Columbia, MD - Coming off a Region 20 title and national tournament appearance, the Howard Community College Dragons are hoping to pick up where they left off. This season will be a true test for the champs, featuring a whole new roster and one of the toughest schedules in all of Region 20.
"We're taking it day by day," said head coach and athletic director
Mike Smelkinson. "We lost six of our top scorers from last season so it's a completely new roster. But the goal is the same: Be a top eight seed and win the Region 20 tournament."
The Dragons finished last season 26-8, clinching the regular season title on a buzzer-beater at Catonsville. A rematch with the Cardinals saw the Dragons triumph in the Region 20 championship, punching their ticket to the national tournament. Unfortunately, the Dragons were knocked out in the first round by Florida State College-Jacksonville.
Despite the early departure from the tournament, big things are expected of Howard this season. The Dragons are ranked #19 nationally to begin the year and will have a brand new arena to finally host home games in.
"The last few years before our old arena was demolished, we had a 30-game winning streak," said Smelkinson. "Historically, we've played well at home. Playing all road games last season and still winning the title built some character."
The all-new facility features a 1,000 + seat arena that opponents will have to get very comfortable with. The Dragons host the Region 20 Division II Tournament at season's end. No matter how the season plays out, the opposition will have to come through Howard for a shot at the title.
Howard kicks off the season with the grand opening of their new arena on November 1 as they duel Baltimore City. The first big test of the season comes on November 25 against CCBC Dundalk, a preseason favorite to take the Region. The Dragons will have several new teams on the schedule, including match-ups with Essex County, Raritan Valley, and the County College of Morris. Plenty of nationally recognized programs will be facing the Dragons, including showdowns with Harcum College and Monroe College. Of course, long-time rival Cecil College will be a must-watch game.
The toughest stretch will be the final two weeks, as the Dragons battle Anne Arundel, Prince George's, Chesapeake, and CCBC Catonsville in consecutive weeks. PG has moved up from Division III and is expected to be an immediate force in Division II. Anne Arundel and Chesapeake are expected to be contenders, while CCBC Catonsville will be out for revenge after last season's pair of losses at the hands of the Dragons.
"All of those teams are going to be in the mix," said Smelkinson. "It's a tough schedule for us."
Despite how tough the schedule is, the Dragons have assembled just the team to take it on. The 2024-25 Dragons will feature six returning players, one sophomore transfer, and seven freshman players.
Emanuel Henriques (Baltimore, MD/Benjamin Franklin) is the highest returning scorer, averaging ten points and 4.3 rebounds per game last season. Sophomore
Christian Dean (Elkridge, MD/Long Reach) had key plays for the Dragons down the stretch, while Arthur Roaché filled in for an injured
Shane Taylor (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial) and played brilliantly. Both players are expected to become regular starters for the Dragons. The Dragons will also welcome back
Jaden Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise), who missed a chunk of last season with a high ankle sprain.
Returner
Anthony Djami (Paris, France/Brequigny) has perhaps the wildest story of any player. Originally a freshman in 2019, Djami was stuck overseas in his native France during COVID. He returned last year for his sophomore season, but a torn ACL ended it early.
"We're really looking forward for Anthony to return," said Coach Smelkinson. "He's a projected starter for us."
In terms of true freshmen, the Dragons have acquired the talents of reigning Baltimore High School Player of the Year
Sincere Barfield (Baltimore, MD/Patterson).
TaJir Webster (Waldorf, MD/St. Charles) was one of the best available players coming out of St. Charles High School, with multiple Region 20 schools looking to recruit him. Freshman
Savion Gowder (Alexandria, VA/West Potomac) comes to the Dragons after taking a gap year and will provide excellent depth at the forward position.
The Dragons also acquired transfers
Myles McDuffie (Baltimore, MD/Lake Clifton) from St. Joseph's and
Truth Norton (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) from Anne Arundel Community College. Norton averaged 16 points per game at AACC before taking a gap year and transferring to the Dragons.
With so much talent and a new arena for it to shine in, the Dragons are expected to be contenders for a second straight championship.
"We want to earn a top seed to make the tournament," said Coach Smelkinson, "but mainly we just want to get better every day. Once we find our identity with our new players, we will hit our peak."
