Bulldog News

Hillside scores big in Fenn Tournament

Friday, February 26, 2010

On February 20, the Bulldog Varsity Basketball team traveled to the Fenn School to defend last year’s tournament title.

Facing a young Fenn squad in the opener, the Bulldogs showed great poise and sportsmanship in the win. Idris Taqqee ’11 and Johnnie Vassar ’10 led the scoring in very limited minutes. The game saw the team’s reserves log most of the floor time and they played very well. Rafi Ashworth ’10 scored 9 with 10 boards and Adolph Kawuba ’10 ran the point very well.

Waiting was the next order of business, as the team needed to see the outcome of the Fay vs. Fessenden semifinal to determine their championship opponent, as well watch the consolation game. Fessenden prevailed over Fay and the rematch was on. In the interim, the annual free throw and three-point shooting contest was held. Kenan Williams ’10 won the free throw contest this year sinking 12 of 15 baskets in the first round and 9 of 10 in the second round.

Following a good Fay vs. Fenn game, the Bulldogs were finally ready to take the floor. The Hillside players expected the Fessy team to be tough again since they own 10 of the previous 29 Fenn championships. True to form, the Fessenden Bears came out on fire from three-point range and kept the game very close for the first eight minutes. The next eight minutes were the difference in the game as Hillside was able to grab rebound after rebound and convert chances to points. At halftime, the Bulldogs led 36-22.

The beginning of the second half saw a determined Hillside squad stretch the lead to as much as 24 points over the next 10 minutes, which provided some breathing room and playing time for some reserves. Fessenden did manage to come to within 11 points but Hillside’s rested starting group won the game with strong offense, tenacious defense and solid ball control.

Overall, it was a great win against a worthy opponent. Johnnie Vassar ’10 and Idris Taqqee ’11 went for 20 points each and Kenan Williams ’10 put up 18 points. Mikol Blake-Green ’10 and Jean Toussaint ’10 had enormous numbers in the paint. Isaiah Seetram ’11, Rafi Ashworth ’10 and Adolph Kawuba ’10 provided solid minutes off the bench.

The Bulldogs did themselves and Hillside great credit this weekend as all comments from officials, coaches and fans were not just about talent, but also about great sportsmanship and team play.

Presenting the Fenn Tournament trophy at the February 22 lunch program (left to right): Headmaster David Z. Beecher, Varsity Basketball Coach Mike Foster, Kenan Williams '10, Idris Taqqee '11, Johnnie Vassar '10 and Varsity Basketball Coach Ray Cross.