It was a fiery contest, with ex-NBL talent Tyson Demos ejected, but the setback didn't stop the Hawks shooting their way to a 93-58 win.

Sean Mullan sparked the Hawks with 23 points, while Jarrod Sorenson finished with 18 and Andrew Gray 12.

Competing in the division one competition, coach Tori Forrester confirmed ambitions to return to the top-flight championship. The Hawks are fourth on the ladder at 3-1, with Sutherland now the only unbeaten team. 

"It'll give us some confidence," Forrester said of the win.

"We were shooting well and it was a pretty tough game, even though we ended up winning by a few.

"We definitely want to be back up in the top division, that's the plan."

Cameron Bokenham was also impressive at the defensive end of the floor. 

READ MORE: Sunday Dech pens two year deal with Illawarra Hawks

The Hawks now take on Queanbeyan Yowies at home on Saturday afternoon. 

Forrester is expecting another physical battle.

"They've got some good players, particularly inside, so we'll have to match that," Forrester said. 

In other divisions, the Hawks prevailed over Sholhaven 82-75 in the division one youth league and also beat Moss Vale 88-69 in the division two youth.

The Hawks division one youth women's team went down 65-59 to Hills Hornets.

Meanwhile, as a major force behind the Illawarra Hawks creating the first-ever NBL indiegnous playing singlet, Demos has furthered his passion for the cause by being elected the Australian Indigenous Basketball president.

The 30-year-old was elected to the position three years after retiring from the NBL, the former Hawks guard said he was determined to help inspire young indigenous boys and girls. "Basketball has been a great vehicle for positive change in my life," Demos told the indigenous basketball website.

"Through the sport I've been fortunate to learn life-skills that have helped me to become a better person, a better husband and a better father.

"I'm excited to now give back and create pathways through AIB to help inspire the next generation."

Round six

Saturday (4pm)

Division one men: ILLAWARRA HAWKS v QUEANBEYAN YOWIES

Snakepit, Beaton Park, Gwynneville

Division one youth men: SUTHERLAND v ILLAWARRA (Saturday, 4.30pm at Sutherland Stadium)

Division one youth women: SUTHERLAND v ILLAWARRA (Saturday, 2pm), SYDNEY COMETS v ILLAWARRA (Sunday, 2pm)

Division two youth men: ILLAWARRA v MACARTHUR (Saturday, 2pm at the Snakepit)

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