Hayes runs by Iona Prep in Tru-Ballaz semis

Thursday’s emphatic win over Iona Prep in the Tru-Ballaz Preseason Classic semifinals is a reminder to all those who forgot that the defending CHSAA champion Cardinal Hayes is still relevant in the who’s #1 preseason conversation. Going coast-to-coast for a 61 – 51 victory over the Gaels, their Westchester nemesis, was a statement win from a Cardinals squad filled with returning players.

They say speed kills and if that’s the case, Iona Prep was the victim as Hayes put forth a balanced scoring attack in transition with Tyrese Williams, T.J. Reaves ‘18 and Jontai Williams ‘18 knocking it down from the perimeter. The Gaels only received consistently reliable offense from Bryce Wills ‘19* and as a result, trailed at the half.

Joe Toussaint ‘19 kept the pace up for Hayes while Terry Dawkins ‘18 and 6’8” big man Adam Cisse ‘19 pounded Iona Prep in the paint. The Gaels did receive some ancillary scoring from Souleymane Koureissi ’18 but it would not be nearly enough. The game was close at times but Hayes maintained their momentum throughout the contest.

T. Williams paced the Cardinals with 14 points with Reaves and Dawkins contributing 9 points apiece. Wills led Iona Prep with a game high 15 points.

After the win, Hayes head coach Joe Lods was cautiously optimistic as he observed the preseason game from afar. “I know we can score. Let’s see if we can play as unselfishly as we did at the end of last year.”

Cardinals Hayes will play Archbishop Stepinac on Monday (10/30 @ 6:15 pm) at Frederick Douglass Academy III in the championship.