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History dictated that Hanover was not supposed to make it this far, especially in light of the fact that Thomas Dale ended their playoff push early last season. 

  There were supposedly more talented and bigger teams in the regional playoffs.  However, this time the Hawks avenged their first round regional loss from last year to make their mark in the 2009 playoffs. 

  First, they defeated Deep Run 51-41 last Monday night in the Central Regional opener.  They followed up that victory the next night as they gained a measure of revenge by defeating the Thomas Dale Knights 71-58 in the regional quarterfinals.  Before the game against Deep Run, Hawks head coach Kevin Brooks explained to his seniors the importance of the legacy they could leave behind.

  “We have six senior and five have played varsity for four years,” Brooks said after Monday’s victory over Deep Run. “They have never won a regional game.  I told them before the game.  You do not want to accept not having won a regional game, because you kids have worked so hard.

  “You deserve it,” he said recalling his pre-game speech to the team.
 
  Only up 28-25 at the half, the Hawks took their coach’s word to heart.  Hanover made halftime adjustments and went man-to-man on defense and they eliminated the open perimeter shots Deep Run’s Emma Newins (13 points, three 3-point goals) got early.  Moreover, the Hawks intensified their approach to the game. 

  Hanover went on a 14-4 run that propelled them to that first regional win they had coveted for so long.  “We all knew we had to buckle down and play harder than they would,” said Longwood-bound Capital District player of the year Chelsea Coward.  “We had to play tough defense and contest their shooters.  We knew Deep Run could shoot.  We have always known that about Deep Run.  Our main goal was to contest shooters, get defensive stops, and get on offense and score right away.”

  On her way to scoring her 1000th career point, Coward paced the Hawks with 23 points, 13 rebounds, six blocks, three steals and one assist.

  Against Thomas Dale, the team that eliminated them last year, the Hawks knew they would have to play even better to advance.  In a game that was supposed to have two district players of the year (Ka’lia Johnson, Central District Player of the year-Chelsea Coward, Capital District), only one would grace the court in the Tuesday night quarterfinal match up. 

  With leading scorer Ka’lia Johnson out due to an illness, the region’s No. 2 ranked team still managed to maintain a 21-15 first period advantage.  Andrea Hobbs (15 points, 6 assists, 4 three-point goals) and Alyss Frye (21 points, 3 three-point goals) paced the Knights and did their best to improve their team’s chance for victory. 

  Hanover however, countered in the second quarter, outscoring Thomas Dale 15-5 to take a 30-26 half time lead.  Except for a quick 3-point shot by Andrea Hobbs early in the third quarter, the Hawks dominated the period.  Senior Kim Browning (18 points, two three-point field goals) led the charge for the Hawks.  Whether it was tipping the ball to cause a steal, diving on the floor to maintain a possession, or scoring points to start a Hanover scoring run, Browning was the catalyst in the third period.  She scored 10 of her 18 points in the period making it hard for the Knights to mount a comeback. 

  “I am really proud of the effort she gave at both ends of the floor,” Brooks said of Browning’s effort.

  Thomas Dale did make a run in the fourth period but the Hawks maintained their composure.  Coward (18 points, 12 rebounds,) and Amanda Woolard (18 points, four three-point goals) complemented Browning’s strong play and allowed Hanover to keep pace, thus stopping any chance for Thomas Dale to retake the lead.

  “Thomas Dale is a really good team,” Brooks said. “One of the things we talked about was not to give up threes.  And they come out and hit a three.  We knew they were going to make a run.  This is only their second loss of the season.  They are a great team.”

After falling in the regional semis to Cosby, senior Chelsea Coward reflected on the accomplishments the Hawks achieved as a team this season and relished the time she spent with her team the last four years. “Nobody thought we were going to make it this far,” Coward said. “We didn’t get past the first round of the regionals last year.  I love my team so much.  They are a great group of girls.  I am going to miss them and the coaches.”