Hilton Head High’s boys were knocked out of the Class 4A playoffs by a strong North Myrtle Beach team, which downed the Seahawks 73-51 in The Nest on Wednesday.
The Chiefs offense came out firing within the opening seconds of the game, and the Seahawks knew that tough defense and boxing out would be the keys to success.
Halfway through the first half, the Seahawks lost an important piece of their defensive game plan. Seahawks center Sam Summa took an elbow to the face and was sidelined for most of the first half. During this time, the Seahawk defense was unable to secure vital rebounds.
Down by 18 headed into the locker room at the half, Hilton Head High needed a huge offensive performance to attempt a big comeback. With Summa back in the game in the second half, the defensive pressure from the Seahawks picked up. Hilton Head began to secure more rebounds, but it was not enough to contain a strong offensive performance from the Chiefs.
The Seahawks brought the game close throughout the second half but were not able to close the gap and extend their outstanding season under first-year coach Chane Brown.
Gaston Moore led the Seahawks with 19 points, while Dean Seelbach added 11. The Chiefs were led by Chad Beasley with 17 and Javi Marlowe with 13.
The Seahawks graduate four seniors but return four of their starting five, and look toward capturing a region crown next season.
Story and photos by Brooke Simons
Brooke Simons is a student-athlete at Hilton Head Island High School and an aspiring journalist. She has a passion for photography and broadcasting.