Harper wins twice at tourney

Last week didn't start well for the Harper College men's basketball team. Fortunately for the Hawks, it ended much better.

Things began with a 72-67 loss to McHenry Community College.

"We just didn't play well," said Harper coach Tony Amarino.

Then it was on to a busy weekend, as the Hawks played three games in the Battle On The Hill tournament which was hosted by Illinois Valley Community College.

Harper defeated Clinton, Iowa 65-43 and host Illinois Valley 90-83 before falling to Waubonsee 75-66 in the championship game.

"The Illinois Valley win was a real big win for us," Amarino said.

The Hawks will be well-rested when they play NJCAA Division I opponent Daley on Saturday. After that contest, the Hawks play their next four games at the Sports and Wellness Center - including three against heralded city schools.

Amarino believes the 11 freshmen on the roster are starting to play better.

• The Hawks women's basketball team, which lost 51-48 to Waubonsee Community College on Thursday at the Sports and Wellness Center, travels to Daley College on Saturday. Last Thursday, the Hawks lost a 46-45 heartbreaker to Elgin Community College.

• Harper middle hitter Alexandra Mason was one of three players from the North Central Community College Conference named first-team All-American. Mason broke Annie Fitzpatrick's single-season kills record with 636, which also led the NJCAA this season.

• Harper's wrestling team travels to Triton College on Saturday to participate in the Art Kraft Memorial Open, after which the team will have a full week off from competition.