carry the Hawks to a 39-38 non-district home victory over the Holy Rosary School Bulldogs. Hess was also one of the heroes for the Hawks as he delivered the game-winning shot assisted by Wesley Harwell with just 10 seconds left as he scored on a nice move to the hoop and was fouled.
Hess, a 6-4 shooting guard, who is averaging 12.7 points per game, talked about the game-winning play.
“We ran the play called zone,” Hess said.
“Wesley Harwell was on the baseline in the corner and he made a pass to me on the right wing. I saw an opening in the lane and just drove to the basket. I made the lay up and was fouled. I used my body to hold off the defender. I made a finesse finger roll and it fell in,” Hess added.
Hess said it was a big team victory.
“We played great team defense. We executed our plays and things worked out for us. There is always room for improvement, but I like the way the team is coming together,” Hess said.
With the Hawks leading by one following the Hess basket, he missed the free throw and Holy Rosary called time out. The Bulldogs attempted to roll the ball up court to save some time, but Hawks’ junior point guard Brandon Keim alertly attacked the ball deflecting it away. With the clock winding down, Holy Rosary was unable to pass mid court and didn’t get off a shot in the final seconds. Keim contributed three points, four assists and four steals to go with his key defensive play on Holy Rosary’s final possession.
Doug Hartigan tallied nine points, five rebounds, four steals and two blocks for the Hawks, while Harwell finished with six points and seven rebounds.
Stuart Seiler had three points with three rebounds and two steals.
Archbishop Hannan fought back from a 9-5 first quarter deficit and outscored Holy Rosary 18-4 in the second period to take a 23-13 halftime lead.
Hannan first-year coach Donnie Midkiff said he was proud of the way his players hung in there.
“We were able to build a lead early in the first half before Holy Rosary fought back. They actually took the lead 38-37 with 40 seconds to go,” Midkiff said.
Hannan called a timeout following the Holy Rosary basket to set up a play. “We drew up a play for Mike (Hess). We wanted him to get into the lane for a high percentage shot. He was able to hit the winning basket, while being fouled with just 10 seconds left,” Midkiff added.
“The players showed a lot of character after being in front and giving up the lead. The victory can be a big momentum builder for us as we get ready to head into district,” Midkiff said.
The Hawks open District 6-1A play Friday hosting the Southern Lab Kittens.