Video: Breaking down the Independent Top 10Hawks would love to end season in New York City for Dick's Nationals.5. Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.)Head coach: Zach Ferrell (87-16 career record, fourth year)
2015-16 record: 27-3, No. 19 final national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCHNickeil Alexander-Walker (6-5, Sr., G) … Committed to Virginia Tech
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (6-5, Sr., G) … Recently de-committed from Florida
Jason Jitoboh (6-9, So., C) … Sister Jessica is a 6-foot-2 post for HHCA Lady Hawks
C.J. Massengill (6-1, Sr., G) … Chattanooga native adds experience in backcourt
Issa Samake (6-7, So., F) … Native of Mali with Iowa State offer
Therren Shelton-Szmidt (6-5, Sr., G) … Could add to eight Division I offers this winter
The 2016-17 Hamilton Heights Christian Academy Hawks.
Photo by Andy Mitchell
* Canada has been very good to Ferrell and the Hawks. In addition to Alexander-Walker, Gilgeous-Alexander and Shelton-Szmidt, our neighbors to the north have sent 6-10 junior
Kaosi Ezeagu along with sophomores
Tre Edwards and
Wheza Panzo HHCA's way.
* Will last year's Dick's Nationals snub be a rallying point for the Hawks? Two of the program's three losses last year came against Oak Hill Academy while it claimed wins over teams from 10 different states and two of the top programs in Canada. Hamilton Heights was playing its best basketball down the stretch as evidenced by a 73-44 thrashing of a talented Mountain Mission team in the final game of the season.
KEY DATESDec. 1 – vs.
Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.)Dec. 2 – vs.
Prolific Prep Academy (Napa, Calif.) @ Marshall County Hoopfest
Dec. 21-23 – Chick-fil-A Classic
Jan. 4 – vs.
Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tenn.)Look for an expanded preview of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy on November 10.
