The Hawks are soaring to begin this season.
After another strong tournament performance in the 45th Annual James Clark Showcase, the men’s basketball team saw their record pushed to 10-0 — the best start in program history.
Then, in their return home against the Gavilan Rams, the Hawks added another victim. They defeated the visiting Gavilan Rams 91-66 on Dec. 12. That’s 11 wins in a row to start the season.
They’re ranked No. 3 in the state according to the latest California Community College Men’s Basketball Coaches Association poll on Dec. 2, 2024. They are one of the only teams in the 2023-24 season, alongside San Francisco and Skyline, that have yet to suffer a loss in the state.
Not only have the Hawks been winning these games — they’ve been dominating. Their average margin of victory this season is 22.6 points, with all eleven wins coming by double digits. Their closest win came against Siskiyous on Dec. 6, a 91-77 victory.
“I think we take it to teams, and I think a lot of teams aren’t ready for the pressure that we have, especially with the players that can defend at a high level that we have,” assistant coach Anthony Hasket said. “So I think that’s what sets us apart. I think the defense is what sets us apart.”
The team’s blistering start has them looking ahead to the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship. While the season is still young, the Hawks depth and defensive improvements place them as a contenter. It would be just the second time in program history for them to reach the state championship, the only trip being in the 2021-22 season. There, they lost in the quarterfinal against West LA, 77-64.
The team’s scoring leader this season has been sophomore guard Elijah Mobley. He was named tournament MVP for the Tony Costello Tip-Off Classic, a tournament the Hawks hold every year. During the 45th Annual James Clark Tournament, held Dec. 5 through 7, Mobley was an all tournament selection.
He is currently second in Coast North Conference in points per game, his 18.3 only behind Zion Yeargin from Chabot, who has 19.3. While Mobley has been the team’s go-to scorer up to this point, head coach Giacomazzi has them playing well balanced basketball.
“You know, (Coach Giacomazzi) has a lot of wins, a lot of experience at this level,” Mobley said. “So I mean, just him coaching us, and just like, having him as a coach and a mentor is pretty good, so special.”
So when Mobley only scored eight points against Gavilan, the Hawks faced no problems walking away with the win. Five Hawks scored double digits, three of whom came off the bench.
Sophomore guard Sterling McClanahan, one of the Hawks captains, and Elijah’s twin brother Elliot were the two starters to score double digits with 15 and 14 respectively. Off the bench were freshman Jaden Woodard, Jayden Doty and Coby Christensen, with 15, 12 and 10 points.
“I’m not so sure we’ve had a collection of these many guards who play so in sync together,” Giacomazzi said. “So, I think our depth is our strength, and I think we have good leadership from our captains and from the guys that are playing the majority of the minutes.”
The major difference for the Hawks compared to a season ago continues to be their defense. With multiple long, lengthy defenders, the Hawks have implored an aggressive approach, guarding teams full court while looking to pressure them into mistakes. As a result, the team has held their opponents under 70 points eight times this season. Last year, they accomplished that nine times all season.
“Our defense, we saw as our offense,” freshman guard Richard Banks said. “So that’s a big part (of our success).”
This isn’t the first time the Hawks are starting off fast outside of conference play. Just last year the team finished the early part of their season with a 13-3 record. But being placed in one of the hardest conferences in the state led to them struggling against their conference opponents. They finished with a 4-8 conference record, including a six game losing streak.
The Hawks are currently three games away from the start of conference play this season. Their opener will be at home against San Mateo on Jan. 8. The level of play won’t be any different, with six teams in the conference, including the Hawks, having two or less losses to this point of the season. But this time around, the Hawks are hoping their depth, defense and increased experience will have them better prepared for their conference opponents.
“We kind of just focus on the team in front of us,” Giacomazzi said. “We don’t look ahead. We don’t look back. We just try to learn and get better and then get ready for the next game.”
The Hawks are set to go against Folsom Lake, who are 5-5, at home this Friday, Dec. 20. Following that, they then face Solano on Dec. 30 and Monterey Peninsula on Jan. 3.
TOP PHOTO: Hawks guard Elliot Mobley takes a fade-away jumper. (Photo by Alan Lewis/ Special to The Express)
Francis Kennedy is the Sports Editor for The Express. Follow him on X, formally Twitter @kennedy_aloisf.
