James Ware, a 1995 graduate of Hopkins High School, has been named the new head coach of the school’s boys basketball program, taking over from Hall of Fame mentor Ken Novak, Jr., who stepped down after an unprecedented 37‑year career.
Ware’s journey back to the Hawks began long before his recent promotion; after graduating, he honed his craft at the University of Minnesota before returning to the Twin Cities to coach at Park Center High School, where he led the team to a state championship in 2022 and spent a decade at the helm.
His success at Park Center, coupled with a season spent as an assistant under Novak at Hopkins, gave the administration a clear picture of Ware’s leadership style and his deep familiarity with the program’s culture.
District officials highlighted Ware’s 14‑year tenure within the local school system, noting that his long‑term involvement has equipped him with both the strategic acumen and the community connections needed to sustain the program’s competitive edge.
The transition marks the end of an era for Hopkins basketball, as Novak’s legacy includes multiple conference titles, a state crown, and a reputation for developing players who excel at the collegiate level.
Fans and alumni alike have expressed optimism that Ware’s fresh perspective, combined with his proven track record, will usher in a new chapter while honoring the traditions that have defined the Hawks for generations.
A New Era Begins
With the first practice already underway, Ware is expected to blend his disciplined approach with the school’s rich basketball heritage, aiming to keep the Hawks among the state’s top contenders.