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Hutchinson Today
By the People, for the People
Howard Hawks Capture First National Title Since 2010
No. 1 Howard defeats No. 2 Southern Idaho 82-67 in championship game
Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:09pm
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The Howard Hawks' national title triumph ignites a wave of community pride and excitement, as their high-octane style of play is immortalized in a dynamic, neon-hued expressionist painting.Hutchinson TodayThe No. 1 Howard Hawks won the National Championship, defeating No. 2 Southern Idaho 82-67 in the title game at Hutchinson Sports Arena. WJCAC Player of the Year Terry Copeland recorded a double-double with 23 points and 16 rebounds, while Kuai Deng added 20 points and 5 rebounds for the Hawks. This is Howard's first national title since 2010.
Why it matters
Howard's championship victory marks the program's first national title in 16 years, a significant achievement for the school and the local community. The Hawks' dominant run through the tournament showcases the strength of their roster and coaching staff, cementing their status as one of the top junior college basketball programs in the country.
The details
The No. 1 Howard Hawks defeated the No. 2 Southern Idaho Eagles 82-67 in the National Championship game at Hutchinson Sports Arena. WJCAC Player of the Year Terry Copeland led the way for Howard, recording a double-double with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Teammate Kuai Deng also had a strong performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. This is the Hawks' first national title since 2010, when they beat Three Rivers College 85-80 in overtime.
- The National Championship game was played on March 28, 2026.
- Howard's last national title came in 2010.
The players
Terry Copeland
The WJCAC player of the year, who had a double-double with 23 points and 16 rebounds in the championship game.
Kuai Deng
A Howard player who scored 20 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the title game.
Howard Hawks
The No. 1 ranked junior college basketball team that won the National Championship.
Southern Idaho Eagles
The No. 2 ranked team that lost to Howard in the National Championship game.
What they’re saying
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our program and our community. These players have worked so hard to get to this point, and I'm so proud of their effort and dedication.”
— Howard Head Coach
What’s next
Howard will look to build on this championship victory and establish themselves as a consistent national power in junior college basketball. The team will lose several key contributors to graduation, but the program's strong recruiting pipeline should help them reload for another title run in the coming seasons.
The takeaway
Howard's national championship triumph is a testament to the program's sustained excellence and the development of its talented roster. The Hawks' victory not only brings pride to the local community, but also solidifies their status as one of the premier junior college basketball programs in the country.
