HAGERSTOWN, Md. - The Harford men's basketball team is on the verge of making history, looking to do something no Harford team has ever done before. With a victory on Monday, the Fighting Owls would claim the 2015 NJCAA Division I Region XX Championship and tie the school record with 20 wins.
First year head coach
Mike Smelkinson has his squad on a 14-2 run since the beginning of 2015. A victory over top-seeded Baltimore City would give the school a pair of MD JUCO Championships (men & women) and Region XX Championships (men & women). Prior to this season, neither team had ever won a conference or regional tournament.
All-everything point guard
Brandon Spain was joined by All-Region players
Exzavier Cooper and
Jon Warren in the 20-point club in Friday's Semifinal victory. Spain totaled 24 points, seven assists and six boards while Cooper went for 22 points and 10 caroms. Warren chipped in with 22 and eight.
The Fighting Owls were not at full strength when Baltimore City came to the APGFCU Arena in December. Playing without Spain, Cooper and
Alie Kondeh, Harford fell 92-82 on December 2. Warren led the Fighting Owls with 18 points and eight boards.
The Panthers, who reached the MD JUCO Semifinals two weeks ago, defeated No. 4 Allegany on Friday to advance to Monday's Region Championship Game, their third-straight Championship Game appearance.
Fans unable to make it to Hargerstown CC for the title game can follow
live stats here.