Just when the Hawks were not supposed to win the state championship, they would turn the state upside down, go on a historic tear, and win their sixth title in seven years.

Hendricken faced some stiff competition in the regular season and fell to rival La Salle. Classical also beat the Hawks twice in the regular season and then in the Division I championship.

Heading into the state tournament, most believed that Classical would run away with the crown. Many also believed that the Rams were a step ahead of Hendricken, too.

But, guys like Eze Wali, Azmar Abdullah and David Lynch would step up and lead the Hawks to a win over La Salle in the semis and then a thrilling state title win over the Purple.

Jamal Gomes has established the state’s most stable and consistent program, and we saw it in full force last March. When the going got rough throughout the season, the Hawks never lost focus and overcame more adversity than they were used to facing. Gomes’ steady presence helped guide the Hendricken team through the rough waters and Hendricken is already off to an impressive start in its title defense this winter.

Best of the rest: Mike Soscia, Hendricken, Jason Melo, Toll Gate, Alex Gregson, Pilgrim