December 2005

All press releases by Dan LaCorbiniere, Sports Information Coordinator

12.19.05

#15 Ranked Knights Fall to Mercer 66-58 but Rally to Beat Harcum College 72-70

The #15 ranked CCRI Knights women’s basketball team traveled to Trenton New Jersey to play Mercer County Community College and Harcum College in the Mercer County Invitational. The Knights lost the opening game to the host Mercer County Community College 66-58, but rallied to defeat Harcum College 72-70 in the Consolation game. With one win and one loss over the weekend the Knights record is now 7-3 for the season.

CCRI vs. Mercer County CC

The CCRI Knights took control of the game in the first half taking a 39-25 lead into halftime. However, in the second half Mercer County pounded the ball inside the paint and took advantage of defensive breakdowns to outscore the Knights 41-19 in the second half to win the game on their home court 66-58.

Leading the way for the Knights were Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) who scored 18 points with nine rebounds, two steals and a block, Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) who scored 12 points with six rebounds, four assists and two blocks, and Ana Sierra (Bronx, NY) who scored eight and pulled down six rebounds.

CCRI vs. Harcum College

Harcum College was in control early thanks in part to some excellent 3-point shooting as they drained eight 3-pointers in the half taking a 41-33. The Knights switched to a man-to-man defense in the second half which limited their 3-point opportunities to just one make in the second half as they outscored Harcum 39-29 in the second half. The key moments in the game came with the score tied at 70-70 with 32 seconds left in the game as Renee Buck (FT Gully, Victoria, Australia) received the ball off the inbound and was immediately pressed passing the ball quickly to Lasheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) who drove the length of the court to hit a driving left handed lay-up to give the Knights the lead at 72-70. After a timeout The Knights pressed with their tenacious man-to man defense allowing only a 17 foot jumper that was blocked by Boyd sealing the victory.

Leading the way for the Knights were Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) who compiled a double-double scoring a game-high 31 points with eleven rebounds and three assists and Lasheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) who scored 17 points including the game-winner. Also contributing for the Knights were Renee Buck (FT Gully, Victoria, Australia) who scored eight points and dished out four assists and Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY) who came off the bench to play a key role scoring seven points in the second half.

The Knights next game will be on their Florida road trip when they face Miami Dade Wednesday January 4th at 6:00pm, Thursday January 5th versus Broward CC at 7:00pm, and Saturday January 7th versus Palm Beach CC at 4:00pm. The Knights next home game will be Sunday January 15th versus Globe Institute at 3:00pm.

Three CCRI Knights make Soccer All-American four make NSCAA All-Northeast Team

The CCRI Knights women’s soccer team ended their season ranked #8 in the Country by the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) and #9 by the NJCAA, both rankings were the highest a team could receive without competing at the National Championships. The Knights lost in the District Tournament to the eventual National Champion Monroe CC. The Knights finished their excellent season with an impressive 14-3 record.

The Knights had seven players make All Region XXI they were: Goalkeeper Anne Kineke (East Greenwich, RI), Midfielder Brittney Godbout (Cranston, RI), Midfielder Jami Elliott (Cumberland, RI), Defender Jessica Mullett (Woonsocket, RI), Midfielder Katie Finn (Warwick, RI), Midfielder Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI), and Midfielder Sharon Barbosa (Fall River, MA).

In addition the All-Region XXI honors, last week three Knights were selected All-American and four were selected NSCAA All-Northeast Region.

Earning NSCAA All-Northeast Region honors were: Goalkeeper Anne Kineke, Midfielder Jami Elliott, Defender Jessica Mullett, and Midfielder Jami Elliott.

Earning NJCAA All-American honors were: Midfielder Jami Elliott- Second Team and Goalkeeper Anne Kineke- Honorable Mention. Earning NSCAA All-American Honors were: Midfielder Jami Elliott- First Team and Midfielder Lindsay Laurie- Second Team.

Here are the statistical highlights from the Knights All-Americans: Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) who was the Nation’s 18th ranked scorer with 21 goals and 10 assists for a total of 52 points, Jami Elliott (Cumberland, RI) who was the Nation’s 32nd ranked scorer with 18 goals and seven assists for 43 total points, and Anne Kineke (East Greenwich, RI) who was the Nations 11th ranked Goalkeeper with 52 saves relinquishing only seven goals with a .565 goal against average in 1,114.7 minutes of play.

Congratulations to all the Knights for a great season.

12.15.05

#2 Ranked CCRI Knights Crush Cougars 114-46 to Improve to 12-1

The #2 ranked CCRI Knights men’s basketball team crushed the cougars of Holyoke CC 114-46. The Knights win their 11th in a row and improve their record to 12-1 on the season, 8-0 in Region XXI and 21 in a row in Region XXI over the last two years.

The Knights were led by Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), the #3 scorer in the nation, who scored 28 points seven rebounds and four steals, Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA), the #26 scorer in the nation, who scored 14 points and four steals, and freshman Will Lyons (Warwick, RI) registered his first career double-double scoring a career high 12 points with 10 rebounds. Also contributing for the Knights were freshman A.J. Coppola (Warwick, RI) who had a career high 11 points including three 3-pointers and George Coles (Waterbury, CT) who also had a career high with 10 points and a game-high five steals.

The CCRI Knights starters hardly broke a sweat in the first half because most of them only played about five minutes each as they jumped out to a 30-point lead by the ten-minute mark, which they extended to 47 by the half at 66-19. The second half was pretty much a mirror image of the first. To their credit the Cougars of Holyoke never quit though they could not cut into the lead, they hustled to the last buzzer even as Travon Little (Danbury, CT) sank a 40 ft "Hail Mary" 3-pointer to end the game.

The Knights next scheduled game was supposed to be Thursday night at 7:00pm versus Roxbury CC. However, that game has been cancelled. The Knights next games will be on their Florida road trip competing against top Division I competition. Wednesday January 4th at Miami Dade CC at 6:00pm, Thursday the 5th at Broward CC and Saturday the 7th at Palm Beach CC. The Knights next home game will be Sunday January 15th versus Division I Globe Institute at 3pm at the Cullen Field House on the CCRI Knights Campus in Warwick.

12.12.05

#15 Ranked Knights Bomb Naval Prep 86-37 to Improve to 6-2

The #15 ranked CCRI Knights women’s basketball team bombed the Lady Rams of Naval Prep School 86-37. With the win the Knights improve their record to 6-2.

The Knights playing without starting point guard and Co-Captain Renee Buck (FT. Gully, Victoria, Australia) and power forward Jenny Kinney (Milford, NJ) had six of their eight players that dressed score in double-figures. The Knights were led by their backcourt of Co-Captain Ana Sierra (Bronx, NY) who showed impressive leadership on the court while scoring 14 points with four assists and two steals, while Lasheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) had 15 points with four assists and a steal, Tamara Shaw (Norwalk, CT) scored 15 points with two assists and three steals. Also contributing for the Knights were Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) who scored 11 points with five rebounds and three steals, Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY) who scored 12 points with four rebounds, and Co-Captain Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT)who added 10 points, four rebounds and three steals. Kristen Bowen for the Lady Rams led all scorers with 17 points.

The Knights jumped out to a quick 21-6 lead early in the first half but the Lady Rams fought back to cut the lead to 21-15. The Knights then clamped down their defense to go on a 20-5 run to end the first half at 41-20. The second half started with a 3-pointer by Tamara Shaw and the rout was on as the Knights held the Lady rams to 17 points in the second half while scoring 44 making the final 86-37.

The Knights travel to Trenton, New Jersey to play in the Mercer Invitational on Saturday and Sunday versus Mercer County CC and Harcum College, which are their last games before the Christmas break.

CCRI Knights Indoor Track Team sets six school records at Harvard Meet

The CCRI women’s indoor track team was led by Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) who broke two school records one in the High Jump where she placed 6th with a mark of 1.60m and in the 500m run where she placed 3rd with a time of 1:20.23 which is a NJCAA Division I national qualifying time. Nicholas also placed 20th in the 200m with a time of 27.60. Sherilyn had already qualified in the High Jump. Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI), a second team All-American in 2004-05, qualifies for the NJCAA Division I Championships with a 4th place 13.72m throw in the 20lb pound weight event.

The CCRI women’s 4x400m team of Teiaki Johnson (Providence, RI), Temi Oyekoya (Woonsocket, RI), Rachael Procter (East Providence, RI) and Nicholas set a school record with a 8th finish in a time of 4:33.16. Oyekoya ran a school record in the 60m hurdles with a 7th place with a time of 10.04 seconds. Other CCRI notable finishers included Jennings who placed 4th in the Shot Put with throw of 11.56m.

The CCRI men’s indoor track team looks to be stronger then last years team. Mike Dolan (South Kingstown, RI) leads CCRI weight throwers with a 12th place finish (12.32m) at Harvard. Dolan was followed very close by two first time throwers Joel and Aaron Pryor (Smithfield, RI). Joel threw 12.12m and Aaron threw 11.32m Coach Bob Bayha says "the twins have picked up this event very quickly". Bayha also says they are a pleasure to work with. The men’s sprint team under the guidance of first year coach Chris Phung put up some nice performances at Harvard. In the 60m dash Maurice Rogers (Clinton, MA) placed 17th with a time of 7.43 seconds and John Williams (West Warwick, RI) placed 18th with a time of 7.44 seconds, both almost advanced to the two final heat. Rogers and Williams also ran a fine 200m race. Williams placed 18th with a time of 23.67 seconds and Rogers placed 22nd with a time of 23.83 seconds. Nicholas Wienhofer (New Foundland, Canada) set a new school record placing19th in the 60m hurdles with a time of 9.77 seconds. Hunter Stewart (Foster, RI) established a school record in the 500m run placing 13th in a time of 1:09.74. This time is only two seconds of the NJCAA Division I qualifying standard. Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA) broke his own school record in the mile run with a time of 4:46.14 was good enough for 27th place. Luis Rodriguez in his first ever indoor race ran the mile in 4:51.91. He finished 30th place. Chris Farrell (Lincoln, RI) placed 12th in the 3k with a time of 9:36.48 just behind him was Ron Guenard (Cumberland, RI) placing 13th with a time of 9:42.00. Joe Hannon (Woonsocket, RI) just missed the school record in the 800m run with a time of 2:08.89. The current record is 2:08.00. CCRI ran two 4X400m relay teams at the Harvard meet. The A team Rogers, Williams, White and Wienhofer ran 3:400.61 good for 13th place. The B Team of Hannon, Galvin, Rodriguez and Stewart ran 3:44.90 good for 16th place. Other notable CCRI finishers included Williams in the Triple Jump placing 10th with a jump of 12.02m, just behind him was Jaimaal Munir (Warwick, RI) placing 12th with a jump of 11.83m, and Wienhofer placed 15th with a leap of 11.20m.

Owens and Evans lead #2 ranked Knights over Mass Bay CC 93-72 to improve to 11-1

The #2 ranked CCRI Knights men’s basketball team beat the Buccaneers of Mass Bay CC 93-72. With the win the Knights improve to 11-1 on the season, 7-0 in Region XXI this year and 20-0 in Region XXI over the last two years.

The CCRI Knights were led by Connor Evans (Cranston, RI) who scored 20 points with eight rebounds and four steals, Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who scored 20 points with seven rebounds and five steals, and Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) scored 17 points with five assists, five rebounds and five assists. Also contributing for the Knights were Travon Little (Danbury, CT) had 15 points with five rebounds and two steals and Jim Reynolds (Warwick RI) who got his first start of the season and scored 10 points and five rebounds.

The Knights started the game slowly and Mass Bay CC jumped out to a six-point lead early in the first half. The Knights took their first lead in the 12:30 mark on a basket by Owens making the score 20-18. After two Owens free-throws and a steal and dish to Darby Brown (New London, CT) the Knights took a six-point lead of their own at 24-18 which they extended to 52-31 by halftime. The Buccaneers started the second half on a 10-2 run cutting the Knight lead to 54-41 at the 15:30 mark. The Knights went on a 9-2 run to extend the lead back to 20 at 63-43. Mass Bay cut the lead to 12 point late in the second half but Connor Evans sparked the Knights with some excellent hustle through strong rebounding and with two clutch steals that led to easy baskets, making the score 89-69 then the final 93-72.

The Knights next home game will be Tuesday the 13th versus Holyoke CC at 7:00pm at the Cullen Field House on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

12.07.05

Owen’s 29 leads #2 ranked CCRI Knights past Lions of Gateway CC 91-78

The #2 ranked CCRI Knights grinded out a victory over the Lions of Gateway CC 91-78. With the win the Knights improve their record to 10-1 on the season, 6-0 in Region XXI and their ninth win in a row.

The Knights were led by the #3 scorer in the country, Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), who poured in 29 points including three 3-pointers with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, , and Travon Little (Danbury, CT) had a double-double scoring 17 points with 14 rebounds, Connor Evans (Cranston, RI) scored 16 with seven rebounds and four assists. Also contributing were Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) had 15 points including three 3-pointers, Ray Ross (Port Washington, NY) who only scored four points but had a team leading seven assists and Jim Reynolds (Warwick, RI) had eight points and four rebounds.

The Knights jumped out to a quick ten-point lead that they kept through the first half going into the break up 38-28. The Knights they extended the lead to 20 but the Lions of Gateway CC fought tooth and nail to keep in the game cutting the lead to six points late in the second half before they ran out of time losing 91-78.

The Knights next game is Saturday versus Mass Bay CC at 1:00pm at the Cullen Field House on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

12.06.05

CCRI’s Nicholas breaks three school records as she finishes ninth at URI Pentathlon

Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) of the CCRI indoor track team finished ninth versus top 4-year Division I competition at the URI Pentathlon held Friday the 2nd at URI. This was the first action for anyone on either CCRI indoor track team this year.

Each competitor competes in the 60m hurdles, long jump, shot put, high jump, and runs the 800m. In the event Nicholas set three CCRI school records: one for the pentathlon with 2641 points, the 800m with a time of 2:34.5, and the high jump at 5’13/4". Her high jump mark qualifies her for the NJCAA Nationals in Kansas in February. Her other marks were: 4.34m in the long jump, 8.5m in the shot put, and 11.1 in the 60m hurdles. This was an excellent meet for Nicholas as she got a chance to compete against top tier Division I schools and she showed very well and with it being early in the season she will have an excellent chance to improve upon her own school records.

Sherilyn will compete next with the rest of the CCRI Men’s and Women’s indoor track team this Saturday at Harvard for the Harvard Invitational.

12.05.05

CCRI Knights women’s basketball team crushes Orange County 94-57 to improve to 5-2

The CCRI Knights women’s basketball team crushed the Colts of Orange County CC 94-57 to improve record to 5-2. With the win the Knights extend their winning streak to four games in a row.

The Knights played short-handed with only eight players as Jenny Kinney (Milford, NJ) was added to the inactive list prior to the game. Five Knights scored in double figures and they were led by Co-Captain Ana Sierra (Bronx, NY) who scored 20 points with three assists more importantly she showed great leadership on the floor which is something the knights have been looking for since they lost starting point guard Renee Buck (Ft. Gully, Victoria, Australia). Also having a big game were Co-Captain Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) who had 18 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, Lasheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) had 15 points with five rebounds, four steals, and three assists, and Eszence Walker (Stratford, CT) scored 11 points with three blocks, while Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY) contributed ten points with four blocks, three steals, and three assists. The Knights leading scorer on the season Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) (16ppg) was held to nine points with eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

The Knights were in control of the whole game as they jumped out to a quick lead and kept it until halftime where they went in up 45-26. In the second half the Knights continued the onslaught as they extended their lead due to some great outside shooting from Ana Sierra and fast-break points from Lasheena Boyd along with the inside presence of Odessa Williams winning by a final of 94-57.

The Knights next game will be Sunday December 11th versus Naval Prep at 1:00pm at the Cullen Field house on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick. The Knights contest with Globe Institute scheduled for Sunday the 4th will be re-scheduled for a later date while their contest with Mass Bay Cc has been cancelled due to the fact that Mass Bay CC no longer has a program.

#5 ranked CCRI Knights steal victory from Orange County CC 81-74

The #5 nationally ranked CCRI Knights steal victory from Orange County CC 81-74 to improve their record to 9-1 and win their eighth game in a row.

The Knights were led by Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who scored 24 of his 25 points in the second half Owens also pulled down seven rebounds and had four steals. In addition Darby Brown (New London, CT) had 14 points, nine steals, and four assists, Travon Little (Danbury, CT) had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals while Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) had 16 points and Cranston’s Connor Evans contributed eight points and eight rebounds.

The #5 ranked CCRI Knights had a season-high 25 steals which were the key to victory over Orange County CC. The Knights started the game extremely sluggish as they fell behind the Colts of Orange County going into halftime down 42-31. In the second half the Knights tightened their defense stealing the ball and leading to easy baskets. The key moment of the game for the Knights came at the 8:45 mark when Marvin Owens stole the ball and drove to the basket for the jam to tie the score at 59-59 Owens then followed with another steal that he dealt to Darby Brown to give the Knights their first lead of the game. The Knight’s defensive intensity held Orange County to 32 points in the second half while the Knights exploded for 50 to win by the final of 81-74.

The Knights next home game is Sunday versus Globe Institute at 3:00pm at the Cullen Field House on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick following the women who will be playing at 1:00pm.

Evans and Victor lead #5 Knights passed Massasoit CC 102-81 to win seventh in a row

The #5 nationally ranked CCRI Knights men’s basketball team raised their record to 8-1 and extended their win streak to seven in a row as they defeated Massasoit CC 102-81. With the win the Knights continue their dominance in Region XXI as they extend their Region XXI win streak to 18 straight Region XXI wins over the last two years.

Cranston’s Connor Evans (12.8 ppg*) had a monster game for the Knights scoring 24 points shooting 11-16 from the field, ripping down 17 rebounds, dishing out six assists, with two steals and two blocks. Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) (17.3 ppg*) led all scorers with 28 points including 11 for 11 from the free throw line and seven rebounds. Knight’s leading scorer Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) (25.6 ppg*) scored 20 points with seven rebounds while Travon Little (Danbury, CT) had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Knights jumped out to an eighteen point lead early in the first half but the Warriors cu the lead to 51-40 by the half. In the second half the Knights once again stretched the lead to 18 but the Warriors cut it down to eight points and to make things worse the Knights had to sit Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) because he had four fouls luckily Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) took over scoring 11 straight points to help the Knights pull away to win by the final of 102-81.

The Knights look to continue their win streak this weekend Saturday at 1pm versus Orange County CC and Sunday at 3pm versus Globe Institute part of a double header with the women who will play Globe Institute at 1pm at the Cullen Field House on the Knight Campus in Warwick.

*points per game