Hagerstown, Md – The Hawks hosted the WVU Potomac State College Catamounts on January 28th at the Coach Jim Brown Basketball Court & Arena.
The Catamounts came in determined and held the lead by 4 at the half. The Hawks responded in the second half and mounted a comeback, outscoring Potomac State 45-34.
Point guard Bennie McDuffie (#2) carried the team by being the leading scorer with a total of 27 points. The Hawks overall pulled down an impressive 47 total rebounds, 29 of them defensive. Alex Ofori (#5) was the leading rebounder with 13 of the 47 rebounds.
While HCC's shooting game wasn't "on", their aggressive rebounding was a main contributor in taking the lead and keeping it for the 79-72 victory over the Catamounts.
The Hawks then took on Frederick Community College on February 1 at the Cougar's home court. The Hawks struggled a bit in the first half with 8 turnovers and were out rebounded by the Cougar's 23-12. Keeping the Hawks afloat was Kristoff Hayden (#10) putting up 15 points, shooting 6-7 from the field and going 3-3 from beyond the arch. At the half the HCC was down 15 (31-46).
The Hawks regrouped at halftime and mounted their second comeback in a row against the Cougars. Defense was a main factor in the second half. Rounding up 7 steals and 2 forced turnovers, they were able to hold the Cougar's to only 17 points. Kyree Ellis (#12) had a strong second half, scoring 12 points, going 6-7. Ellis scored 18 points for the game and shot an impressive 80% from the field. Hayden kept his momentum going and scored 10 to finish the game with 25. The Hawks outscored FCC 36-17 in the second half, posting a final score of 67-63 to take their fourth W in a row.
The Hawks have a deserved break before traveling to Bryn Mawr, Pa. to challenge the tough 19-1 Harcum Bears on February 12.