The Howard men’s basketball team fell to the Delaware State Hornets in a 21-point loss last Saturday. This defeat pushed them further below the .500 mark, leaving them five games under.
The team faces the challenge of integrating its five newcomers, including Blake Harper, as program veterans Dom Campbell and Bryce Harris are unable to play due to injuries. With seasoned players sitting on the sidelines, the new talent is forced to learn quickly and lead their team to victory.
Campbell, a junior forward on the Howard men’s basketball team said, “With all the injuries we’ve had, it’s definitely been tough trying to find guys who can be leaders. Coming in as a newcomer, it’s hard to be a leader given that you have to get assimilated to the culture.”
He said his teammates have accepted the challenge and the focus is being consistent with their leadership and actions.
During the 2023-24 season, the Bison had an overall record of 18-17. This year, they are 10-15. With only six regular season games remaining until the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the Bison have faced some setbacks compared to last season.
Unlike last season, five out of the six active top scorers are newcomers. Freshman guard Harper and graduate forward Cameron Shockley-Okeke have been leading the team in points per game this season with Harper averaging 19 points and Shockley-Okeke averaging 12 points.
Recently, the Bison suffered tough defeats, losing by 23 points to in-conference opponent South Carolina State and against Division II Bowie State University.
For those who heavily follow the Bison, these losses have exposed some glaring issues in the team’s overall performance. Continuity is seemingly lacking in comparison to recent years,
with so many newcomers playing prominent roles in the team’s success.
“Right now, Howard is dealing with a lot of injuries and are looking for guys to step up,” said Amani Clark-Bey, a Howard senior that serves as a commentator during the men’s games. “Injuries are holding the team back, leaving many newcomers and freshmen to step up.”
Campbell emphasizes effort and intensity in Howard’s basketball culture, noting their adjustments to their standards can be tough. However, he believes the newcomers are adapting well and expects their success to grow as the season progresses.
As the Bison prepare for future play, they will be challenged to work around their injuries to improve their in-conference record.
Copy edited by Aniyah Genama
