Hendrickson’s Guard Foursome Fuels 11-0 district streak

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Built around a tough, versatile foursome of guards, the Hawks are committed to pace, defensive pressure, and collective execution. Eastview, currently battling for position in the district's top tier, came in knowing this was a must-win opportunity. What followed was a high-level district battle that required Hendrickson to dig deep to remain unbeaten in district play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3487604,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/IMG_6772-crop-1290x848-1770788239.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/IMG_6772-crop-1290x848-1770788239.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3487604" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hendrickson Jr Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2558665' first='DJ' last='Hardge'] brings the ball up court vs. Eastview's Sr Guard Cameron Sanford.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eastview set the tone early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior combo guard <strong>Isaiah Villegas</strong> asserted himself on both ends of the floor, attacking inside while knocking down perimeter shots. He was complemented by senior Cameron Sanford, whose 6'3 frame allowed him to finish through contact and pressure the rim. The Patriots defended with discipline in the opening minutes, slowing Hendrickson's transition attack and forcing them into half-court execution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2558665' first='DJ' last='Hardge']</strong> steadied the Hawks early, scoring through traffic and knocking down midrange shots to keep the game within reach. Sophomore <strong>Legend Samuel</strong> and junior <strong>Skyler Elliott</strong> provided secondary scoring and defensive energy. Late in the first quarter, Hendrickson turned to its identity — full-court pressure. Samuel and Hardge combined for back-to-back steals that immediately translated into transition layups, erasing Eastview's early five-point advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second quarter showcased Eastview's composure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanford methodically broke down defenders, either finishing at the rim or kicking out to teammates like junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2555811' first='Van' last='Robertson']</strong> and junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2801560' first='Branden' last='Catelli']</strong>. Sophomore guard <strong>Damonie Jackson</strong> added stability in the backcourt, while junior <strong>Caden Hinderman-Close</strong> provided additional ball-handling relief against pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite Eastview's steady execution, Hendrickson refused to slow down. The Hawks consistently pushed tempo, with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2558666' first='Ryan' last='Longoria']</strong> sprinting the floor for easy transition finishes. The physicality increased as both teams battled for loose balls, rebounds, and defensive stops. The final minutes of the half carried a playoff feel — possessions were contested, bodies were on the floor, and neither team gave an inch. The game entered halftime tied.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the third quarter, Eastview attempted to dictate the pace through their experienced guards. Villegas continued to live at the foul line, rebound effectively, and disrupt passing lanes. Sanford's ability to penetrate kept pressure on the Hawks' interior defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Hendrickson's defensive pressure eventually began to tilt the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Midway through the quarter, the Hawks reintroduced their press with precision. Samuel generated two consecutive steals, both converting into Longoria transition finishes. Hardge then buried a timely three-pointer to stretch the lead. The quarter closed with another Hendrickson takeaway, leading to a Longoria and-one that pushed the Hawks ahead by seven entering the fourth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eastview showed resilience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanford and Villegas opened the final period by attacking the rim and trimming the deficit. Hinderman-Close connected on a clutch three-pointer with 2:29 remaining to tie the game, capping off another Patriots surge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Hendrickson answered immediately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In true Hawks fashion, they advanced the ball quickly following the make, and Samuel drilled a three-pointer of his own to reclaim momentum. From that point forward, Hendrickson's guard unit controlled the tempo, applied three-quarter-court pressure, and executed in transition to close the game out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the win, Hendrickson moves to 11–0 in district play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group is clicking on both ends of the floor. Their defensive pressure, pace, and collective toughness make them a difficult matchup for anyone in the district. If this guard core continues to perform at this level, Hendrickson will be a team to watch as playoff intensity rises.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->