The Hopkins men’s basketball team rode an already hot January (5-2) into their annual Wall-O’Mahony game against Muhlenberg College. With two straight wins over Ursinus and Washington College, the Blue Jays looked to extend their winning streak against the Mules.
The annual Wall-O’Mahony game honors Glen Wall and Matt O’Mahony who were teammates on the Hopkins men’s basketball team from 1982 to 1984. They were best friends and both tragically lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.
At the conclusion of a back-and-forth affair between the Blue Jays and the Mules, Hopkins stood victorious with an 81-70 victory over visiting Muhlenberg College. This improves the Blue Jays record to 10-7 overall. The team currently sits at fourth place in the Centennial Conference with a 7-3 record in conference play. Playing a huge part in the big win for Hopkins was junior Jimmy Hammer, who was awarded MVP (given every year to a player from each team) for his efforts. Hammer scored a team-leading 21 points to go along with three rebounds and a steal in 35 minutes against Muhlenberg. For his performance in this game, The News-Letter would proudly like to announce him as our selection for Athlete of the week.
The News-Letter: Your team is currently 10-7 overall and an impressive 7-3 in conference play. In 2014, you've been a hot team, winning six of the past 8 games. How much confidence does your impressive January give the team looking forward to the remainder of the season?
Jimmy Hammer: Having a hot January definitely gives the team much more confidence. With the season beginning to wind down, this is the perfect time to really hit a hot streak, which will hopefully continue the rest of the season and into the conference playoffs.
N-L: You had a team-high 21 points as well as three rebounds and a steal in 35 minutes against Muhlenberg. This season you're averaging 14.6 points per game (currently seventh best in the CC). To what do you attribute your success so far this season?
JH: Well a lot of it had to do with the work I put in this offseason and what I did to prepare for this season. But not only that, my teammates have really helped this entire year. Whether it is getting me the ball when I am open, setting great screens for me, or pushing me in practice to be the best I can be, I could not have achieved this success without them.
N-L: Statistically speaking, your 40.8% three-point shooting percentage is the fourth highest in JHU Men's Basketball history. Your long-range shot has always been an excellent part of your game in college. How have you expanded your game over the years in order to improve yourself as a basketball player?
JH: I have learned to become more of a complete player with the help of my coaches. They have taught me to develop a pull up jump shot or getting all the way to the rim and either finishing or getting fouled. I had to do this because teams began to realize I could shoot and would rush out on me. With the help of my coaches, I developed the ability to put the ball on the floor and go around them as they close out.
N-L: You were named MVP of the Wall-O'Mahony game. This game has a special meaning every year to the program. How does is feel to receive such a special award?
JH: It is an absolutely unbelievable feeling. The entire day is truly terrific and is meant to remember two great men. That's why winning the MVP award is very special and I could not be more honored. It also helps that we won the game as well, making the day even more memorable.
N-L: What are your team/individual goals this season?
JH: Team goals would be to win the Centennial Conference tournament and make it to the NCAA tournament. I don't really set individual goals but finishing shooting over 40% from 3-point range would be nice.
N-L: What big games do you have coming up and how is your team preparing for them?
JH: Every conference game is very important and we cannot take any team lightly. However, some teams that we have starred on our schedule are Dickinson, McDaniel (twice), and Franklin and Marshall. We prepare for every game the same way by studying film and going over their plays/tendencies during practices.
The Hopkins men’s basketball team will travel to Westminster, Maryland to take on McDaniel Tuesday, January 28th. Their next home game will be on February 5th against Franklin and Marshall at 8:00 p.m.
