Hawks Men’s Basketball Team 2nd in preseason rankings

Malachi Black, a 6 foot 6 forward from Detroit, is one of the returning players for the Hawks. In preseason rankings, the Hawks are No. 2 for the first time.

The Hawks men’s basketball team is ranked No. 2 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II’s preseason rankings for the first time.

This preseason ranking is a nod to the success the basketball team has had the last three seasons, said Coach Chris Shepard, a 4-time Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Coach of the Year. In the 2022-23 season, the Hawks had the best season in College history. The Hawks have been in the NJCAA Elite 8 each of the last three seasons.

2023-24 season opened in early November

The Hawks’ began the 2023-24 season November 3. They lost 84-72 to Division I Kansas-based Butler Community College in Moberly, Missouri.

On November 4, the Hawks won 98-75, defeating Link Year Prep in Taney County, Missouri.

Their starting schedule couldn't be any more challenging, as they take on the nation's best.

“We play non-conference games against No. 3 Niagara County Community College (in Sanborn, NY), No. 4 Davidson-Davie Community College (in Davie County, NC), and No. 5 South Suburban College (in South Holland, IL) in November, in addition to opening with a Top 15 Division I college (Butler). We are trying to get prepared for a great season by playing the toughest non-conference schedule in the country,” said Shepard.

Join the Hawks at our home games and any time you can travel to an away contest. Tickets are free for HFC students. This is shaping up to be another exciting season!