North East, MD - Howard Community College's men's basketball team closed out day one of the 2024 Cecil Mixer with a decisive 80-63 victory over Raritan Valley Community College.

The Dragons dominated on defense, recording 32 rebounds and forcing 21 Lion turnovers. Three Dragons scored in double-digits, with sophomore Anthony Djami (Paris, France/Brequigny) recording the first double-double of his career. Howard's victory pushes the Dragons to 3-1 on the season.

The Dragons faced a tough test in their first road trip of the season. The Raritan Valley Lions have a knack for playing ranked teams well, and the Dragons were fresh off being named #12 in the most recent NJCAA Division II rankings. Howard would set the tone early, as Djami single-handedly dominated the Lions. Djami went 6-8 from field goal range, notching 14 first half points and four rebounds. Despite this excellent start, Djami and the Dragons found themselves tied 18-18 with Raritan Valley halfway through the first half.

The Dragons got the spark they needed to take over the game with seven minutes to go in the half. Sophomore Truth Norton (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) scored a tough, contested layup and sank the following free throw after he was fouled. Norton, Djami, and Arthur Roaché splashed in a series of jumpers that ballooned the Dragons lead to seven. Norton then scored on a fast-break to snuff out a Raritan response, which kicked off the most spectacular series of the game. Colin Harshman (Baltimore, MD/Catonsville) knocked down a deep three, snatched the ensuing rebound after the Lions missed, and set up a second three by Arthur Roaché. Norton then knocked down a third straight three pointer, giving the Dragons a 41-31 halftime lead.

Raritan Valley got off to a hot start in the second half, closing the deficit to six points. The Dragons were quick to respond, with Myles McDuffie (Baltimore, MD/Lake Clifton) and Emanuel Henriques (Baltimore, MD/Benjamin Franklin) notching key shots to keep the Dragons lead at ten. A Sincere Barfield (Baltimore, MD/Patterson) three pointer opened the flood gates, and the Dragons lead was never threatened again. Nine different Dragons scored in the second half, with 13 Raritan Valley turnovers feeding the Dragons shooters. Howard notched 18 total points off of turnovers as they rolled to an 80-63 victory.

Djami had a career day, recording 18 points and ten rebounds for a double-double and game ball. Norton also had a career day, recording 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Emanuel Henriques (Baltimore, MD/Benjamin Franklin) added eleven points and six rebounds, while Roaché notched eight points and three rebounds. Jaden Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) finished the evening with six points, two rebounds, and two assists. Sincere Barfield (Baltimore, MD/Patterson) had six points as well, and five different Dragons made at least one three pointer.

The Dragons return to action tomorrow, kicking off day two of the Cecil Mixer with their first ranked matchup of the season against Division II #21 County College of Morris. Tip-off time is scheduled for 1:00 PM.