Last year, the Lady Hornets finished 29-2 under coach Cornelius Ingram in winning their first state title in school history.
The defending Class 1A state champion Lady Hornets opened the 2020-21 season with a 72-33 win at Countryside Christian on Monday, Nov. 16.
P.K. Yonge transfer Mya McGraw led all scorers with 20 points, followed by Oshiana Buie with 13.
With the addition of McGraw, a recent Charlotte signee, plus returning starters Jayla Williams, Jazlyn Jackson, and Kentavia Hagins, Hawthorne will have the pieces to make another run at a state title.
“We expect to make a deep run in the playoffs,” Ingram said. “We’re hoping to defend the 1A state championship.”
2020-21 Preseason Basketball Outlook
School: Hawthorne Middle High School
Coach’s name: Cornelius Ingram
Years as head coach: 4
2020-21 Class/District/Region: 1A / 7 / 4
2019-20 Overall Record: 29-2
Number of returning starters: 3
Jayla Williams: 12th 11.2 ppg
Jazlyn Jackson: 10th 10.2 ppg. 9.1 rpg
Kentavia Hagins: 10th 8.7 ppg
Key losses: Two senior starters Antania Mason & Angelina Harris
Key games: “Always look forward to playing local teams.” – Coach Ingram
Outlook for 2020-21: “Leiana Buie will step into the starting lineup after averaging 10.2 ppg and 7 rpg off the bench. With the addition of 6’2, Charlotte 49ers commit, Mya McGraw (15.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg), expect her to be the most dominant offensive and defensive player in the state. Be on the look out for Jhalea Jackson, who will make a big impact as an 8th grader.” – Coach Ingram
