C. Miller of Zwolle penned this poem, which was inspired by the 2022-2023 Zwolle Hawks team.
One team, one dream, winning “Sweet Sixteen” In 2022 the Hawks left Burton Coliseum as number two, but their Hawk Pride felt that this would not do.
It ignited a fire within this team That in 2023 they could win “sweet sixteen”.
All through the season the Hawks played tough; Whether they played with finesse or maybe a little rough; Just whatever it took to secure the win Over all but one team, this is the way it had been.
Their quickness, superb ball handling, and a smothering defense Was enough to check most opponents and limit their offense, Except for the Anacoco Indians, who had won two out of three.
But the Hawks were determined that this is not how the end result would be.
This Hawk team wanted a championship ring as their final goal; Therefore, each member of the team played a key role, whether scoring, rebounding, defending, or stealing the ball.
They played together as a team and gained confidence to win it all.
On NuNu’s smooth shooting, the Hawks did rely, Or Keion’s defensive pressure on the “big man”, he did supply.
Draven, Howard, or Alec could nail a three-point shot Or sky high for a rebound from almost any spot.
Don’t forget “Lil Ray” who played low in the paint And could snare a ball and lay it in with little restraint.
Remember both Richard and CJ who entered the game when there was a need, And played superbly to help the Hawks succeed.
The Hawks emerged from district play as the best And entered the playoffs with hope in their chests.
The playoffs ended as most would expect; The Hawks were state-bound earning much respect.
Gibsland-Coleman was the Hawks’ semifinal foe; Many Hawk fans were worried how this game would go.
Although green plastered the stands, on the court, the Bulldogs showed how tough they could be.
As the opponent led most of the game, Hawk fans began to doubt the result would be what they wanted to see.
As the game neared the end, the Bulldogs felt they had secured the win.
But in the final seconds, NuNu grabbed the ball, drove down the floor, threw up a shot, and “swish” through the net, it fell in.
This tied the score, and overtime begin; Could the Hawks now rebound and claim a win?
Not so quick, it was not to be; It would take a second overtime for the outcome to see.
As the first overtime neared its end, the Bulldogs had led once more, Until Alec drained a three to tie the score.
But in the second overtime the Hawks stepped up and really played well, And with a nine points victory over G-C Bulldogs, they did prevail.
So in the championship game the Hawks would now play, Facing the Anacoco Indians which made their day.
With the state title now on the line, the Hawks played tough As if they were made from “sterner stuff”.* The Hawks challenged the Indians everywhere on the floor; The “D” was tight and the offense just right as the Hawks did soar.
As the final horn sounded in this championship match, With a score of 40-25, the Hawks had dominated in the final rematch.
Throughout the season this team had only one dream That they could overcome last year’s loss and win “Sweet Sixteen”.
Congratulations, Mighty Hawks, on this victory And to Kenneth Montgomery, who was named MVP.
All the Hawks would share in this top prize Because their dream, in the end, they did realize.
We recognize Coach Mc on winning number seven.
Few, if any, other coaches have achieved this “little bit of heaven”.
We also salute Coach Rich and JP for the help they did provide, Because what could the Hawks achieve without y’all by their side?
This sixteenth championship trophy now shall rest For years to come in the trophy case at ZHS.
“The tradition continues” Hawk fans can say it loud; This new Division V title makes Z-town so very proud.