By: BHS Sports Staff
February 20, 2025
In a down year, there is typically a silver-lining, and a reason to celebrate came last Friday for the boys basketball team.
The Hurricanes (4-17) hosted the Max S. Hayes Lakers (2-14) for their regular-season finale. Brooklyn was looking to end their regular season on a high note heading into the playoffs, but what would happen next would be something for the record books.
Before the game, Winter sports seniors for basketball, bowling, and cheerleading were recognized.
- Girls Basketball: Camila Gordillo and Emily Radovanic
- Bowling: Dominic Shumney and Jayden Schultz
- Cheerleaders: Cierrah Jackson and Belma Veljak
- Boys Basketball: Tyler Cox, Gabe Medina-Rivera, Anthony Mulhall, and Aiden Starr
This also marked the final game in the BHS gym that has been in use since 1957. With the gym being fully renovated beginning this Spring, action will not continue until January of 2026.
Now back to hoops, the Hurricanes started hot and went on a 20-2 run with multiple monster dunks by junior Devin Hardwick to get the crowd going. Hardwick scored 21 of the Hurricanes’ 23 first-quarter points, as they held a 15-point lead after one.
The Hurricanes scored early in the second quarter, but the Lakers came to life, going on a 15-0 run to cut the deficit to two. The Lakers grabbed their first and only lead of the game at 31-29, but at the half, it was all even at 31. Hardwick continued to lead the way with 29 points, and Starr chipped in with the other two.
Similar to the beginning of the game, Brooklyn came out hot in the second half by retaking the lead and grabbing a double-digit lead. For the second time, though, the Lakers refused to quit and cut the deficit to seven at the end of the third.
With eight minutes left in the regular season, the Hurricanes were looking to hold the lead with history in the making. The entire student section was on their feet for this exciting finish.
Midway through the final frame, Hardwick made history by scoring his 48th point, a new single-game record in Hurricanes history. The Lakers, however, were not celebrating Hardwick’s milestone and made the game a one-possession battle in the final minutes, but the Hurricanes were able to hang on for the hard-fought victory.
Final Score: Brooklyn 64, Max S. Hayes 58.
Hardwick finished his historic night with 54 points, toppling the previous record set by Bob Finowski and Cory Neale, both with 47 points. Hardwick also set another record with the most points scored in a single season with 623.
Congratulations Devin, the seniors, and the team on such a special night.
The Hurricanes will now travel to play the Canton Central Catholic Crusaders on Saturday in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs. Tip-off is at 1:00.
In bowling, junior Adam Cowper competes in the district tournament tomorrow at Roseland Lanes. The tourney starts at 10:00. Good luck, Adam!
Go Canes!
{For up-to-date events and schedules, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.}
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 