June 3, 2008

With high hopes and expectations, Coach Dwayne Mitchell’s New York Gauchos went into the Metropolitan AAU championship game with a point to prove.That point was heard, seen and delivered with an impressive 94-55 victory over the Westchester Hawks last Wednesday May 28th.

The Gauchos came out running and gunning to an early first half lead with points off full court pressure and fast break buckets. Early turnovers by the Hawks gave the Gauchos an early advantage and fueling the fire and set a tone for the game early on. Not to be out done, Coach Phil Diasparra’s crew stayed hungry with hustle points led by a Greg DeSantis three pointer halfway into the half to keep the Gauchos lead small.

Responding to the challenge, the Gauchos turned up the heat on their opponents and unleashed an onslaught of points. Shane Southwell and James Stukes of the Gauchos led a 17-3 run giving them a commanding lead going into the half. After the halftime horn sounded the Hawks found themselves facing a 21-42 deficit to start to 2nd half.

Jon Calarco led the Hawks at the half with 7 points while Trevon Hamlet and Sean Johnson chipped in 8 a piece for the Gauchos.

Refusing to go quietly into the night, the Hawks drew first blood in the 2nd half opening with a 7-2 run to rattle the leading Gauchos. Turning up the heat once again, the Gauchos let everyone know what they and Coach Mitchell were about. During an impressive 2nd half rout, the ‘Chos got great contributions from Durand Scott, Trevon Hamlet and Russ Smith. These contributions proved why the Gauchos are one of New York’s elite, cruising to a 94-55 victory. The hard fighting Hawks were led by Vaughn Allen with 13 points, while Hamlet and Smith each had 20 points for the ‘Chos.