Former Gator Cornelius Ingram Leads Hawthorne Girls Basketball to 1A State Championship Win

Former Florida Gator Cornelius Ingram led the Hawthorne girls basketball team to a 1A State Championship win over Wildwood Friday night. The game was a nail-biter all the way until the final buzzer in the fourth quarter. In the end, the Hawthorne Hornets triumphed with a final score of 42-38.

Ingram stuck to his Game plan

Ingram emphasized the importance of a fast start to his team. He added that it would especially be crucial when the game enters the fourth-quarter.

He believed that starting fast would essentially slow down a very fast Wildwood front court.

“I could see the energy in practice… I could see the focus in practice,” he said. “I knew we were ready to play. They trusted the game plan and executed tonight.”

Additionally, Hawthorne sophomore De’Mya Adams executed when the team needed it the most. Adams was aggressive and attempted a clutch layup with 1:08 left in game. She made the layup, while drawing a foul. Adams completed the free throw to finish off the three-point play. In doing so, Adams put up the last point scored in the game.

A College Opportunity in the Future?

During an interview on SportsScene with Steve Russell, Ingram was asked about a potential future career in collegiate coaching. He had the following to say.

The former Florida Gator tight end has had tremendous success while coaching both football and girls hoops at Hawthorne. He could see a promotion in the near future.

Ingram stated that head football coach Billy Napier had called him to congratulate him on his victory, but would not go into specific details about the call.

Double Trouble

Not only did Ingram lead the Hawthorne women’s basketball team to a State Championship win, but he also led the Hawthorne football team to their first ever State Championship win over Northview in December.

Look familiar?

After winning the Class 1A girls basketball title Friday night, the @HawthorneHoops girls team joined the Hornets' football team, @HHS_Football352, as state champions this year.

Hawthorne has the chance to add one more this week in its boys basketball team. pic.twitter.com/HjFaY4pthi

— Ainslie Lee (@ainslielee_) February 27, 2023