The Hawks were penciled in as the state’s favorite to win the title heading into last season and met those expectations by winter’s end. After an epic clash with rival La Salle in the regular season which went to overtime, it appeared that the two clubs were on a collision course. The Rams would win the Division I title on a buzzer-beating shot to upset Hendricken. After seeing the Rams pick up the win, many people switched sides and considered them to be the favorite two weeks later when the teams met at the Ryan Center for the State Championship. The Hawks rebounded and would win in decisive fashion, leaving no doubt who the best club in Rhode Island was. Azmar Abdullah and Eze Wali were the state’s best 1-2 punch and would each earn All-State honors, while the former also grabbed the Gatorade Player of the Year Award. In the state finals, point guard Mike Paquette put on a show and would earn the MVP Award, showing the depth and versatility that the Hawks roster boasted. It was Hendricken’s third straight state title.