Three games is hardly enough to consider a program on the come up, but we are talking about the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; a squad that in previous years would’ve held up holy hands for the label of ‘mediocre.’
But the 2009 edition of the Fighting Hawks might have found basketball religion, and may be close to winning some converts in Princess Anne and beyond. UMES has won their last three games – American and Navy for the comparable out-of-conference variety, and for good measure, a conference win against Delaware State.
Coach Frankie Allen is a known program builder, and it looks like year two is growing into the season for the Hawks to surprise some folks. The key to the success has been sophomore forward Hillary Haley, a St. Bonaventure transfer who is averaging 13 points and three rebounds per game over the winning streak. As soon as he learns he can’t shoot threes, the Hawks will really be in business.
Maybe it’s wishful thinking for the MEAC to have more parity in basketball, but UMES may just be onto something good.
