Hawks Road-trip Weekend
Men's Basketball Weekend Rewind:
"On the road again…" While Willie 'couldn't wait' to get on the road again, Men's basketball didn't have much of a choice as they departed Big Spring for the first leg of a lengthy road stint. After their first game of the season on Nov. 1st, the Hawks took to the road on Nov. 7th for the first of 9 games on the road. Not returning to the DGC till Nov. 30th. Being away from home however, has been little an obstacle thus far for the Hawks. After a victory at home in their season opener, the Hawks have reeled off 3 wins in a row away from Big Spring.
The first leg of the road trip was no cakewalk as the Hawks would head into enemy territory to face off against Dallas College in Midland, Texas for the 1st of 3 games in as many days. The defense was strong as Howard held Dallas College to just 48.9% from the field and forced 15 turnovers for the game. The Hawk starters were the stars of the game as 4 of the 5 scored in double figures and averaged 28.4 minutes played with guard Keziah Ekissi leading both teams with 39 minutes. Forward Priest Ryan, for the second game in a row lead the Hawks in scoring with an impressive stat line of 19 pts, 6 rebs, 5 assts , 2 steals and only a single turnover. Sophomore guard Kasen Kreusler led the Hawks again with an outstanding 50% from beyond the arc. Final 72-61. When asked about the first road game of the year, sophomore guard Alexzaye Johnson replied:
"We're down a player, but the effort and energy from the team never wavered. Everyone stepped up to got the job done."
There was little time to rest as The Hawks would suit up the very next day against Weatherford College. Howards hat start to the season would continue as both sides of the ball were firing on all cylinders. The defense was relentless holding Weatherford to just 43.2% from the field and allowing only three 3-pointers for the entire game. Howard would also force Weatherford into 14 turnovers. The offense was just as blistering shooting nearly 50% from the field, a whopping 47.8% from the arc and hitting 14-20 from the line. Impressively, all but one starter scored in the contest. 3 players scored in double figures with Preist Ryan and Keziah Ekissi leading all scorers with 14 a piece. 4 other players would shoot over 50% from 3 on the day, an incredible feat. Keziah Ekissi on the 79-54, third straight victory:
"I'm happy of what we did more than the wins I thought we played well; I think this weekend was a really good way to involve everybody and to see everybody play! For me it's fun to play with this team and I think it's also very pleasant to see how we are playing as a team. We have still a lot to learn and adjust for sure, but I think we are on the good way! Game after game!"
The last victim of the Midland weekend road trip came at the expense of the Strength n' Motion Preparatory Academy. This game was all Howard from the start. The Hawks would remain victorious allowing halves of just 20 and 12 dominating 103-32. Howard held SNM to under 30% from both the 3 and the field while forcing 18 turnovers. Five Hawks were in double figures with guard Kasen Kreusler leading all scores with 15. The team shot an outstanding 58.2% from the field and had as season best 90% from the charity stripe hitting 19-20 on the day. ALL active hawks scored on the contest. When asked about the road trip Head Coach Kyle Cooper exclaimed:
"I thought this weekend was great for us. Each game we had someone different step up and help us win. We need a great week of practice to prep for a couple of big games this weekend in Midland."
The Hawks will continue their road trip on Friday, Nov. 15 against Lamar State College.