Sunday, January 26, 2014

Head Coach Resigns

Men's Soccer: Jason Diebold Resigns
PALATINE, Ill. – On January 22nd Jason Diebold tendered his resignation as Head Men's Soccer Coach at Harper College. Diebold has chosen to take a "different direction." He enjoyed his 13 years as head coach and wished the program, "…a future of nothing but great success and achievement."

Diebold provided leadership in moving the soccer program from the early years where it was difficult to find enough players to a program that had more than enough players to necessitate tryouts. During his tenure, the players that were recruited came from our district and the team provided an extracurricular learning opportunity for a diverse student body. A search for a new coach will begin immediately.  The new coach will be expected to build on that foundation as the program moves forward.
Diebold was named the NJCAA Region IV Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2005 when his teams won the region those years. The Hawks also finished runner-up in the region in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. Diebold has been coaching soccer for 15 years with various soccer clubs and carries a National "D" license.

Hawks Struggle in Loss Against Stormers

Women's Basketball: Monica Hinderer 2013-14
Hinderer recorded her 14th double-double of the year with 16 points and 15 rebounds. (Jim Cummins)
Box Score

PALATINE, Ill. – The Harper College women's basketball team was plagued by poor shooting and turnovers Wednesday night against Milwaukee, losing 57-34 to the Stormers.

The Hawks (3-14, 0-5 N4C) shot just 23.1 percent (12-of-52) from the field and turned the ball over 34 times in the defeat. Monica Hinderer (Arlington Heights, Ill./The Willows Academy) recorded her 14th double-double of the year with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

The Hawks trailed 9-8 with 11:44 to play after a Rachel Payne (Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy)(eight points, 12 rebounds) basket, but the Stormers (15-3, 3-1 N4C) surged ahead with a 10-0 run and took a 30-17 lead into the break.

Milwaukee came out strong in the second half, extending the lead to 50-21 with 8:07 to play. The Stormers took their biggest lead of the game at 57-24 before the Hawks closed the game on a 10-0 run.

Reigning Region IV Player of the Week Ashley McHenry led Milwaukee with 17 points while Benetta Jones added 15 and Emerald Kidd scored nine points to go with 18 rebounds.

The Hawks return to the court Saturday against Triton (2-17, 0-4 N4C) for a 5 PM tip inside the Wellness & Sports Center.

Game Preview: Harper vs. Milwaukee

Men's Basketball: Eric Porter 2013-14
The Hawks square off with Milwaukee on Wednesday night in Palatine. (Jim Cummins)

PALATINE, Ill. – Coming off a 73-71 win over DuPage on Saturday, the Harper College men's basketball team seeks another conference win in a crucial N4C showdown with Milwaukee.

The Hawks (10-9, 2-2 N4C) rebounded from two straight losses for the victory while the Stormers (8-10, 2-2 N4C) suffered a 84-68 setback at Joliet. 

Last Meeting

Harper drained 14 3-pointers en route to a 91-74 win over Milwaukee on Feb. 16, 2013. Former Hawk Garett Gatz(Elk Grove Village, Ill./Conant) hit seven triples and scored a game-high 22 points while teammate Charles Wright (Cheyenne, Wyo./Cheyenne East) scored a career-high 20.

Hawk Notes
Bradley Reibel (/Prospect) has elevated his play in conference and is averaging 19.5 PPG in four N4C contests. The Hawks have struggled away from home this year, going 3-8 on the road/ne. At home, the Hawks boast an impressive 7-1 mark.

Stormer Notes

Jermaine Brisco (14.5 PPG) leads a balanced Stormers attack that has six players who average seven or more points per contest. Troy Spears (14.0 PPG) and Thomas Hood Jr (13.5 PPG) are other key scoring options while Steve Stovall Jr (7.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG) is the team's top rebounder
.
Milwaukee also struggles away from home with a 1-8 road/neutral site while boasting a 7-2 mark at home.

Game Preview: Harper vs. Milwaukee

Women's Basketball: Cindia Salgado 2013-14
The Hawks are looking for their first N4C win tonight against Milwaukee. (Jim Cummins)

PALATINE, Ill. – Coming off a 79-54 defeat at the hands of rival DuPage, the Harper College women's basketball team returns home for a N4C tilt with Milwaukee at 5 PM.

The Hawks (3-13, 0-4 N4C) are still looking for that elusive first conference win while the Stormers (14-3, 2-1 N4C) are in the middle of an incredible year after winning just six games in the 2012-13 season. Milwaukee topped Joliet 86-68 behind guard Ashley McHenry's 44 points and 17 rebounds. McHenry earned Region IV Div. III Player of the Week honors.

Last Meeting

Harper picked up a 67-59 victory on Feb. 16, 2013 over Milwaukee behind 27 points and 12 rebounds fromMonica Hinderer (Arlington Heights, Ill./The Willows Academy) and 20 points from Rachel Payne (Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy).

Hawk Notes

In three games last week, Hinderer averaged 27.3 PPG and 17.7 RPG and was 29-of-39 from the free throw line. Guard Ashley Packard (Wheeling, Ill./Buffalo Grove ) is playing her best basketball of the season now. She is averaging 11.5 PPG over her last two contests and has made six 3-pointers in that span.

Strong Stormers Squad

McHenry is fifth in the nation in scoring at 24.4 PPG, and the Stormers as a team are fifth in the nation in scoring at 81.2 PPG. McHenry also averages a team-best 9.5 RPG.

Three other Stormers players – Benetta Jones (15.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG), Sakeenah Rahada (13.6 PPG) and Shonnice Vaughn (10.9 PPG) – average in double figures scoring.

Milwaukee goes to the line 31.2 times a game, which is tops in the nation. The Stormers have eclipsed the 80-point mark 10 times this year.

Hawks Capture Third at Al Hanke Invitational

Wrestling: Blake Santi Midlands Championship
Santi captured the individual title at 149 pounds and was named Outstanding Wrestler. (Jim Cummins)

ELMHURST, Ill – The Harper College wrestling team had two first place finishers and scored 96 points to place third out of five teams at the 32nd Annual Al Hanke Wrestling Invitational hosted by Elmhurst College on Saturday.

Harper sophomore Blake Santi (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the meet as he went 3-0 at 149 pounds. Santi outscored his opponents 36-2, including a 9-2 championship match victory over Chicago's Jacob Smith.  Jacob Bellis (/Bloomington) only had to win one match for the title at 125 pounds, beating Waubonsee's Brandon Walz.

Tyler Thomas (Crystal Lake, Ill.) went 3-1 at 174 pounds and took third place. He defeated Waubonsee's Michael Cole in his final match. Chance Shea (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest)Daniel Draski (/Willowbrook) and Lavontay Cobb (/King College Prep) all earned fourth place finishes in their respective weight classes.

Chicago won the meet with 119 points, followed closely by Elmhurst with 113 points. Milwaukee School of Engineering took fourth place with 92 points while Waubonsee took fifth with 39 points.

The Hawks will compete in their first home meet of the year, the Harper College Wrestling Invitational, this coming Saturday, January 25 beginning at 9:00 AM.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Harvest Hoops-Maroon Team

As the Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows basketball season approaches this Saturday morning, our fearless co-captain Ben Asper, who knows each of our abilities to some degree, has given the scouting report on each player.

Please do not be personally offended if this scouting report does not 100% accurately describe your skills; you will have a chance to prove your meddle or additions to your repertoire (Eric Freckman-three-point shot?) beginning Saturday morning at 7:30 AM.


Photo courtesy of nymag.com
Here's the breakdown:
Ben Asper (co-captain): mind still thinks he is 25 but his body doesn't follow so he won't be dunking this year
Eric Freckman (co-captain): physical player who doesn't let anyone stand in his way, watch out for those elbows
Chris Bartucci: if he's half as good at basketball as he is at softball he will score 20/game
Joe Martin: elder of the league but plays like he's half his age, was a mentor of Coach K and Phil Jackson (or seems like it)
Thomas Martin: has learned under the tutelage of his dad Joe (see above), and he has the advantage of actually being half the age of his dad
Devaughn Rounds: fastest player in the league, has the flair of Nate Robinson and the game of Chris Paul
Billy Smith: don't let his Bill Cartwright shot fool you, he will make everything inside 15 feet and lead the team in rebounding
Paul Von Tobel: tries to lull opponents to sleep but then he leads the league in three pointers every year



Game Preview: Harper vs. DuPage

Men's Basketball: Will Botefuhr 2013-14
The Hawks look to get back on track at DuPage Saturday. (Jim Cummins)

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. – Coming off two tough losses this week, the Harper College men's basketball team looks to get back on track as they take on rival DuPage on Saturday night at 7 PM.

The Hawks (9-9, 1-2 N4C) lost 70-62 at Wright on Wednesday night. Bradley Reibel (/Prospect) notched a career-high with 25 points while Tyler Gaedele (Arlington Heights, Ill./Rolling Meadows ) and Charles Wright(Cheyenne, Wyo./Cheyenne East) scored 10 apiece. The Chapparals (6-13, 1-2 N4C) dropped an 88-47 decision at Rock Valley.

Last Meeting

DuPage topped Harper 79-69 in the Region IV Quarterfinals on Feb. 27, 2013, ending the Hawks' season. John Lorenz (Elk Grove, Ill./Elk Grove) led the Hawks with 17 points. DuPage won three of four games against Harper in the 2012-13 season.

Missing Walsh

The Hawks have missed leading scorer Kevin Walsh (/St. Viator), who has been out the last two games due to injury. The guard/forward scores 16.4 PPG and shoots 48.4 percent from 3-point range, good for 10th in the nation.

January Doldrums
In the last three seasons, Harper has struggled mightily in January with a 4-14 record.

Game Preview: Harper vs. DuPage

Women's Basketball: Ashley Packard 2013-14
The Hawks are looking for their first N4C win at DuPage Saturday. (Jim Cummins)

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. – The Harper College women's basketball team is seeking their first conference win as they take on rival DuPage on Saturday at 5 PM.

The Hawks (2-13, 0-3 N4C) fell 62-57 at Wright on Wednesday night. Monica Hinderer (Arlington Heights, Ill./The Willows Academy) scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while point guard Rachel Payne (Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy) recorded her first career triple-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

The Chapparals (10-9, 1-2 N4C) are coming off a 75-58 loss at the hands of No. 1 Rock Valley. Star forward Donna Koerber scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the loss.

Last Meeting

DuPage earned a 69-33 win over Harper on Feb. 13, 2013 to complete the season sweep. Hinderer scored 15 points and added eight rebounds while Koerber totaled 16 points and nine rebounds.

Free Throw Regularity

The Hawks go to the 24.5 times a game, ranking eighth in the nation. Harper makes 13.9 of those per game, ranking 15th in the nation. Hinderer leads the Hawks in makes and attempts (88-of-141, 62.4 percent).

Chapparals to Watch

Koerber scores 21.6 PPG, good for 14th in the nation. She also collects 9.6 RPG and averages 2.9 steals per contest.

Freshmen Maddie Baillie (12.0 PPG) and Breanna Venson (10.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG) are formidable scoring options while Melissa Niggins (9.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG) Brandi McAlister (9.6 PPG) and Sarah Lang (9.4 PPG) are all capable scorers. Lang also averages 5.6 APG, good for seventh in the nation.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Game Preview: Harper vs. Wright

Men's Baskstball: Team 2013-14
The Hawks are looking for an N4C win as they travel to Wright tonight. (Mia Spiwak)
CHICAGO, Ill. – After a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer to Richard J. Daley College Monday night, the Harper College men's basketball team looks to bounce back as they take on N4C foe Wilbur Wright at 7 PM.

The Hawks (9-8, 1-1 N4C) let a 14-point halftime lead slip away on Monday night and lost 67-65 to Daley. The Rams (2-11, 0-2 N4C) lost 89-85 to Harry S. Truman College at home on Monday night.

Last Meeting

Wright topped Harper 61-59 on Feb. 9, 2013. Darious Randolph lead all scorers with 23 points for the Rams.Garett Gatz (Elk Grove Village, Ill./Conant) and Connor Miklasz (Mount Prospect, Ill./Hersey) scored 16 apiece for the Hawks.

Wright Providing a Boost

An early season injury forced Harper guard/forward Charles Wright (Cheyenne, Wyo./Cheyenne East) to miss five games, but the sophomore is now healthy and has provided a big lift for the Hawks. In his last five games, Wright is scoring 10.0 PPG to go along with 4.4 RPG.

Key Rams

Jamon Collins averaged a team-best 16.0 PPG in the first five games, but he has not played since. That leaves the scoring to Adonis Lema (11.6 PPG), Mike Carter (11.5 PPG) and VicPatrick Harris (9.7 PPG).

Turnover Woes

When the Hawks turn the ball over 17 or more times in a game, they are just 2-4, compared to 7-4 when they turn it over less than that amount. In Harper's last two losses (at Joliet, at Daley), they have turned the ball over a combined 47 times.

The Rams are 0-5 when they commit 17 or more turnovers.

Game Preview: Harper vs. Wright

Women's Basketball: Marisa Andreuccetti 2013-14
The Hawks are looking for their first conference win as they travel to Wright tonight. (Jim Cummins)
CHICAGO, Ill. – The Harper College women's basketball team is looking to snap a five-game losing skid as they travel to Wilbur Wright tonight for a 5 PM tip.

The Hawks (2-12, 0-2 N4C) lost 58-51 at Richard J. Daley College on Monday despite 29 points and 23 rebounds from Monica Hinderer (Arlington Heights, Ill./The Willows Academy). The Rams (2-11, 0-2 N4C) lost 76-35 to DuPage on Monday.

Last Meeting

Harper earned a 57-50 victory over Wright on Feb. 9, 2013 to complete the season sweep of the Rams. Hinderer scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds while Rachel Payne (Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy)scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the win.

Hawks Among NJCAA's Best

Hinderer is averaging 21.1 PPG this season, which ranks 18th in the nation. Hinderer grabs 14.0 rebounds per contest, which ranks sixth in the country.

Payne averages 17.0 PPG, which ranks 40th in the nation. Payne's 2.6 steals per game ranks 49th in the country.

Key Rams

The tandem of guards Itsayana Campos (13.1 PPG) and Zaporia Smith (10.5 PPG) makes up over half of the team's scoring. Center Latrice King leads the team in rebounding at 9.8 RPG.

Turnover Battle

The outcome of this game may be decided by which team turns the ball over less. The Hawks turn the ball over 26.2 times a game, and the Rams turn it over 29.4 times a game.

Hawks Squander Lead, Lose at Buzzer

Men's Basketball: Tyler Gaedele 2013-14
The Hawks lost at the buzzer on Monday night. (Jim Cummins)
Box Score

CHICAGO, Ill. – The Harper College men's basketball team held a 42-28 advantage at halftime over Richard J. Daley College but saw that lead evaporate in the second half. Kyle Burch's basket at the buzzer gave the Bulldogs a 67-65 triumph on Monday night.

Four Hawks (9-8) scored in double-figures, led by Bradley Reibel (/Prospect) with 16 points and eight rebounds.Tyler Gaedele (Arlington Heights, Ill./Rolling Meadows ) scored 15 points, Kevin Sexton (/Prospect) added 13, and Kyle White (/De La Salle) scored 11 points.

Derrick Nicholas scored a team-high 15 points for the Bulldogs (7-9), and Malcolm Martin added 15. Both teams shot over 50 percent from the floor, with Harper shooting 53.7 percent (22-of-41) and Daley shooting 52.9 percent (27-of-51). The Hawks committed 23 turnovers in the game, compared to 15 for the Bulldogs.

Harper plays a N4C road game at Wright tomorrow at 7 PM.

Hawks Hit the Mat at National Duals

National Duals: Jacob Bellis 2014
Bellis went 3-0 at 125 pounds over the weekend. (Jim Cummins)
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Harper College wrestling team failed to place at the NWCA NJCAA National Duals last weekend, but several wrestlers had strong showings in the meet.

The Hawks, who came in ranked 20th in the nation at the Div. III level, defeated No. 6 Lincoln College 39-15 in their first round match. Harper lost 21-18 in a second round match with Iowa Central Community College and fell 25-18 to No. 13 Iowa Western to finish the weekend.

Jacob Bellis (/Bloomington) had the strongest showing of any Hawk wrestler, going a perfect 3-0 at 125 pounds. Bellis pinned Lincoln's Leslie Williams in the first round, Iowa Central's Nate Smith in the first round, and capped it off with a third consecutive first round pin over Iowa Western's Adrian Lozano.

Harper's Blake Tisza (/Thornton Fractional South) went 2-1 at 141 pounds. He pinned Lincoln's Jeremiah Tucker-Shead in the opening match and earned an 11-6 victory over Iowa Central's Teddie Harvey before losing 6-4 to Iowa Western's Peter Stewart. Greg Jacquez (/West Aurora) posted a 2-0 record at 157 pounds, earning a 15-5 victory over Lincoln's Graham Lough and pinfall victory over Iowa Western's Aleksei Vickers.

The Hawks return to action this upcoming Saturday at the Al Hanke Invitational in Elmhurst.

Hawks Fade in Second Half, Lose to Daley

Women's Basketball: Monica Hinderer 2013-14
Hinderer scored 29 points and ripped down a career-high 23 rebounds Monday night. (Jim Cummins)
Box Score

CHICAGO, Ill. – The Harper College women's basketball team could not hold a six-point halftime lead as Richard J. Daley College pulled out a 58-51 win on Monday.

The Hawks (2-12) led 31-25 at halftime, but the Bulldogs (4-10) erased the deficit and outscored Harper 33-20 after the break.

Monica Hinderer (Arlington Heights, Ill./The Willows Academy) scored 29 points and ripped down a career-high 23 rebounds. Hinderer was efficient from the field, as she went 7-of-10 shooting and also made 14-of-16 free throws. Rachel Payne (Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy) added 11 points, eight rebounds, and four steals.

J'henna Hall led the Bulldogs with 18 points. Richard J. Daley shot just 29 percent (20-of-69) from the floor while the Hawks shot 37.1 percent (13-of-35).

Harper plays a N4C road game at Wright tomorrow at 5 PM.

Composed Hawks Edge No. 3 Rock Valley

Men's Basketball: Bradley Reibel 2013-14
Reibel had a game-high 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting. (Jim Cummins)
Box Score

 ELGIN, Ill. – Facing intense pressure from Rock Valley in the closing seconds, the Harper College men's basketball team maintained their composure and pulled out an 85-80 upset victory over the No. 3 Golden Eagles on Saturday afternoon.

The Hawks (9-7, 1-1 N4C) led 80-73 with 1:40 to play as Bradley Reibel (/Prospect) (game-high 24 points) hit a floater with the shot clock winding down. The Golden Eagles (14-3, 1-1 N4C) cut it to 81-79 on a Frank Cimino (team-high 19 points) 3-pointer with 33.4 seconds to play.

Coming out of a timeout, Rock Valley applied a full court press but had to foul Reibel, who calmly sank a pair of free throws to make it 83-79. The Golden Eagles' Tairhe Turner split a pair of free throws on the other end to cut it to 83-80. The Hawks once again escaped the pressure, and Tyler Gaedele (Arlington Heights, Ill./Rolling Meadows ) hit a pair of free throws with 14.7 seconds left to seal the win.

"This is a huge confidence booster for us. We beat a good Rock Valley team," Reibel said. "To get this win – that's a big stepping stone."

Rock Valley built a 16-11 lead in the game's first seven minutes, but the Hawks kept it close and took 28-26 lead on a Reibel basket. Harper went ahead 36-28 with 5:01 to play after Tairhe Turner was called for a technical foul. The Golden Eagles went on a 10-0 run to take the lead, but Reibel's three-point play with 50 seconds left in the half gave the Hawks a 39-38 edge.

The Golden Eagles came out sizzling in the first few minutes of the second half, hitting three 3-pointers during an 11-2 run to gain a 49-42 advantage. The Hawks quieted the run and tied the game at 55-55 on a Reibel basket and took the lead for good at 66-64 on a Kevin Walsh (/St. Viator) (14 points) 3-pointer with 6:45 to play.

"Kevin (Sexton) and Kevin (Walsh) have been telling me to be a lot more aggressive in regards to shooting the ball," said Reibel, who finished 10-of-13 from the floor. "I got it going early with two jump shots, so I used that as my go-to tonight."

The next possession, Walsh stole a pass and completed a three-point play to make it 69-64. On the next trip down the court, Harper's Erik Porter committed a personal foul and technical foul on the same play, allowing Rock Valley to cut the deficit to 69-68 with 6:09 to play.

The Hawks responded with baskets from Walsh and Gaedele (12 points ) to keep the lead and eventually stretch it to 78-70 with 2:24 left after a key Charles Wright (Cheyenne, Wyo./Cheyenne East) offensive rebound and pair of free throws.

The Golden Eagles struggled at the free throw line, shooting just 58.1 percent (18-of-31) while the Hawks converted 69.6 percent (16-of-23). 

The Hawks are back on the court Monday night for a non-conference showdown at Richard J. Daley College (6-9).

Hawks Halted By No. 1 Rock Valley

Women's Basketball: Rachel Payne 2013-14
Payne scored a team-high 16 points in the loss. (Jim Cummins)
Box Score

ELGIN, Ill. – Despite a strong second half by the Harper College women's basketball team, they came up short against two-defending defending national champion No. 1 Rock Valley, 93-44.

The Golden Eagles (12-5, 2-0 N4C) raced out to an early 19-1 lead and never looked back. They stretched the lead to 41-9 late in the first half on a basket by Sam Rundblade (game-high 18 points) and took a 50-16 lead at the break.

The Hawks (2-11, 0-2 N4C) picked it up in the second half and went to the line 29 times in the game, making 15 of those attempts. Rachel Payne (Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy) led Harper with 16 points and four assists while Monica Hinderer (Arlington Heights, Ill./The Willows Academy) scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Hawks are back on the court tonight for a non-conference showdown at Richard J. Daley College (3-10).

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Game Preview: Harper vs. Rock Valley

Men's Basketball: Stefan Vucicevic 2013-14
Harper plays host to Rock Valley on the campus of Judson University Saturday afternoon. (Jim Cummins)

ELGIN, Ill. – After dropping their N4C opener at Joliet on Wednesday night, the Harper College men's basketball team looks to get back on track against No. 3 Rock Valley on Saturday afternoon in Elgin.

The game is a home contest for the Hawks (8-7, 0-1 N4C), but it will be played at 3 PM on the campus of Judson University. Rock Valley (14-2, 1-0 N4C) won their conference opener 98-73 over Wright.

Last Meeting

All five Harper starters scored in double figures, led by Tyler Gaedele (Arlington Heights, Ill./Rolling Meadows )'s 19 points, to give the Hawks an 83-64 victory over Rock Valley on Feb. 5, 2013.

Hawks Grounded

The Hawks lost their first three games this season but reeled off eight straight victories from Nov. 14-Dec. 10. Since that winning streak, the Hawks have dropped four straight games by an average of 12.3 PPG.
Golden Eagles Flying High

Second-year coach Craig Doty has a squad loaded with local area talent. The Golden Eagles went 19-16 in Doty's first year at the helm, but this year's squad is an offensive juggernaut, scoring 85.8 PPG. On the defensive side of the ball, Rock Valley only surrenders 60.4 PPG.

LT Davis (17.2 PPG) and Jared Mayes (15.7 PPG) lead the Golden Eagles in scoring while Frank Cimino (11.8 PPG) and Tairhe Turner (10.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG) also average in double figures.

The Golden Eagles are ranked third in the NJCAA Div. III national poll behind only Brookdale Community College (12-0) and St. Cloud Technical & Community College (13-1).

Live Updates

Follow the Hawks' Twitter account @HarperHawks for live in-game updates throughout the contest, or tune into the Harper College Hawks Facebook page for updates during the game.

Game Preview: Harper vs. Rock Valley

Women's Basketball: Cindia Salgado 2013-14
Harper plays host to Rock Valley on the campus of Judson University Saturday afternoon. (Jim Cummins)

ELGIN, Ill. – The Harper College women's basketball team fell in their N4C opener at Joliet Wednesday night, and they will face No. 1 Rock Valley on Saturday afternoon in Elgin.

The game is a home contest for the Hawks (2-10, 0-1 N4C), but it will be played at 1 PM on the campus of Judson University. The Golden Eagles (11-5, 1-0 N4C) beat Wright 115-27 in their conference opener Wednesday but lost to Illinois Central College, the third-ranked Div. II program, on Thursday night.

Last Meeting

Rock Valley topped Harper 87-29 on Feb. 6, 2013. Rachel Payne (Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy)led all Harper scorers with 12 points.

Struggling to Score         

The Hawks are finding it difficult to score this season, averaging only 51.7 PPG as a team. Monica Hinderer (Arlington Heights, Ill./The Willows Academy) (21.2 PPG) and Rachel Payne (Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy) (18.0 PPG) form a dynamic 1-2 punch for Harper.

Nation's Best

The Golden Eagles went 32-2 and won their final 27 games in the 2012-13 season to win the NJCAA Div. III National Championship. Rock Valley remains the nation's top Div. III program despite their 11-5 record. They've played tough competition at the Div. I and II levels, including powerhouses Kishwaukee College, Moberly Area Community College, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Kankakee Community College

The Golden Eagles score 81.7 PPG, third in the nation, and are led by sophomores Marquiesha Grant (19.0 PPG), Shantiera Miller (13.5 PPG) and Aleesha Cleaver (10.1 PPG).

Live Updates

Follow the Hawks' Twitter account @HarperHawks for live in-game updates throughout the contest, or tune into the Harper College Hawks Facebook page for updates during the game.

Conference Preview: Harper Men's Basketball

Men's Basketball: Bradley Reibel 2013-14
The Hawks tip off N4C play tonight at Joliet. (Jim Cummins)
PALATINE, Ill. – The Harper College men's basketball team lost their last three games to close out 2013, but they have a fresh start in 2014 as they travel to Joliet tonight for their conference opener at 7 PM.

The Hawks are 8-6 in the 2013-14 season and will face stern competition in the N4C. They finished with a 6-8 mark in conference play last season.

Kevin Walsh (/St. Viator) leads Harper in scoring at 16.8 PPG while Kevin Sexton (/Prospect) (12.9 PPG) andBradley Reibel (/Prospect) (12.0 PPG) also average in double figures. Walsh has eclipsed the 20-point mark five times this season, including a 30-point effort in a win over Olive-Harvey College on Dec. 3.

Here's a look at the records of each N4C team in non-conference play:

Rock Valley         13-2
Triton                    10-5
Harper                   8-6
Joliet                      8-6
Milwaukee            6-8
DuPage                  5-11       
Wright                    2-8
Madison                2-10

The Hawks play each conference foe twice in league play. Here's a breakdown of each opponent:

Harper at Joliet, Jan. 8
Joliet at Harper, Feb. 1

After starting the year 7-0, Joliet has lost six of their last seven games, including three one-point losses.

The Wolves feature a balanced scoring attack with six players averaging 10 or more points per game, led by Anthony Carroll and Deiondre Cunningham each scoring 12.7 PPG. Forward Justin Scanlan leads the team in rebounding at 6.7 RPG to go along with 12.4 PPG.

Harper lost both contests against Joliet last year, 78-69 and 83-79. The Wolves won the conference last year with a 13-1 record in N4C play.

Rock Valley at Harper (at Judson University), Jan. 11
Harper at Rock Valley, Feb. 5

The Golden Eagles' only two losses of the season came at the hands of Indian Hills Community College, the nation's top-ranked NJCAA Div. I program, and Malcolm X College. Rock Valley is No. 3 in the NJCAA Div. III national poll.

The Golden Eagles score 84.8 PPG, led by LT Davis at 17.7 PPG and Jared Mayes at 15.1 PPG.

The Hawks and Golden Eagles split the season series last year as Rock Valley won at home 74-67 on Jan. 12 and Harper won at home 83-64 on Feb. 6. This year's home matchup for the Hawks will be played on the campus of Judson University in Elgin, Ill.

Harper at Wright, Jan. 15
Wright at Harper, Feb. 8

The Rams boast wins over McHenry County College and College of Lake County this season. They are led in scoring by freshman Jamon Collins (16.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG) and Adonis Lema (12.8 PPG).

The Hawks and Rams split the season series a year ago. Harper won a 75-72 overtime thriller in Palatine on Jan. 16 while Wright earned a 61-59 win in Chicago on Feb. 9.

Harper at DuPage, Jan. 18
DuPage at Harper, Feb. 12

The Chapparals have won two straight games heading into N4C play, earning victories over Robert Morris JV and College of Lake County.

DuPage swept the regular season series last year and ended the Hawks' season with a 79-69 win in the Region IV Quarterfinals.

Milwaukee at Harper, Jan. 22
Harper at Milwaukee (at Alverno College), Feb. 15

After a 1-8 start, the Stormers are riding a five-game winning streak heading into conference play. Jermaine Brisco (14.3 PPG), Troy Spears (14.0 PPG) and Thomas Hood Jr (13.3 PPG) led the scoring attack for Milwaukee.

The Stormers bested the Hawks 73-71 in Palatine last year, but Harper bounced back with a 91-74 road victory to split the season series.

The Feb. 15 contest at Milwaukee will be played on the campus of Alverno College.

Triton at Harper, Jan. 25
Harper at Triton, Feb. 19

The Trojans are on a three-game losing streak coming into conference play, having lost to three tough opponents in a row in Kishwaukee College, Olive-Harvey College and South Suburban College.

They are led in scoring by Chad McDowell at 16.5 PPG and Paul Beene at 13.8 PPG.

The Trojans finished 12-2 in N4C play last year, but one of their losses came at Harper last year (Feb. 20).

Madison at Harper, Jan. 29
Harper at Madison, Feb. 21

The WolfPack spent part of their winter break in Arizona, playing two games there. They dropped both contests and with a recent loss to Kishwaukee College have now lost five in a row.

Brandon Holz leads Madison in scoring at 14.0 PPG and rebounding at 6.1 RPG.

The Hawks swept the season series from the WolfPack last year. 

Conference Preview: Harper Women's Basketball

Women's Basketball: Monica Hinderer 2013-14
After nearly a month off, the Hawks are finally back in action tonight at Joliet in their N4C opener. (Jim Cummins)
PALATINE, Ill. – While the beginning of the 2013-14 season has presented its challenges to the Harper College women's basketball team, they have a chance to right the ship as they begin N4C play at Joliet tonight.

The Hawks are 2-9 this season, with wins coming over McHenry County College and Olive-Harvey College.  Last year, the Hawks finished with a 5-9 record in conference play.

Standout sophomores Monica Hinderer (Arlington Heights, Ill./The Willows Academy) and Rachel Payne(Wheeling, Ill./Schaumburg Christian Academy) have been an unstoppable tandem in non-conference play, accounting for 68 percent of the team's offense so far this year. Hinderer averages a double-double with 21.2 PPG (18th in nation) and 14.0 RPG (fifth in nation) while Payne scores 18.0 PPG (T-33rd in nation) to go with 4.9 RPG and 3.2 APG (team-best).

Here's a look at the records of each N4C team in non-conference play:

Milwaukee         12-2
Rock Valley        10-4
Madison               7-5
DuPage                9-7
Harper                  2-9
Wright                  2-9
Triton                    2-13

The Hawks play each conference foe twice in league play. Here's a breakdown of each opponent:

Harper at Joliet, Jan. 8
Joliet at Harper, Feb. 1

The Wolves boast only one player, Samantha Wurtz, in double digits scoring at 10.1 PPG. Laporshia Williams leads the team in rebounding with 10.8 a contest.

The Wolves won both games against the Hawks last year.

Rock Valley at Harper (at Judson University), Jan. 11
Harper at Rock Valley, Feb. 5

The Golden Eagles come in as the top-ranked team in the nation at the NJCAA Div. III level. Rock Valley scores 80.9 PPG while only surrendering 49.7 PPG.

Rock Valley is led by star sophomore Marquiesha Grant, who scores 19.4 PPG. Fellow sophomores Shantiera Miller (13.0 PPG) and Aleesha Cleaver (10.6 PPG) are also viable scoring options.

The Golden Eagles swept the season series from Harper last season.

Harper at Wright, Jan. 15
Wright at Harper, Feb. 8

Itsayana Campos (13.1 PPG) and Zaporia Smith (11.0 PPG) form a strong 1-2 scoring punch for the Rams. Latrice King has been a force on the glass, averaging 10.6 RPG.

The Hawks won both matchups last season, 57-39 and 57-50. Hinderer averaged 28.0 PPG and 16.0 RPG in the two victories.

Harper at DuPage, Jan. 18
DuPage at Harper, Feb. 12

The Chapparals are led by star forward Donna Koerber, who averages 22.3 PPG and 9.8 RPG. Two other DuPage starters, Brandi McAlister (10.4 PPG) and Sarah Lang (10.1 PPG), average in double figures scoring. Lang 5.7 assists per contest ranks seventh in the nation.

The Chapparals beat the Hawks in both matchups last season.

Milwaukee at Harper, Jan. 22
Harper at Milwaukee (at Alverno College), Feb. 15

The Stormers enter N4C play on a roll, having won 10 of their last 11 games. The Stormers have a 12-2 record a year after going 6-21.

Milwaukee is led by sophomore Ashley McHenry, who scores 21.9 PPG and collects 9.5 RPG. Benetta Jones (15.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG), Sakeenah Rahada (14.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG) and Shonnice Vaughn (10.8 PPG) are also major contributors.

The two teams split the season series in the 2012-13 season, with the Hawks winning the latter matchup 67-59.

Triton at Harper, Jan. 25
Harper at Triton, Feb. 19

Cre' Williams (10.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG) and Lisa Horn (10.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG) shoulder much of the scoring load for the Trojans.

The Hawks defeated Triton twice last year. Hinderer scored a career-high 35 points in the 64-43 win on Feb. 20.

Madison at Harper, Jan. 29
Harper at Madison, Feb. 21

The WolfPack went 1-1 in Arizona over winter break. When they returned, they lost their last game to Kishwaukee College four days ago.

Stellar freshman Gabrielle Hood (14.6 PPG) and Meagan Mazur (13.0 PPG) lead a young squad that features only two sophomores.

Madison swept the regular season series last year and ended the Hawks' season with a 71-60 win in the Region IV Quarterfinals. 

Friday, January 3, 2014

Hawks Face Elite Field at Midlands Championship

Wrestling: Blake Santi Midlands Championship
Santi scored points for the Hawks at the Midlands Championship. (Jim Cummins)

EVANSTON, Ill. – The Harper College wrestling team competed against an elite field at the 51st Ken Kraft Midlands Championship at Northwestern University. The Hawks scored two points in the two-day meet held on Dec. 29 and 30.

The Hawks placed 42nd out of 47 teams. Iowa won the meet with 187.5 points, followed by Edinboro (102.5 points), Michigan (84 points), Illinois (83 points) and Northern Iowa (70.5 points) rounding out the top five.

Blake Santi (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) scored the points for Harper at 149 pounds as he bounced back from an 8-1 opening match lose to Wisconsin's Andrew Crone to beat Eastern Michigan's Mike LeHolm with a 16-2 major decision to earn bonus points. Santi dropped his last match to finish with a 1-2 record.

The Hawks return to the mat Jan. 11-12 for the National Duals in Des Moines, Iowa.