Gabriella

Women's Basketball

Women's Basketball Heads into Second Half of Season

Palatine, IL: The Hawks women's basketball team closed the first half of the 2025–26 season with a 2-12 overall record, showing moments of growth and competitiveness despite facing a challenging schedule in NJCAA Region 4. The Hawks struggled early with holes in consistency but demonstrated effort, resilience, and signs of identity in multiple games as the season progressed.

Harper opened the year with a series of tough matchups, including road losses at Truman and Waubonsee and a competitive home game against Moraine Valley. The Hawks earned their first win of the season on November 18 with a 65-62 home victory over Bryant & Stratton, showcasing improved shooting and late-game poise. Other early contests, such as narrow losses at Elgin (58-51) and McHenry County (56-54), illustrated the team's ability to stay competitive through full games and highlighted defensive intensity.

Harper's second win came on December 11 with a 51-44 home triumph over Kishwaukee. In that game, strong rebounding efforts and balanced scoring helped the Hawks control the tempo and close out the victory. Against conference opponents like Oakton, Black Hawk, and Waubonsee, Harper continued to compete, tightening defensive pressure and executing schemes that kept contests close in stretches.

A major highlight of the first half for the Hawks has been the play of sophomore Gabriella Swanson. Swanson has emerged as a force on the glass, leading the nation in defensive rebounds and ranking sixth nationally in total rebounds. Her relentless presence on the boards and consistency in controlling second-chance opportunities has been vital for Harper's competitiveness and sets her apart among NJCAA Division II peers.

In addition to Swanson's rebounding dominance, other Hawks have contributed in key areas. Marque Taylor has delivered scoring and defensive pressure, Ariana Buss has impacted the stat sheet with all-around playmaking and steals, and Kinsley Stillman has provided strong rebounding and scoring at critical moments.

Across the first half of the season, several team traits have become clear:
-Defensive Competitiveness: Harper has generated deflections, steals, and hustle plays that reflect an aggressive defensive mindset in many games.
-Rebounding Strength: Anchored by Swanson's national-level rebounding performance, the Hawks have fought on the glass in most contests.
-Close Game Resilience: Multiple games have been decided by narrow margins, underscoring Harper's fight and improvement in late-game execution.
-Growing Confidence: Despite a tough road slate, the Hawks have shown confidence and chemistry that have trended positively over time.

As the Hawks enter the second half of play beginning in early January, the focus will be on converting competitive performances into wins. The schedule includes key matchups at MATC Stormers, Kishwaukee Kougars, Rock Valley Golden Eagles, DuPage Chaps, Madison WolfPack, and Bryant & Stratton Bobcats, among others. Each will present opportunities for Harper to climb the Region 4 standings and demonstrate continued development during the stretch run.

Despite the early record, the Hawks have shown they can compete with every opponent when they execute their identity of toughness, rebounding dominance, and team defense. If Harper continues to build on that foundation, the second half of Region 4 play could yield more wins, stronger momentum, and an elevated position heading into postseason opportunity.


 
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Players Mentioned

Kinsley Stillman

#4 Kinsley Stillman

F/C
6' 0"
Sophomore
Gabriella Swanson

#33 Gabriella Swanson

F/C
6' 0"
Sophomore
Marque Taylor

#24 Marque Taylor

F
5' 10"
Freshman
Ariana Buss

#20 Ariana Buss

G
5' 8"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Kinsley Stillman

#4 Kinsley Stillman

6' 0"
Sophomore
F/C
Gabriella Swanson

#33 Gabriella Swanson

6' 0"
Sophomore
F/C
Marque Taylor

#24 Marque Taylor

5' 10"
Freshman
F
Ariana Buss

#20 Ariana Buss

5' 8"
Freshman
G