Steers defeat Hawks in physical rivalry game at home

When the Steers hosted Iowa Park Tuesday, Dec. 13, the rivalry game against the Hawks lived up to expectations. The game was physical, with 48 fouls called and a combined total of 56 free throws shot between both teams. When the final buzzer sounded, the Steers emerged victorious with a 63-55 win over the Hawks.

Steers head coach Kris Hise said maintaining composure was the theme of his message before and throughout the game. It appeared throughout the game that his message was understood. As the physicality ramped up in the later portions of the game, including a combined 31 second-half fouls, no technical fouls were called.

“Just play your game and don’t let the moments get too big,” Hise said. “It’s a rivalry game, so we wanted to stay even-keel most of the game, but at the same time, don’t do anything stupid. (...) That’s the biggest thing right now. We’ve done a good job this season at keeping our composure. I think it just comes with playing more games and a bunch of these guys have played last year and this summer.”

After giving up the game’s opening basket, 12 seconds after tipoff, the Steers scored nine-straight points. Riley Lanham found Levi May behind the 3-point arc to start the run and the Steers never looked back.

For the full story, see the Saturday, Dec. 17 edition of The Graham Leader.