Though first place Monmouth has bolted out to a 7-0 start in league play in part by embracing the team concept - the Hawks do not have a single player who ranks in the NEC top-eight in scoring, rebounding or assists - it is all-NEC first teamer Hamilton who remains the centerpiece of the squad. Last week, he averaged 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and shot 15-28 (.536) from the field and 24-28 (.857) from the line as the Hawks registered home wins over CCSU (70-53) and St. Francis (NY) (77-73), as well as a key road conquest of Fairleigh Dickinson (64-56) in a midseason showdown for first place on Saturday. Hamilton registered 14 points (5-7 FG) and four rebounds versus the Blue Devils, then amassed 20 points, five rebounds and two blocks against the Terriers. He recorded his second 20-point outing of the week in the win over FDU, and also snared six caroms. The Harrisburg, PA product is currently ninth in the NEC in scoring (14.5 ppg) and eighth in free throw percentage (.746). With 1,194 career points, Hamilton has moved into eighth place on the Monmouth career chart, and is the school’s tenth ranked all-time rebounder with 454. Last week, he also established a new Monmouth record with 441 made free throws for his career, eclipsing former three-time NEC all-star Alex Blackwell, who had 421 from 1989-92.