Harper shows scoring prowess in opening win

The Sports and Wellness Center was anything but a dull place on Friday night as host Harper came away with a 94-71 opening-night victory over the Judson University JV men's basketball team.

"That's the solid basketball we need to play," said Harper coach Dr. Justin Welke. "Scoring is going to be there."

Trailing 14-13, Harper looked to a trio of freshmen.

Ernest Kiseliovas (Prospect), Connor Elzerman and Allias Burnett sparked a 7-point run which gave the hosts a 20-14 lead they would never relinquish.

"I was nervous" admitted Elzerman after his first collegiate game in which he scored 22 points with 10 rebounds.

Leading 52-30 at the half, Welke was not pleased with his team's defense.

"I challenged the guys (to play better defense) in the second half," he said.

Despite giving up more points, the majority from the free throw line, the intensity on the defensive end was noticeable. Sophomore guard Marcus Gatlin attributed the difference to emotion, saying the team was playing as a "family."

Two players who took the coaches' message to heart were Elzerman and Gatlin.

"Connor and Marcus are our leaders," Welke said.

The schedule gets more difficult from here for the Hawks, who travel to Malta to face Kishwaukee on Tuesday.

"We have some things to shore up before that, taking on such a strong nonconference opponent on the road," Welke said.