The Heat of the 10-year-old boys Washington Youth Basketball age group survived against the Hornets on Saturday, 25-23, despite only scoring two points in the final quarter.

“They played hard the entire game and drove the ball to the basket well,” said Head Coach Chase Stallings. “Great defense, we played very good defense tonight.

Led by floor general Same Jones, the Heat took full control of the game in the first half, forcing turnovers and contesting shots.

Hundley Stallings contributed defensively with his hustle, even after hitting the ground hard four minutes into the game. “He played well,” said Coach Stallings. “He listened today and played well on the defensive end. He made some key shots.”

The Heat led 12-8 at the half and seemed to be in full control. However, the Hornets returned from break with a second wind and defensive intensity not seen in the first 20 minutes.

The Hornets Terry Moore supplemented the energy with accurate perimeter shooting, all of which helped chip away at the Heat’s lead.

After a few clutch baskets from Moore and Micah Hardy, the Hornets had shrunk the Heat lead to just two points, but in the end, the Heat’s tight man defense was able to hold off the Hornets comeback.

“Fortunately, we have more than a couple people who can dribble the basketball,” said Coach Stallings. “That’s the difference. They did their best job all year handling the basketball and keeping within themselves and not rushing.”

Stallings finish with a game-high 12 points, while Haynes Pippin also contributed 10 points of his own. For the Hornets, Moore led his team with 10.

The Heat will try to pick up another win when they play the Lakers Saturday at 10 a.m., while the Hornets will hope to avoid losing two in a row against the Thunder at 11 a.m.