Rewriting History: The Journey of Half Hollow Hills East Basketball Team

A Quest for Redemption

The clock is ticking for the Half Hollow Hills East (HHH) boys basketball team as they prepare to face Port Washington in the Long Island AAA championship. This Sunday’s game at Farmingdale State College is more than just a title on the line—it’s a chance to rewrite history. For the past two seasons, the Red Hawks have been agonizingly close to victory, only to be heartbroken by buzzer-beaters in the Long Island title game. Last year’s loss to Elmont, a 53-51 nail-biter, still lingers in their minds. Senior center Jordan Cador expressed the pain, saying, “When we go in [to Farmingdale], the wound just opens up again.” The team is determined to use that pain as fuel to drive them forward.

Learning from Past Heartbreaks

The Red Hawks’ journey of redemption began two years ago when a first-round loss to William Floyd on a last-second shot (57-55) marked the start of a frustrating trend. Last season, after winning the Suffolk County title over Smithtown West, they fell to Elmont in the Long Island championship. These defeats have not broken the team; instead, they’ve ignited a fire within. Coach Mike Marcelin emphasized, “We cut no corners, we wanted to be prepared this year.” The team’s journey truly began the day after last year’s loss, with a renewed commitment to hard work and growth.

Building a Championship Mindset

The Red Hawks have left no stone unturned in their preparation for this season. They started with summer leagues and camps, where they honed their skills and built chemistry. Coach Marcelin also intentionally lined up tough out-of-conference matchups to test his team’s resilience. Battles against top-tier programs like Long Island Lutheran (featuring Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan) and Eagle Academy II of Brooklyn have prepared them for the challenges ahead. While they fell to DeWitt Clinton on another buzzer-beater, Marcelin described these losses as “humble pie,” essential for the team’s growth. The results have been impressive: HHH has dominated their playoff games with double-digit victories, proving their hard work has paid off.

Unity and Brotherhood: The Key to Success

This season, the Red Hawks have not only improved on the court but also strengthened their bond off it. Jordan Cador noted that last year’s team had noticeable divisions between grades, but this year, everyone is “on the same page.” Coach Marcelin and his staff, all alumni of the program, have prioritized team-building activities, from bowling trips to post-game McDonald’s runs. Senior point guard Brandon Varlack said, “The freshmen, the sophomores, they all bought in,” highlighting the team’s newfound unity. This sense of brotherhood has transformed the Red Hawks into a cohesive unit, ready to take on any challenge.

Preparing for the Moment

As Sunday’s championship approaches, the Red Hawks are laser-focused on the task at hand. They’ve watched last year’s buzzer-beater “a thousand times over,” using it as motivation. Junior shooting guard Skyler Ellis summed up the team’s mindset: “It’s time to make new memories. Erase what happened in the past and move on to the present.” During practices, they’ve even drilled buzzer-beater scenarios, ensuring they’re ready for any situation. Coach Marcelin’s philosophy is clear: “You have to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” The Red Hawks know what it takes to win and are determined to seize their moment.

The Final Push: Farmingdale Awaits

With a 20-3 record and back-to-back Suffolk County titles, the Red Hawks are poised to make history. This Sunday at 1:30 p.m., they’ll step onto the court at Farmingdale State College, driven by the lessons of the past and the promise of the future. It’s not just a game—it’s a chance to rewrite the ending to their story. As the clock ticks down, the Red Hawks are ready to rise to the occasion and bring home the Long Island championship. This time, they’re determined to create memories they’ll cherish, not wounds they’ll carry. The moment is here, and the Red Hawks are ready to make it count.