The Cosumnes River Hawks men’s basketball team lost to the Solano Falcons Sept. 24, 37-41.

The showcase was the first time the young Hawks got to play against competition. They showed flashes of a good team at times, but other times, they let their immaturity show.

“In order to be a leader you have to look at yourself,” said Hawks Head Coach Jonathan  James. “You have to hold yourself accountable.”

Both teams started off slow until freshman shooting guard Micheal Potts hit a three pointer that put the Hawks up 10-6. Shortly after, freshman forward James Gill scored three times in a row, including a fast-break dunk that put the Hawks up 21-8.

The Hawks started to lose focus and made costly turnovers that allowed the Falcons back into the game.

“I think we felt too comfortable,” said freshman forward Paul Ohiri. “We were shooting pretty good, but we weren’t playing good enough defense.”

The Falcons scored off the turnovers, and the first half ended with the Hawks up 25-13.

Disappointed with the effort from his starters, James started using more players from his bench in the second half.

“The guys we played in the second half did a good job at addressing the mistakes we made in the first half and trying to run the offense,” said James.

Solano opened up the second half going on a 7-0 run, including a steal that led to the Falcons making two free throws and bringing the score to 25-20.

Ohiri scored the Hawks first points of the second half after getting fouled and sinking both free throws.

Both teams went back and forth scoring baskets, including a fast-break score from point guard Raymund Gonzalvo. However, Gonzalvo turned the ball over which led to the Falcons getting their own fast-break drive that made the score 35-34.

Gill scored scores from mid range with a minute and 19 seconds left in the game, making the score 37-34.

Solano shot a three pointer and made it, tying the game 37-37. Solano scored again, taking the lead with only 20 seconds left on the clock.

Potts shot a three pointer but missed, forcing the Hawks to foul Solano with only eight seconds left on the clock.

The Falcons made both free throws and won the game 37-41.

“Really, it’s on my guys,” said James. “In order for us to be as good as we can be, they have to take a good look at themselves.”