Printer-friendly versionSend to friend

Despite coming into the game with an 18-3 record, the Harmon Hawks had some flaws, according to head coach Heath Cooper.

Those flaws reared their ugly heads when it mattered most.

In a game that matched arguably the two hottest teams in the State of Kansas (not named Bishop Miege), Gardner-Edgerton upended the Hawks in double overtime 65-60.

De'Ontae Hooks led the Hawks with 17 points, while James Davenport scored 15 for Harmon in what was the last game for both of Harmon's stars.

Early on, it appeared the Hawks would fly away from Gardner. Behind six quick points from Davenport, the Hawks built a 12-4 lead.

Enter flaw one: Not being able to put teams away.

"We always had an issue with putting games away and putting the foot on the throat," Cooper said.

The Hawks have lost leads this season, but always overcame the flaw eventually to win the game. Not tonight.

Behind Conner Langrehr's 19 points, Bubba Starling's 14 points and Dexter Newsome's 10, Gardner fought back each time Harmon extended its lead.

Gardner went on a 17-3 run from the middle of the first quarter to the early in the second quarter to build a six-point lead. The Hawks responded, but still trailed 27-25 at the half.

The Hawks came out with a mission to begin the second, scoring the first 10 points out of the gate.

John Zeno scored four of his six points during the run.

"I was really proud of the run there," Cooper said. "It was about the first time we've played great defense all year long."

But again, Gardner came back.

Gardner quickly narrowed Harmon's led to two points at 35-33. A Davenport bucket gave Harmon a 41-36 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Gardner then went on a 10-3 run to take a two-point lead.

Still, Gardner would not have been within striking distance if not for two more of Harmon's flaws – free throw shooting and missed shots inside the paint.

"We estimated that we missed around 22 to 25 lay-ups and easy opportunities," Cooper said. "You can't do that."

Coming into the game, Harmon shot around 57 percent from the free-throw line. In the second half and overtime periods, Harmon shot 8-22 from the line.

The game was still within reach for Harmon. After Hooks tied the game with a beautiful floater at 46, Harmon had an opportunity to win the game. But Wilson missed a makable shot inside the paint, sending the game to overtime.

Again, Harmon appeared poised to take control of the game early in the first overtime. Davenport opened the first overtime with a dunk. With 1:39 left in the first overtime, a Hooks three-pointer extended Harmon's lead to 54-50.

But Newsome tied the game with 26 seconds left.

A poor offensive position for Harmon sent the game into a second overtime.

From there, Gardner took control.

Gardner opened the second overtime on a 7-2 run. Two Jordan Horn free throws brought the game to within two points. After a steal, Hooks failed to convert on a layup opportunity, being forced to adjust his shot in midair.

"It was a good year, but tonight I'm disappointed," Cooper said. "We hurt ourselves. Tomorrow I'll be proud of our season and what we accomplished."

Harmon finishes the season 18-4.