The White Hawks boys basketball team tipped off the season with two games last week. Opening the season at St. Louis Park on Dec. 5, the White Hawks had a comfortable halftime lead of 40-28, led by junior Max Kraay’s 24 first half points.

In the second half, early foul trouble and turnovers sparked a St. Louis Park comeback. However, White Hawks junior Cole Drill took over the scoring, finishing the game with 25 points and late game free throws to secure the White Hawks victory 72-70 over the Orioles. Junior Carter Kleinsasser was a major contributor defensively, grabbing rebounds and limiting the opportunities of one of the better players from St. Louis Park. Shooting 75 percent from the free throw line on 32 attempts as a team was the key to the White Hawks narrow victory.

Game 2 of the week was a home opener for the White Hawks, taking on the Holy Angels Stars on Dec. 9. This was an early season section showdown featuring two teams looking to rebound from difficult previous seasons. The first half was back-and-forth as both teams managed foul trouble to their starters. Bench production was plentiful for the White Hawks with seniors Carter Reinbold and Bryce Tappen chipping in 15 points total to build a 4-point halftime lead. Reinbold returned to his first action since injury in early September.

The Stars took a lead early in the second half, but the White Hawks went on an 8-0 run, responding with their full court press. Junior point guard Jacob Orenge commanded the game with 13 points, five assists and five rebounds. Kraay went 7 for 10 from the free throw line and finished with 27 points. Huge contributions on the offensive glass from juniors Brenden Sexton and Matthew Mobagi, grabbing 5 each. The White Hawks pulled away in the last four minutes of the game by executing their offense and forcing the Stars to shoot difficult shots.

The White Hawks have three straight home games on Dec. 11 vs. Minneapolis Washburn at 7 p.m., Dec. 14 vs. Minneapolis Southwest at 6 p.m., and Dec. 16 vs. Two Rivers at 6 p.m. Looking forward to hosting great matchups and seeing our fans this week!