There’s something about playing Arundel that brings out the best in St. Frances guard Shatyra Hawkes.

Last season as a sophomore, Hawkes announced her arrival as the newest star in a long line of exceptional Panthers players when she orchestrated the fourth-quarter run that boosted her team to victory. Last night, she did almost the same thing in the third quarter.

With No. 1 St. Frances clinging to a 34-33 lead over No. 2 Arundel with 3:51 left in the third quarter last night, Hawkes hit a three-pointer, fed teammates Deanna Harmon and Sophy Ingobeni and hit a short jumper in an 11-3 run that put the Panthers in the lead, 45-36, going into the fourth quarter. They won, 56-45.

Last December, she had a three-pointer and two assists in a 9-0 run that gave them a 54-47 lead with two minutes to go. They held on to win 55-52.

However, Hawkes, a first-team All-Metro selection last season, spread the credit for last night’s win all around. She wanted to talk about everybody else after the game, especially fellow guard Tanira McClurkin, who may be the quickest player on a team full of lightning quick players.

“This year we played together as a team. Our togetherness was outstanding,” said Hawkes.

-- Katherine Dunn