Hawks play strong but lose edge to Harcum 68-73

When asked how he would sum up this season so far, Bernard Hopkins, Head Mens Basketball Coach, responded, "This is a really talented team, and we are playing much better than our 2-7 record shows."  After beginning the season 2-0 at the Allegany College Personal Best Tip-Off Classic in early November, the team traveled to New Rochelle, NY, for the Mustang Classic, losing to Monroe College and Sullivan County CC, and leveling their overall record to 2-2.  Playing the next two conference games on the road, Hagerstown lost by two to CCBC Dundalk (75-77) and by one point to Montgomery College (65-66).  In the home opener at the Jim Brown Classic on Saturday, November 27th, the Hawks lost 62-70 to the Monroe, playing a much-improved game versus the Mustangs than the week prior.  "We make offensive runs to build leads up to 14 points and then have 3-5 minute mental execution breakdowns with no scoring.  This allows our opponent back in the game," commented Hopkins, "We need to learn to finish and run plays all the way through."

In Wednesday's game against Harcum College, Hagerstown lost again by a slim 5 point margin, (68-73), sending the Bears to the foul line 23 times, and losing the battle on the boards 38-49.  "We are young and most of our guys are COVID freshmen. This is their first year playing at this level, the game is a lot faster, refereeing is different, and everyone on the floor is good," commented Hopkins.  "As we get better technically, we'll stop beating ourselves with unforced turnovers."  Kyree Ellis (12) had a season high 25 points and 11 rebounds, followed by Kristoff Hayden (10), with 13 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.  Malik Jordan (3) added 8 points and 7 assists, with Eathen Williams (2) scoring 10.

Looking to Monday's home matchup against Chesapeake, Hopkins stated, "Chesapeake is always well-coached and talented, but what it comes down to is executing and playing our game, giving the effort that it takes to come out with the win." The Hawks play a three game home stand next week with Chesapeake at 7:30 p.m., Monday, December 6th, Frederick CC at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 8th, and the College of Southern Maryland on Saturday, December 11th at 3:30 p.m.  When asked what he is telling his team going forward into next week he responded, "I tell the kids to keep their heads up, stay positive, and remember it's not how you start the race, it's all about how you finish."