under windshield plastic panel

the plastic panel between the hood and windshield was broken into pieces when my basketball hoop fell on it... does anyone know where i can find a replacement and/or what its specifically called?

Not knowing what vehicle you have, the first place to look could be your local salvage yard. Most yards, if they don't have the part can locate one in another yard and have it shipped to them. The dealer's parts department is another, more expensive option to locate one. The part you describe sits over the cowl area of the car. I've seen some refer to it as the cowl cover , although I believe there is a more specific technical name for it. But describing what and where it is on your vehicle should be sufficient for someone at the salvage yard to know what you are talking about.