UMES Hawks Soaring to Historic Starts in MEAC Basketball

The basketball programs at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), long seen as afterthoughts in HBCU basketball, are both off to remarkable starts this season. Both the women's and men's teams are staking their claim as serious contenders in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), delivering statement wins over some of the league's traditional powerhouses.

Men's Basketball Delivering a Momentous Beginning

On the men's side, the UMES Hawks are off to their strongest start since the 1973-74 season, opening conference play with a 70-67 victory over Coppin State. This 4-0 beginning in MEAC action marks the program's best start since earning Division I status in 1981. Head coach Cleo Hill Jr. has blended a new roster seamlessly, leaning on depth and flexibility to find the right matchups.

Once conference play began, the Hawks protected their home floor and traveled with confidence, securing key wins over Morgan State, Howard, and Coppin State, as well as a crucial road victory at Norfolk State. These results signal a significant shift in expectations for UMES basketball within the MEAC.

"We have shown that we can win in a variety of ways. We have the ability to play a big or small lineup. I like how this team can score on all three levels.



We now go on the road for the next five games and we feel that our non-conference schedule has been prepared us for this stretch of basketball."

Women's Basketball Authoring a Program-Defining Run

The UMES women's team has been equally impressive in the MEAC, opening conference play with four straight wins for the first time in over 25 years. This historic start places the Hawks among the best teams in program history. Head coach Malikah Willis has built a balanced and resilient squad that has shown the toughness and composure to win on the road in the MEAC.

UMES has handled Morgan State and Howard at home with poise, showcased its toughness in a road win at Norfolk State, and displayed composure in an overtime victory against Coppin State. These early-season results suggest this HBCU team has the staying power to contend for the MEAC title.

UMES Basketball Changing the MEAC Conversation

With both the UMES men's and women's teams off to historic starts, the Hawks find themselves at a rare crossroads in the MEAC. Nothing is promised, and the work ahead will be challenging, but the trajectory is clear for this HBCU program. Head coaches Cleo Hill Jr. and Malikah Willis are building cultures rooted in accountability and belief, and UMES is no longer chasing relevance in the MEAC - it is shaping the conversation.

For the HBCU community, the success of the UMES basketball programs represents a source of immense pride and a testament to the dedication and hard work of the student-athletes, coaches, and entire university. As the Hawks continue to soar, they are not only rewriting the record books but also inspiring the next generation of HBCU basketball stars.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.