Hawthorne Valley’s boys varsity basketball team wrapped up an impressive season with a deep playoff run, finishing with a 14-7 record. The Wildcats carried their regular-season momentum into the postseason, securing a commanding 78-59 victory over Doane Stewart, led by standout performances from Noah Vom Stein (26 points) and Oliver Towe (14 points).
Towe, a senior guard, was a key player throughout the season, averaging 17.4 points per game and consistently scoring in double digits. In early February, he reached an incredible milestone—1,000 career points—during a matchup against Germantown. Vom Stein and Justin Gamiello also had standout seasons, averaging 16.9 and 15.0 points per game, respectively. In a rare feat for high school basketball, the Wildcats finished the season with three players surpassing 300 points.
Entering sectional play, the team was on a hot streak, winning 12 of their last 13 games, including victories over top-ranked teams like Fort Ann, Hartford, and Class A Schalmont. However, their championship hopes came to an unexpected end in the Section 2 Class D semifinal against Germantown. In a stunning upset, the Clippers, who had won just two games all season, edged out Hawthorne Valley 49-44. The Wildcats held a late four-point lead, but Germantown surged ahead in the final minute, ending Hawthorne Valley’s season earlier than expected—especially after the Wildcats had convincingly defeated the Clippers twice in regular-season play.
Entering sectional play, the team was on a hot streak, winning 12 of their last 13 games, including victories over top-ranked teams...
Despite the tough loss, the Wildcats demonstrated resilience and skill, earning their place as one of the league’s top teams. Coach Towe expressed pride in the team’s effort, led by seven seniors, and gratitude for the unwavering support from families, faculty, farm staff, and administration. He gave special thanks to the seniors who saw limited court time, emphasizing their role in the team’s success: "Without the practice intensity and dedication from these individuals, we cannot compete with the larger schools we face throughout the season."
Looking ahead, Coach Towe encourages all boys in or entering high school to consider joining the team next season—regardless of experience—as the Wildcats aim to build on this year’s success.
