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Posted: Mar 14, 2025

Season In Review

Season Review: Howard College Hawks Men's Basketball – 2024-25

The 2024-25 season for the Howard College Hawks Men's Basketball team was one of growth, determination, and resilience, as they navigated through one of the toughest conferences in the nation—the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC). With a season record of 19-11 (.633) and a conference record of 7-9 (.438), the Hawks proved their competitiveness despite the challenges, with standout performances from a core group of players.

Team Performance

Throughout the season, the Hawks averaged 74.1 points per game, powered by a well-rounded offensive attack. They shot 46.9% from the field, with their three-point shooting at 35.3%, making 6.7 threes per game. The team also boasted a solid free throw shooting percentage of 71.6%, contributing significantly to their scoring ability.

Their strength on the boards was evident, averaging 36.7 rebounds per game, including 9.5 offensive rebounds per game, which gave them multiple opportunities to capitalize on missed shots. They also averaged 7.5 steals per game, showing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Despite their competitive nature, the Hawks faced a tough schedule in the WJCAC, but their strong home performance (13-2) kept them in the hunt. However, away games (2-8) proved challenging, and the team ended the regular season with a 7-9 conference record.

Standout Players

Several players had remarkable individual seasons, showcasing their skills and leadership on the court.

  • Preist Ryan (So, F) was a dominant force for the Hawks, leading the team in points with 489 (16.3 PPG) and shooting an impressive 50.2% from the field. Ryan's ability to contribute both inside and outside the paint, along with his solid free throw shooting (80.3%), made him a key contributor to the team's offense.

  • Jahki Gupton (So, F) was another cornerstone for the Hawks, contributing 312 points (10.4 PPG). His ability to stretch the floor with 36 three-pointers and a solid 82.8% from the free-throw line made him a reliable scorer in clutch moments.

  • Keziah Ekissi (Fr, G) had a standout freshman season, leading the team in three-pointers made with 60 and shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc. Ekissi's 356 points (12.3 PPG) helped fill the scoring void and provided a strong perimeter presence for the Hawks.

  • Daniel Culberson (Fr, G) showed great promise, averaging 6.7 points per game, and his 42.3% shooting from three-point range made him a valuable threat on the outside.

  • King Solomon (So, G) played a key role off the bench, contributing 108 points in 27 games, with his ability to distribute the ball and contribute defensively providing the Hawks with valuable depth.

The team also saw strong contributions from Tyler Mason (So, F), who added 217 points and shot 54.4% from the field, and Caleb Gaston (So, F), who provided solid inside play, averaging 48.6% from the field.

Challenges and Growth

The Hawks faced their share of struggles, particularly in their road games, but the team's resilience in tight contests, like the 83-79 loss to South Plains College and the narrow 60-56 loss to Clarendon College, showed that they were never far from breaking through.

The team's defensive efforts—specifically their 7.5 steals per game and 36.7 rebounds per game—highlighted the Hawks' ability to disrupt opponents, but they needed more consistency in closing out games to convert close matches into wins.

Thank you for an incredible season!!