Harper College men win home debut

Fresh off of Saturday's 71-67 loss at Olive-Harvey, the Harper College men's basketball team was looking for a different outcome in the home debut of first-year coach Justin Welke.

Done.

On Tuesday night at the Sports and Wellness Center, the Hawks defeated the Judson University JV team 72-57 to improve to 1-1.

"Our defense really set the tone in the first half," the first-year coach said. "The intention was to play really hard defense."

Harper grabbed a 40-21 lead going into the intermission.

"We are blessed to have 5 athletes on our team," Welke said of his team's ability to score in the open court.

One player who was able to benefit from the Eagles' offensive miscues was freshman Admir Suljic, who finished with a game high 22 points.

Another benefit for the new Harper coaching staff is that 13 of the 15 players on the roster saw action, including freshmen guards Jalon Roundy of Fremd (2 points) and Jamal Sherman of Maine West (7 points).

"We have 15 guys on our roster," Welke said. "I would trust any one of those guys."

Including Elgin grad Donte Harper, who finished with 3 points.