Hayfield Boys Topple Titans: 57-49

Hayfield- Despite a game-high 21 points from senior center Bill Rowland, the Titans’ season opened with a loss to their cross-town rivals, the Hayfield Hawks. The final few minutes of the fourth quarter were a strange experience for the returning players. Down by ten with the clock winding down, T.C.’s players looked like they could not believe what they were watching. 
            Hayfield senior Chad Canady scored 16 points, getting into the paint seemingly at will. Seniors Reggie Tate with 15 points and Brandon Winbush with 14 were key contributors.
            Hayfield took an early 9-0 lead, but the Titans used their trademark pressure defense to fight back to a 24-22 halftime advantage. The second half showcased all of the concerns about this year’s Titan squad. With Rowland in foul trouble, senior Ryan Yates scored 14 points, but had little other help on the offensive end. Poor shot selection and an inability to penetrate the tough Hawks defense was T.C.’s downfall. The Hawks took a lead midway through the fourth quarter and never looked back.
“We just need to get over the nerves,” said senior Ryan Yates. “Once we can get the younger guys and the bench more involved we’ll be fine.”
            The Titans start their Patriot District schedule on Friday night against the West Springfield Spartans at home