Fresh Arrivals, High Expectations: Hawks Begin Second Half of AASB

The arrival of a new group of athletes brought fresh energy to NR as boys’ basketball and girls’ football got underway in the second half of the WASB Tournament. For the Hawks who had just joined their teammates, the wait to compete was finally over. Expectations were especially high for the boys’ basketball team, a new lineup with plenty of individual quality and an eager crowd waiting to see how it would come together on the court.

Against ISC, they delivered a 51–39 opening victory, with Dudu Albergaria (17) making an immediate impression. His powerful drives to the basket were among the highlights of the game, as he attacked the defense with confidence and gave supporters plenty to cheer about. Even with the anticipation surrounding this team, Dudu’s performance caught people’s attention. Bernardo Veloso (10) was equally important to the Hawks’ offense, joining Dudu as one of EABH’s leading scorers and giving ISC another difficult player to contain.

The two stood out on the scoreboard, but the Hawks’ success had plenty to do with what was happening before the ball reached them. Felipe Wanderley (11) and Lucca Bonaccorsi (12) read ISC’s passes well, coming away with interceptions that opened opportunities for assists and baskets at the other end. Their work helped EABH turn defense into offense, making ISC pay for lost possessions. Pedro Mantovani also contributed defensively, adding to a collective effort that gave the Hawks a strong foundation throughout their debut.

Around the basket, Chase (8) used his height to secure rebounds, with Lucas Coutinho (13) also helping EABH recover the ball and keep possessions alive. That work on the boards supported an offense led by Dudu and Bernardo helping the Hawks finish their first game with a deserved win. For a team that had arrived with high expectations, 51–39 was an encouraging first statement.

On the soccer field, the Lady Hawks faced a demanding opener of their own against the PASB Panthers. Games between these two teams are rarely easy, and this meeting was another intense contest against a strong, aggressive opponent. PASB’s pressure made it difficult for our Lady Hawks to move the ball into attack, forcing the girls to fight for space and work hard to connect their passes up the field.

Helena Dias (88) was a standout in defense, repeatedly clearing the ball and breaking up PASB’s advances. With the Lady Hawks under pressure, her interventions were important in keeping the game within reach. Further forward, Laura Calixto (10) put in a strong performance in midfield, working in the area where EABH faced the difficult task of linking its defense with its attack.

There were moments of danger for PASB, too. Wearing number 19, Emanuelle tested the opposing goalkeeper with threatening shots, giving the Lady Hawks a chance to get on the scoreboard. The efforts were saved, but EABH continued searching for a breakthrough in a game that offered few easy routes forward.

Despite the Lady Hawks’ effort, PASB took the match 1–0. It was a tough result after a committed performance, with the girls battling throughout against an opponent that made every attacking opportunity difficult to create. Their attention now turns to the next match, while the boys will look to build on an opening win that gave the Hawks’ supporters an exciting first look at their team.