Lee Charts Career-high 33 and Dame Dishes out 14 Assists Leading Knights over NAPS 93-83

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Naval Academy Prep School Rams 93-83. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 14-8 on the season.

Carl Lee (Warwick RI) scored early and often for the Knights scoring the games first basket 39 seconds into the game to give the Knights the 2-0 lead. The Knights were able to extend their lead to 20 points in on a 3-pointer by Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) followed by a basket by Jamal Johnson (Fall River, MA) making the score 29-9 with 8:41 left in the first half. Over the next five minutes the Rams Theo Jensen ignited a Rams 17-2 run, scoring nine points on three 3-pointers to cut the Knights’ lead to five at 31-26 with just 3:21 left in the half. The Knights and Rams traded baskets for the final three minutes of the half with the Knights going in with a 42-35 lead.

In the second half Navy Prep was able to cut the lead down to three points at 45-42 on a basket by Carlton Smith at the 17:35 mark. The Knights went on a 13-5 run capped by a basket by Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) giving them the 58-47 lead at the 13:28 mark. Once again Theo Jensen kept the Rams in the game as he sank 3-3 from the Free- Throw line to cut the Knights lead to nine 61-52 with 12:51 left. However, Carl Lee was a man possessed and he would not let the Knights lose as he scored nine of the Knights next 10 points over the next 1:50 on an aerial fast-break dunk that brought the Cullen Field house crowd to their feet followed by a three point play and then a four point play to extend the Knights lead to 19 points 71-52 with 11:01 left in the game. The Rams were able to cut the lead to 13 with 4:01 left on a basket by Theo Jensen making the score 83-70. Key Free-throws down the stretch from Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) and Jake Grimes sealed the Knights 93-83 victory.

Co-Captain Carl Lee charted a double-double scoring a career-high 33 points on 13-17 shooting and 5-5 from 3-point land with 10 rebounds, three steals and a blocked shot assisted by Co-Captain Pat Dame who scored nine points with a career-high 14 assists (dimes)with three rebounds. Also contributing for the Knights was Co-Captain Jake Grimes who scored 16 points with five rebounds and three assists, Jamal Johnson scored a career-high 12 points with three rebounds, and Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) added nine points with two rebounds.

Head Coach Rick Harris said after the game: “Not our greatest effort intensity wise and I also was not pleased with our overall team effort. It was up and down and not what we will need to beat deep quality teams. But overall we will take the win. Navy Prep has beaten us two years in a row so we will take the win, move on and get better in practice Thursday.”

The Knights next game will be Saturday the 2nd when they travel to Long Island, NY to face Nassau CC at 3pm.

Diaz and Lee Lead Knights over Mass Bay 69-54

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Buccaneers of Mass Bay CC 69-54. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 12-8 on the season while the Buccaneers drop to 12-5 on the season.

The Knights knew they were in for a battle as all Region XXI teams have the Knights highlighted on their schedules having the best record in the Region. Mass Bay was no different as they came out with something to prove jumping ahead of the Knights 16-11with 10:00 left in the first half but Jamal Hinds (Brooklyn, NY), who was playing in front of his father who was celebrating his birthday, delivered his present scoring the Knights next 11 points over the next three minutes to lead a knights 8-2 run giving them the 19-16 lead with 6:47 left in the first half. The Buccaneers were able to get the lead back when Jonathan Cruzado made the score 24-22 with just 2:58 left in the half but the Knights closed out the half with a 5-0 run capped by Co-Captain Carl Lee’s (Warwick, RI) first points of the game with just 15.8 seconds left in the first half making the score 27-24 the Knights lead at the half.

In the second half Knights Center Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) began to impose his will on the Buccaneers, setting a tone by scoring the half’s first basket making the score 29-24 25 seconds into the half. Also helping the cause was Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) who sank his second 3-pointer of the half with 13:50 left in the game making the score 39-35 Knights. The Buccaneers stayed in the game due mostly to the play of Center Deshawn Gibbons and Michael Young who each had a game-high 19 points. However, Co-Captain Carl Lee was on a mission of his of scoring 13 of his 15 points in the second half. Mass Bay’s Michael Young made a basket with 7:58 left making the score 48-45 from there the Knights went on a 14-6 run capped by a three point play by Alex Diaz making the score 63 51 with just 2:51 left and the knights never looked back winning by a final score of 69-54.

Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) was dominant for the Knights charting a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, followed by Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) who added 15 points, 13 in the second half, with four rebounds, two assist and a blocked shot and Jamal Hinds (Brooklyn, NY) added 11 big points all in the first half. Also scoring in double figures for the Knights was Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) with 10 points and six assists while Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) added nine points, four rebounds and two blocked shots.

Head Coach Rick Harris said after the game: “definitely was a grind it out victory over a solid DIII team. Our name is highlighted on their schedule and we have to be ready for these games. Each game is an opportunity to get better. Our bench continues to improve and our starters are playing unselfish team ball. We will have to step it up on Sunday versus Mercer County CC they beat us 89-83 at Mercer earlier in the year. we are looking forward to Sunday’s opportunity.”

Merciless “D” and Ten 3-Pointers Lead #14 Lady Knights over Mercer 76-39

The CCRI Lady Knights have improved its winning streak to three games and has won five of its last six games with its win on Sunday over Mercer County Community College. With the 76-39 victory the Lady Knights improve to 14-5 on the season while Mercer drops to 10-10.

Like Saturday the Lady Knights on Sunday jumped out to an early and near insurmountable lead. Led by their returning First team All-American Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) who scored 17 first half points, the Lady Knights got out to a 13-0 lead before Mercer’s Lauren Jacobson scored to make the game 13-2 with 15 minutes remaining. Those would be last points Mercer would score for seven minutes. Like they did on Saturday the Lady Knights held the opposition to zero points over a seven minute span. The Lady Knights used this defensive effort to go on a 15-0 run to make the score 28-2 with eight minutes remaining in the half. CCRI kept it defensive pressure on as they took a 28 point lead into half time 39-11.

The second half saw Mercer’s Jeanette Bell score the first six points of the half cutting the Lady Knights lead to 22 points. Bell finished the game with a team high 20 points 16 of which came in the second half. However, the Lady Knights responded with a Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) 3-pointer and Mercer would not get any closer then 22 points the rest of the way. Girard’s 3-pointer led to a flurry of three pointers by the Lady Knights in the second half. The Lady Knights drained seven 3-pointers in second half led by two from Girard and Scott. This lead to a comfortable second half that saw the Lady Knights curse to a 76-39 victory.

The Lady Knights got a great effort from its First Team All-American Denise Scott as she scored a game high 25 points on 11 for 17 shooting including a 3-5 from three point range. Scott also pulled down three rebounds and had four steals. The Lady Knights got outstanding play yesterday from its two point guards, Nicole Girard who had eight points and six assists while LaSheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) scored eight points and dished out four assists. Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) finished the game with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and three block shots.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “Another fast start put us in a comfortable situation very early. I give the kids a lot of credit for being mentally prepared right from the start on back to back days. Anything we, as a coaching staff pointed out as areas of improvement from yesterday were done at a high level today. Two nice wins at home are example of our offensive execution catching up to our defensive and rebounding efforts.”

The Lady Knights are back in action this Wednesday night as they play host Navy Prep at 6:00 PM in the Vincent A. Cullen Field House.

10 Lady Knights Score in 82-49 Obliteration of Orange County CC

The 14th Ranked CCRI Lady Knights improve to 13-5 on Saturday with there win over Orange County Community College. The final score was 82-49, with the loss the Colts of Orange County falls to 9-7 on the season.

The Lady Knights of CCRI would jump out early and never look back as they led the game wire to wire. The Lady Knights got off to a hot start as they jumped on the Colts 9-1 three minutes into the game. The Lady Knights would gradually expand their lead using their assortment of zone and man-to-man full court defenses. The Lady Knights stifling defensive really confused the Colts as they held them scoreless for seven minutes from the nine minute mark of the first half to the two minute mark. The Lady Knights capitalized on the offensive end during this period as they scored 17 straight points to push its lead to 40-12. During the run Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) scored 10 of her game high 14 points. Orange County would cut into the Lady Knights lead by scoring seven of the half last 11 points. At the half it was the CCRI Lady Knights in a commanding lead 44-19.

With such a commanding lead the CCRI Lady Knights and its coaching staff were able to test out the depth of its roster. The team responded in a positive manner. The Lady Knights backed off the full court pressure, however still maintained there defensive intensity in the half court. This was shown in their ability to hold Kelly Vaughan to only 13 points during the course of the game. Kelly is the second leading scorer in the Nation (NJCAA Division II) averaging 21 points per game. In the second half the Lady Knights outscored the Colts 38-30 in rout to an easy 82-49 victory.

Leading the way for the Lady Knights was freshman Taylor Simmons who scored a game high 14 points on 7-13 shooting from floor. Simmons also pulled down six rebounds had three assists and three steals. Also in double figures for the Lady Knights were freshmen Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) who finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) who finished with a carrier high 10 points and nine rebounds. Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) scored eight points and led CCRI with 15 rebounds, eight of which came on the offensive glass. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Knights were Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) with nine points and four assists, LaSheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) with eight, Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI), Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) and Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) with six and Amanda Valentine (West Warwick, RI) with four points.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, "Getting out to a fast start as we did today always makes things easier as the game progresses. We did a nice job of maintaining a high level of execution from every player on the roster today. We look forward to trying to carry this over when we host mercer tomorrow."

Four Knights Score in Double-Figures to Avenge Loss to Mercer County CC 80-70

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Vikings of Mercer County CC 80-70 avenging an earlier season 89-83 loss at the Mercer Tip-off Classic in November. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 13-8 on the season.

The Knights avenged an early season 89-83 loss to Mercer County CC in which Pedro Burgos scored 36 points including seven 3-pointers at the Mercer County CC Tip-off Classic on November 17th. In this game the Knights got out of the gate quickly with Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) setting the tone by blocking Burgos’ very first 3-point attempt. This was an important part for the Knights’ game plan as they harassed Burgos all night limiting him to just eight points with no 3-pointers. Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) set the tone offensively for the Knights in the first half scoring 14 of his game-high 20 points along with Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) who scored 10 of his 15 points in the first half as the Knights coasted into halftime with a 41-25 lead.

In the second half the Knights got scoring contributions from 10 different Knights led by seven points from Pat Dame as the Knights kept the Vikings at bay never really being threatened as they Vikings never got the score under 10 points in the second half and the Knights cruised to the 80-70 victory.

Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) led the Way for the Knights scoring a game-high 20 points with five rebounds, two assists, and a steal, followed by Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) who charted a double-double with 10 points 10 assists, a season-high six rebounds, two steals, and also took a charge. Also scoring in double-figures for the Knights was Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) who scored 15 points with four assists, three steals, and two blocked shots, sharp-shooter Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) added 13 points including three 3-pointers with three rebounds, and two assists, and Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) added four points, a team-high seven rebounds and a season-high three blocked shots.

Head Coach Rick Harris said after the game: “Solid team effort as we received contributions from our entire squad, 12 strong. We are playing with great teamwork and unselfishness. When that happens, special things can happen. Hopefully we will continue to get better with each practice and each game. This group is becoming very special and I truly believe the best is yet to come.”

The Knights next game will be Wednesday when they face Navy Prep at 8:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field house located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Sylvestre Sets CCRI School record in the 5k run at Wesleyan Indoor Invitational

James Sylvestre (Lincoln, RI) sets a new CCRI School record in the 5k finishing second in a time of 15:39.08 qualifying him for NJCAA Nationals in the event. Which is the second event he has qualified for at the Nationals, Sylvestre already qualified for the Nationals in the 3k at the Yale Meet.

Other Knights finishers include: Dennis LaFleur (Coventry, RI) ran in his first meet of this 2008 season, placing 17th in the 200m run with a time of 24.88. LaFleur finished 29th in the 55m dash with a time of 7.29. Stephen Campognone (Warwick, RI) ran his personal best in the men’s mile with a time of 5:28.39 good for 27th place. Campognone also ran a person al best in the 800m run finishing in 20th place with a time of 2:28.22.

For the Lady Knights Amanda Kelley (Cumberland, RI) wins the Weight Throw with a toss of 14.85m (48 feet, 8.75 inches) with her best throw of the season. Kelley also got second place in the shot put with a throw of 11.49m (37 feet, 8.5 inches). Kristin Vanhouwe (North Smithfield, RI) ran her personal best in the mile run in 6:00.16 good for 15th place. Vanhouwe also placed 22nd in the 800m run in a time of 2:47.29.

The Knights and Lady Knights next meet will be Saturday February ninth when they will return to Wesleyan for another indoor invitational starting at 10am.

Career High 28 points for Simmons Leads Lady Knights over #1 Monroe 88-73

For the third time in three days the CCRI Lady Knights faced a ranked opponent. This time it was #1 ranked NJCAA Division III Monroe College. The Lady Knights handed Monroe College their second loss on the season with an 88-73 victory. With the win the Lady Knights improve to 12-5 on the season while Monroe falls to 16-2 on the season.

Monday’s game marked the return of Monet Johnson a former Lady Knight star from 2005-06 who led the Lady Knights in scoring that year with 16.97 points per game, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game while earning first team All-Region XXI honors. In addition at the 2005-06 National tournament Johnson averaged 18 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in the Knights four games at the Nationals, Johnson also set a tournament record, with a Tournament high 15 field goals made versus Mott CC, earning her a spot on the NJCAA Division II Woman’s National All-Tournament Team.

In a half that was high paced and saw a lot of offensive action out of both teams the CCRI Lady Knights had their greatest offensive out put in half all season. The first half of basketball saw numerous lead changes due the up-tempo pace of the game. The Lady Knights behind 14 points from Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) were able to take a five point half time lead into the locker room 44-39. Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) led the Lady Mustangs with 17 points in the first half.

To start the second half Monroe scored three of the first four baskets of the half to cut the Lady Knights lead to one point at 46-45. Unlike the first half the Lady Knights would not relinquish that lead as they used a 12-0 run that was capped off by five straight points by Taylor Simmons. However, the Lady Mustangs would not go away as they battled back to within two points with 6:28 remaining in the game. That however would be as close as the Lady Mustangs would get as head coach Marcus Reilly turned to his red hot freshmen in Simmons and his returning All-American Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY). Scott and Simmons combined to score 11 straight points over a three minute span to give the Lady Knights a comfortable 88-73 victory.

The Lady Knights were led on Monday by freshmen Taylor Simmons who for the third straight game has led the Lady Knights in scoring. Simmons finished Monday’s game with 28 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Also reaching the 20 point mark was Pre-season 1st team All-American Denise Scott who scored 21 points, pulled down seven rebounds, dished out four assists, and stole three passes. Also in double figures for the Lady Knights were LaSheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) and Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) each with 10 points. This was the second straight game that Boyd came off the bench to give the Lady Knights a scoring punch that they needed. To go along with Murray’s 10 points she also pulled down seven rebounds and blocked three shots.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, "This was a great finish to our three games in three days long weekend. The offensive execution we have been waiting for came together today and led to our 88 point explosion. I thought it was a credit to our players that we were able to stay focused, healthy, and energized despite a tough home loss on Sunday and on the back end of this three game swing."

After playing three games in three days the Lady Knights have four days off until they back in action. They Lady Knights are back in action this Saturday as they play host to Orange County Community College at 1:00 PM.

11 Three Pointers Helps 11th Ranked Genesee CC defeat 17th Ranked Lady Knights 73-53 for CCRI Invitational Championship

Genesee Community College defeated the Lady Knights for the second time this season 73-53. With the win the Lady Cougars improve to 15-1 on the season while the Lady Knights have a two game winning steak snapped and drop to 11-5 on the season.

The Lady Cougars open the game up with a quick 6-0 lead draining two three pointers the second three coming from Quiana Holmen who scored 15 points on five three point field goals. The Lady Knights cut the lead to three at 10-7 on a Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) lay up, however that would be as close as they would get the rest of the day. The Lady Cougars answered with a 10-2 run to give them a 20-9 lead with eight minutes to go in the first half. The two teams traded baskets until Genesee used another 6-0 run to push their lead to 20 points on a three point field goal by Latoya Anderson. That would be the lead Genesee would take to the half 20 points. At half the score was Genesee 40 the Lady Knights 20.

In the second half Genesee would maintain its 20 point lead until the 10 minute make. The Lady Knights would use a 7-0 run to cut the Lady Cougars lead to 13 capped off by a Denise Scott three point play. However like they did all game Genesee had answers and on another three-point field goal by Holman the Lady Cougars pushed its lead back to 16 and never looked back. The Lady Cougars cruised to a 20 point victory 73-53. The Lady Cougars had four ladies in double figures lead by point guard Ariel Smith who had a team high 17 points.

For the second straight game the Lady Knights scoring leader was freshmen guard Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT). Simmons finished the game with 19 points, and had eight rebounds. Also in double figures for the Lady Knight were sophomores LaSheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) who scored a season-high 13 points on 5-6 shooting including 3-3 from three point range and Denise Scott who finished the game with 10 points. For the second straight day Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) led the Lady Knights in rebounding by pulling down 10.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “Defensive and rebounding without execution was not enough today versus an excellent Genesee team. While we played even in the second half we dug to big a hole for ourselves. Our lack of execution led to easy baskets for Genesee, in multiple four point swings.”

The Lady Knights are back in action on Monday as the play host to Monroe College out of the Bronx at 1:00.

Knights Fall to Division I Monroe College 89-76 in CCRI Invitational Championship

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team lost to Division I powerhouse Monroe College 89-76 in the Championship Game of the CCRI Invitational. With the loss the Knights record drops to 11-8 on the season. However, four of those losses came to Division I schools: Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe and Notre Dame Prep. Making the Knights’ record 11-4 against Division II and Division III opponents, which is an excellent start for the very talented and constantly improving CCRI Knights squad. Monroe College improves their record to 15-5 on the season.

The Knights battled tough all night against Division I powerhouse Monroe College but in the end the deeper bench and wealth of talent of the Mustangs proved to wear down the Knights.

The Knights led by Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) who scored 14 of his 19 points in the first half stayed with the Mustangs throughout the first half with the Mustangs going into the half with a slim 44-38 margin.

In the second half the Knights were able to tie the score at 44-44 on two free-throws by Jake Grimes at the 16:52 mark. The Knights kept the pressure on the Mustangs and were able to extend to their lead to three points on a basket by Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) making the score 49-46 with 14:50 remaining. Monroe regained the lead 50-49 on two free-throws by Herman Wrice. Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) sank two free-throws to give the Knights the lead back at 51-50 with 13:06 left in the game. From there the Mustangs started to exert their will upon the Knights forcing them into some lapses in execution giving them the opportunity to pull away for a 12 point lead capped by a basket by Lester Hunte making the score 68-56 with just 7:44 remaining. The Knights, showing tremendous toughness, dug deep to claw their way back into the game led by Co-Captain and Pre-Season First Team All-American Pat Dame who scored 12 of his 20 points in the second half. Dame sank back to back baskets off full court pressure from the Mustangs to cut the Mustangs lead to just six points at 73-67 with only 4:34 remaining. The Mustangs quickly got their lead back to ten points on two free-throws by Jamel Cromartie but Dame along with Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) again answered the Mustangs each scoring another basket to cut the lead back to six with the score 79-73 with just 1:48 left in the game. Unfortunately, over the course remaining hundred or so seconds referee Dave Gibeau called four fouls on the Knights including two technical fouls allowing the Mustangs to pull away for the 89-76 victory.

Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) led the way for the Knights scoring a game-high 20 points, 12 in the second half, while dishing out five assists with two rebounds followed by Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) who scored 19 points, 14 in the first half, with seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) also scored in double-figures with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Also contributing for the Knights was Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) scoring seven points with five rebounds and two blocks, Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) added six points on two 3-pointers and Jamal Johnson (Fall River, MA) also added six points to the Knights cause.

Head Coach Rick Harris said: “Monroe came with their ‘A’ game this evening and though we played well at times we were not able to match them over the entire 40 minutes. I am proud of our guys this weekend as once again we competed against great competition at a very high level. It was a good split by beating Monroe CC and losing to Monroe College in the Championship Game. We’re coming along greatly as a team and the best is yet to come.”

The Knights next games will be this weekend: Saturday they will face Mass Bay CC at 3PM and Sunday they will face Mercer County CC Sunday at 3PM at the Vincent A. Cullen Field house located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Four Ladies in Double Figures Lead 17th Ranked Lady Knights over 19th Ranked Cecil College 59-46

In the 1st round of the CCRI invitational the 17th Ranked CCRI Lady Knights defeated the 19th Ranked Cecil College 59-46. With the win the Ladies Knights improve to 11-4 while Cecil drops to 14-3 on the season.

In a first half where it was a struggle to score, CCRI Lady Knights turned to their defensive and rebounding to keep them in the game. The Lady Knights were able to hold Cecil College who is scoring 81 points a game to just 23 first half points. However, the Lady Knights were not able to pull away having struggles of their own scoring. The Lady Knights were able to take a one point lead into the locker room 24-23. The Lady Knights were led by Freshmen Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who scored 11 points in the first half and Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) who scored six first half points.

With the Lady Knights leading 24-23 the second half was more of the same. Neither team was willing to let the other jump put to a huge lead. Both teams continued struggling shooting the basketball. However those struggles were forced upon them with the superior defensive that was being played by both teams. Cecil was able to extend their lead to four points the biggest of the second half with six minutes to play. Then 1st Team All-American Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) took over the game. With 4:44 reaming in the game Scott hit a three point field goal, her only one of the game to tie the score up at 44. The three sparked an 18-2 run for the Lady Knights over the last four minutes and forty four seconds. Of those 18 points Scott scored 12 of them including an old fashion three point play with two minutes to go to put the game on ice. The Lady Knights were victorious 59-46.

Leading the way for the Lady Knights was freshmen Taylor Simmons who finished with a game high 15 points; she pulled down seven rebounds and dished out four assists. Also in double figures for the Lady Knights were Rachel Murray and Denise Scott who each had 14 points and Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) with 10 points including three three pointers. To go along with Murray’s 14 points she also pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked thee shots. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Knights were Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) with four points and Amanda Valentine (West Warwick, RI) with two points. Once again the Lady Knights were the more dominate team on the back boards. The charge was led by Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) who pulled down 12, Jillian Lewis who pulled down nine and Lauren Harrington who pulled down eight.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “Another great 2nd half effort put us over the top against another top 20 team. Our approach has been consistent in that defense and rebounding keeps us even throughout. When we add execution on the offensive side, we pull away as we did today in the last four minutes. While the win was nice, we have to execute more consistently to reach our potential.

The Lady Knights are back in action on Sunday at 4:00 PM when they face Genesee Community College in the Championship of the CCRI Invitational.

Grimes’ 24 Leads CCRI Knights as they take Down #13 ranked Tribunes

The CCRI Knights Men’s basketball team defeated the #13 ranked Monroe Community College Tribunes 85-75. The Knights record improves to 11-7 on the season while the Tribunes who finished second at the 2007 Division II National Tournament and came in ranked #13 are now 14-5 on the season.

The Tribunes jumped out to a 15-8 lead on a dunk by Javis Williams at the 15:19 mark the Knights were able to battle back and tie the score at 15-15 on an old fashioned 3-point play by Knights Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) at the 13:25 mark. The Tribunes took the lead back over the next few minutes on another basket by Monroe’s Williams making the score 26-23 but Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) capped a Knights five point rally giving them the 28-26 lead with 6:08 left in the half. The Tribunes did get the lead back in the half for a brief moment until Knights sharp-shooter Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) sank back to back 3-pointers during a Knights 10-0 run giving the Knights the 40-33 lead with 2:02 left in the half the two teams traded a few baskets to close the half with the Knights leading 43-38.

In the second half the Tribunes were able to quickly cut the Knights lead to one point on a 3-pointer by Jonathan Moore making the score 45-44 at the 18:39 mark. The Knights were able to extend their lead up to 10 points on back-to-back baskets by Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) and the 3-pointer by Mike Noonan making the score 56-46 with 16:26 left. The Tribunes cut the lead to four points on a basket by Jonathan Moore making the score 62-58 with 10:37 remaining in the game. Once again Knights Co-Captain Carl Lee came-up big with back to back baskets including a rim rattling dunk to extend the Knights lead to 66-58 with 9:33 left. The Tribunes showed why they are ranked #13 by staying with the hot shooting Knights cutting the Knights lead to three points on a long 3-pointer by Kareem Brown making the score 71-68 with just 6:16 left. But Jake Grimes and Mike Noonan answered the Tribunes rally scoring eight straight points on a basket by Grimes and two huge long-range 3-pointers by Noonan giving the Knights the 79-68 lead with 4:26 left forcing the Tribunes to burn a timeout. The Tribunes tried to claw back into the game but a basket by Sam Jones (New London, CT) and key free-throws by Jake Grimes down the stretch sealed the deal for the Knights as they held on for the 85-75 victory.

Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) led the way for the Knights scoring 13 of his 24 points in the second half with seven rebounds, four assists and a steal followed by Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) who scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half also with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, and Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) scored 17 points including five 3-pointers with four rebounds and an assist. Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) added 14 points while dishing-out seven assists with two steals also having a big night for the Knights was reserve Center Sam Jones (New London, CT) who was able to pick-up fellow Center Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) who was in foul trouble all night. Jones added eight points, five rebounds, and a steal.

Head Coach Rick Harris said: “Great team victory which I consider a National victory. Monroe CC is a year in and year out national contender. Our kids stepped-up and played an unbelievable team game. This victory also shows that our rigorous National Schedule which is a tough as any schedule in the country has benefited us greatly to this point. We will look to get a little better with our Sunday match-up against Division I powerhouse Monroe College out of the Bronx, NY.”

The Knights next game will be for the CCRI Invitational Championship Sunday the 20th at 6pm when they will face Division I Monroe College following the Lady Knights who will be playing #11 ranked Genesee CC at 4PM at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick, RI.

Four Knights Score in Double Figures as Knights Slay Lions of Gateway CTC 85-46

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team pummeled the Lions of Gateway CTC 85-46 avenging an earlier season 78-76 loss and doing so emphatically. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 10-7 on the season.

The Knights bolted out to a 46-18 first half lead and never looked back. Taking no chances by keeping the defensive pressure on though Gateway was able to cut that lead to 22 points by halftime with the score 46-24. In the second half the Knights stayed hot as outscored Gateway 39-22 and coasted to the much needed Region XXI win.

Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) led the way for the Knights having another great all-around game with a game-high 16 points, a team-high seven rebounds with three assists, two steals and two blocked shots followed by sharp-shooting big man Jamal Hinds (Brooklyn, NY) who scored 13 points including three 3-pointers also with seven rebounds. Also scoring in double-figures for the Knights was Co-Captain Pat Dame who added 13 points and six assists and Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) scored 12 points with three assists, three steals, and two blocked shots. Other Knights contributors included: Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) who scored eight points with five rebounds, Sam Jones (New London, CT) who scored nine points, Johvanny Ciprian (Providence, RI) added six points on two 3-pointers with four rebounds and three assists, Kris Wood (Central Falls, RI) added five points and five rebounds, and Louis Ferreras (Providence, RI) added three points and four assists, and Jason Collier (Killingly CT) added five rebounds and a steal.

The Knights now gear-up for their Basketball Invitational this weekend where they will face #13 ranked (12-4) defending National Championship runner-up Monroe CC on Saturday at 7PM immediately following the #17 ranked Lady Knights (10-4) who will face #19 ranked Cecil CC (12-3) at 5PM at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Simmons’ 20 Points Lead 18th Ranked Lady Knights Over Notre Dame Prep for First Time Ever 72-65!

The 18th ranked CCRI Lady Knights defeated the Lady Crusaders from Notre Dame Prep on Saturday 72-65. This marks the first time in school history that the Lady Knights have defeated Notre Dame Prep. With the win the Lady Knights move to 10-4 on the season and a perfect 5-0 at home with seven straight home games coming up in the month of January.

Notre Dame Prep jumped out quickly on the Lady Knights with an 8-2 lead. The Crusaders run was capped off by a two point field goal by 5’9 forward Rasheda Henriques. During the run Henriques scored six of the Crusaders eight points. The Lady Knights answer Notre Dame Prep’s run with an 8-0 run of their own to give them their first lead of the game at 10-8 when Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) hit a jump shot. The Lady Knights would not give this lead up the rest of the first half. The Lady Knights would expand their lead up to as many as nine points in the first half when Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) hit a turn around jump shot in the post to make the score 30-21 with 5:43 remaining in the first half. The Crusaders would cut into the Lady Knights lead at the end of the half to make the score 36-31 Lady Knights.

Notre Dame Prep came out of the locker rooms firing on all cylinders as they were able to erase the comfortable Lady Knights lead. To start the half the Crusaders scored the first nine points and took a four point lead on a basket by Christina LaSane making the score 40-36 at the 17:54 mark. The Crusaders lead would get to as high as five points by the 14:54 mark. The Lady Knights used an 8-2 run capped off by a Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) three pointer to give the Lady Knights the 52-51 lead with 11:13 left. The two teams continued to trade one point leads for most of the second half until a Harrington jump shot with 5:38 left in the game gave the Lady Knights the 60-59 lead and they never looked back. With Simmons ability to convert baskets down the stretch, scoring 13 of her 20 points in the second half and Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) knocking down four key free throws in the last minute the Lady Knights sealed a 72-65 victory.

The Lady Knights had solid contributions from all who saw action on Saturday. The Lady Knights were led by Freshmen Taylor Simmons who scored 20 points on 7-15 shooting from the floor and was a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line. Simmons also pulled down four rebounds and had two steals. Also in double figures for the Lady Knights was Jillian Lewis with 12 points also shooting 4-4 from the free throw line with seven rebounds and Rachel Murray with 10 points and three rebounds. Once again the Lady Knights controlled the game with their ability to out rebound teams. This charge on Saturday was led by Freshman Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) who pulled down a season high 17 rebounds, 10 on the offensive glass while scoring in three points with three assists. Sophomore star Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) who has been battling multiple leg injuries recently added nine points, three rebounds and four assists to the Lady Knight victory. This would end a steak of 13 straight games were Scott scored in double figures. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Knights was Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) with eight points and two assists, Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) with four points, and Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) with two points.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “This was a quality win over an extremely talented Notre Dame Prep squad. Our ability to earn stops and execute with the game on the line allowed us to start off this eight game home stand on the right foot.”

The Lady Knights are back in action at home this weekend when they host Cecil Community College in the CCRI Invitational at 5 PM.

CCRI’s Sylvestre and Kelly Qualify for NJCAA Nationals at Yale Invitational

CCRI’s Sylvestre and Kelly Qualify for NJCAA Nationals at Yale Invitational

The CCRI indoor track team competed in their first meet of the 2008 season when they traveled to Yale this weekend to compete in the Yale Invitational, competing against 40 four-year and two-year colleges from New York and New England.

CCRI’s James Sylvestre (Lincoln, RI) and Amanda Kelley (Cumberland, RI) both qualify for the NJCAA National Championship during their first competition of the season. Sylvestre ran the 3,000m in 8:55.85 for a sixth place finish which qualified him for the National Championships. Kelley finished in seventh place in the shot put with a throw of 11.73m (38-06 feet). Amanda also placed eighth in the weight throw with a toss of 14.33m (47-00.25 feet). Both of Kelley’s efforts were NJCAA national qualifying marks.

Other CCRI Women’s finishers include: In the Mile run Kristen Vanhouwe finished 25th in a time of 6:05.20,and in the 800m Vanhouwe finished 27th in a time of 2:47.29, and in the 60m Shondelle Perry (West Warwick, RI) finished 29th in a time of 9.28

Other finishers on the men’s side include: in the Mile run Steve Campognone (Warwick, RI) finished 35th in a time of 5:35.34and in the 800m Campognone finished 49th in a time of 2:28.59.

The CCRI Indoor Track Team’s next Meet will be Saturday January 26th when they travel to Wesleyan University Meet to start at 10:00AM.

Knights fall to National power Notre Dame Prep 94-80

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team lost to the very talented and highly touted Crusaders of Notre Dame Prep 94-80. With the loss the Knights record drops to 9-7 on the season. As in years past Notre Dame prep came in with a team overflowing with future NCAA Division I talent included on their current squad are two Louisville recruits: Melquan Bolding (6’4” forward) and Terrence Jennings (6’10” Center), a Syracuse recruit: James Southerland (6’7” Forward), a Missouri recruit: Kim English (6’3” forward) and a Duquesne recruit: Johnny Higgins (6’1” Guard) and a handful more are destined to be playing Division I basketball next year.

The Knights are never ones to shy away from a tough team as they showed on their Florida road trip came out to give the Crusaders a battle. The Knights jumped out t a 9-5 lead on a 3-pointer by Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) at the 16:20 mark of the first half. The crusader’s Kim English gave Notre Dame the lead back 12-10 on an old fashioned three point play by the 14:15 mark of the first half. The Crusaders extended their lead to seven but Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) sank a jumper with 10:28 left in the half cutting the Notre Dame lead to just four points. The Knights tried to stay with the high powered offense of Notre Dame but just couldn’t keep pace in the first half with the Crusaders taking a 38-56 lead into halftime.

In the second half the Knights tried everything they could to diminish the Notre Dame lead and were able to cut the lead to ten points as Mike Noonan made back-to-back 3-pointers making the score 69-59 with 12:41 left in the game. The Crusaders Melquan Bolding answered with a 3-pointer of his own putting their lead back to 13 with 12:12 left. The Crusaders got their lead up to 17 points on a 3-pointer by Sean Crawford with 8:32 left and all looked to be lost for the Knights but they would not quit as Mike Noonan sank a jumper and reserve point guards Louis Ferraras (Providence, RI) and Johvanny Ciprian (Providence, RI) each sank a three 3-pointers then reserve Center Sam Jones (New London, CT) added a basket capping the Knights 10-3 run to cut the Crusaders lead to ten points 86-76 with just 4:58 left in the game. But that is as close as the Knights would get with the Crusaders pulling away for the 94-80 victory.

Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) led the way for the Knights scoring 19 points including 5-8 from three point land and 7-10 from the floor followed by Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) who scored 18 points while dishing out eight assists and Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) added 10 points with seven assists three rebounds and a blocked shot. Also Contributing for the Knights was Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) who score five points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds with two blocked shots and Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) added five points and three blocked shots. In addition, reserve point guards Louis Ferraras (Providence, RI) added six points on two 3-pointers and Johvanny Ciprian (Providence, RI) added five points including a 3-pointer.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented: “Very pleased with our young men’s effort and attitude. Year in and year out Notre Dame Prep is the most talented team that we face. From Paul Harris & Derrick Character in 2005-06 to Michael Beasley, Greedy Peterson in 2006-07 to this current squad which includes two Louisville recruits, a Syracuse recruit, a Missouri recruit, and a Duquesne recruit. Notre Dame Prep is without a doubt an all-star collection of young basketball talent. That being said there is very little margin of error allowed against a team of that caliber. We shot the ball very well from the floor (57%) overall which is why we lead the nation in that category (Team FG %), but we missed free throws shooting only 14-25 for 56% to go along with 18 turnovers really hurt our chances to win. Then again Notre Dame’s pressure had something to do with that. Overall it was an outstanding effort on our part as we competed hard and as a group, 10 players hit the scoring column. I believe that we are truly becoming a team to be reckoned with in NJCAA Division II basketball and we are setting ourselves up for a great home stretch.”

The Knights next game will be at Gateway CTC Thursday the 17th at 6:00pm before they return home to play in the CCRI Invitational on Saturday when they will face #5 ranked Monroe CC at 5:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

CCRI Basketball Invitational Jan. 19 and 20 brings in top JUCO talent

This year’s basketball invitational hosted by CCRI will feature some of the top men’s and women’s junior college basketball programs in the nation on Saturday, Jan.19 and Sunday, Jan. 20. Competing on the men’s side are Division I power Monroe College (12-4), and Division II teams Monroe Community College (11-4), Genesee Community College and the CCRI Knights (9-6). On the women’s side, a wealth of talent will compete, including Genesee Community College (10-1), Cecil Community College (13-1), Union County CC (9-3), and the CCRI Lady Knights (9-4).

This year’s tournament will be bigger than last year’s, with a full line-up of eight games to be played during the weekend. On Saturday, the 18th ranked CCRI Lady Knights will face 20th ranked Cecil Community College at 5 p.m. The CCRI Knights will play 5th ranked and 2007 national championship runner-up Monroe Community College at 7 p.m. Also on Saturday the 13th ranked Genesee Community College women’s team will take on national power Union County College at 1 p.m. The Genesee Community College men and Monroe College will play at 3 p.m.

There will be four Sunday match-ups based on the outcome of the previous day’s games, including the women’s consolation game at noon, the men’s consolation game at 2 p.m., the women’s championship game at 4 p.m. and the men’s championship game at 6 p.m.

In addition to the basketball action, there will be free giveaways all weekend long. Prizes include restaurant gift certificates, movie tickets, t-shirts and a chance to win $10,000 for one lucky fan. For more information visit the CCRI Athletics Website www.ccri.edu/ATHL/ or call CCRI Sports Information at 401-825-1132.

Knights Play Tough but Fall to Division I Power Miami-Dade College 73-62

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team finished their three-game road trip in Florida playing the biggest and most athletic team they have seen this year in the Sharks of Miami Dade College. The Knights were not intimidated but still came up short versus the very talented Sharks losing 73-62. Wit the loss the Knights record falls to 9-6 on the season.

The Sharks drew first blood with a 3-point basket by Sharod Minus thirty second into the game but Pre-Season First Team All-American and Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) answered with a 3-pointer of his own tying the score at 3-3 at the 19:10 mark. A telling moment in the game happened at the 18:04 mark with the score 4-4 when 6’8” 255lb Miami-Dade Forward Steven Toyloy and Knights Center Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) were battling for a loose ball and neither giving an inch even after the whistle and ending the play face to face daring the other to flinch only to be separated by their teammates. Miami-Dade Head Coach Matthew Eisele said: “That is the first time anyone has stood up for themselves against our big men”, at this time the Sharks knew they were in for a long night. The Sharks were able to extend their lead to six point on free-throw by Jao Antonio making the score 14-8. The Knights battled back and cut the lead to one point on a 3-pointer by Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) that made the score 14-13 at the 12:20 mark. The High flying Sharks would keep pushing their lead forward with explosive scoring spurts extending their lead to 13 on a basket by Minus making the score 37-24. The Knights once again buckled down and were able to cut the lead to 10 points as Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) scored six of the Knights nine points to end the quarter capped by a 3-pointer as time expired at the half with the score 43-33 Miami Dade leading.

The Second half started the same way the first did with another loose ball scrum between The Knights Alex Diaz and Steven Toyloy again, neither giving an inch. The Sharks were able to pad their lead to 13 points on a 3-pointer by Sharod Minus making the score 47-34 at the 16:45 mark. Jake Grimes was able to get the Knights back into the game quickly with a put back basket and 3-pointer back-to-back to cut the Sharks lead to seven with the score 50-43 Miami-Dade forcing the sharks to call a timeout with 12:38 left. Once again the sharks were able to quickly extend their lead to 13 led mostly by the play of Kashief Carr who scored nine of his game-high 25 points during the run that was capped by a basket by Steven Toyloy making the score 63-50 with 7:25 left. Jamal Hinds (Brooklyn, NY) buried his third 3-pointer of the night to cut the lead to 10 with the score 63-53 with 7:15 left, but that is a close as the Knights would get as the Sharks held onto their lead winning by a final of 73-62.

Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) led the way for the Knights scoring a team-high 17 points including two 3-pointers with four assists, three rebounds and a steal followed by Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) who scored 12 points while dishing-out eight assists, and Jamal Hinds (Brooklyn, NY) who came off the bench to score 11 points including three 3-pointers and adding two blocked shots. Also contributing for the Knights was Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) who scored six points with seven rebounds and more importantly tremendous toughness against an intimidating front-line and Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) added six points on two 3-pointers.

Head Coach Rick Harris said: “We accomplished our goals this week of proving that we can compete against top level teams and we wanted to get better as a team and we did that. To go along with us getting better also became closer as a team. Now we have to find a way to bring what we’ve done here home with us and continue to improve.”

The Knights next game will be Saturday the 12th at 3:00pm versus the very powerful Notre Dame Prep following the Lady Knights who will play at 1:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field house on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Denise Scott’s 22 Not Enough as Lady Knights lose to Miami Dade 63-53

The Community College of Rhode Island women’s basketball team lost its final game on their three game road trip to Miami Dade College 63-53. The loss moves the Lady Knights record to 9-4.

In the first half the Lady Knights got off to one of its best starts of the year jumping on the Lady Sharks 9-0 in the first five minutes of the game. The run was capped off by a Rachel Murray’s (Gloucester, MA) lay up. The Lady Sharks would respond in a quick way evening the score at 10-10 over the next three minutes. The Lady Knights took the lead back on a 3-pointer by Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) making the score 13-10. This would be the last lead that the Lady Knights would hold in the first half. The Lady Sharks had control of their first lead in the game when sophomore star Dayna Rodriquez hit a jump shot to give the Lady Sharks a 14-13 advantage. Rodriquez finished the game with 22 points. Miami Dade would extend its lead to as large as six points in the first half; however the Lady Knights were able to battle back and tie the game up at 25 when Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) hit two free throws with 1:34 left in the half. With five seconds to go in the half the Lady Sharks scored the final basket of the half on fast break lay up by Aurelie Derononcourt to give the Lady Sharks a 27-25 lead going into the half.

Like in the first half, the second half saw CCRI get off to another hot start. The Lady Knights use an 8-2 run to start the second half to regain a four point lead, 33-29. The two teams would then go back and fourth. The Lady Knights were never able to stretch their lead to more then four points. With 8:10 left to go in the game they would lose that lead for good. The Lady Sharks who were led by Shebra Legrant 12 second half points were able to slowly pull away from the Lady Knights for a 63-53 victory.

The Lady Knights were led by their returning First Team All-American Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY). Scott attempted to but the team on her back at numerous points in the game by scoring a team high 22 points, pulling down a season-high eight rebounds, dishing out two assists, and Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) who scored 10 points and pulled down five rebounds. Also contributing for the Lady Knights were The Murray sisters who helped the Lady Knights in controlling the glass with Rachel pulling down 12 rebounds; this was her third straight game of double digit rebounds and Jackie pulling down eight rebounds while scoring three points each. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Knights was Taylor Simmons with eight points, Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) with seven points.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “We remain on a learning curve as we continue to show flashes of competing on a national level. Those must become 40 minutes of solid execution and defensive focus from us to reach our full potential.”

Knights Knock-off Palm Beach CC 65-55

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated Division I powerhouse Palm Beach CC 65-55. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 9-5 on the season.

The Knights came out firing on all cylinders as Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) sank a deep 3-pointer to give the Knights a 3-0 lead 1:15 into the game. The Knights quickly extended their lead to nine at 12-3 after Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) stole the ball dished to Noonan who lofted it back to Lee for a spectacular aerial alley-oop dunk at the 16:10 mark of the first half. The Knights took a 24-13 lead on a 3-pointer by Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) at the 5:50 mark of the first half. Palm Beach chipped away to get the lead down to seven but Mike Noonan was a man on a mission scoring 11 points in the final five minutes of the half including a 3-pointer with six seconds left in the half to give the Knights their biggest lead of the night 41-26. Noonan finished the half with 14 points including four 3-pointers.

In the second half Palm Beach came out quickly cutting the lead to 10 points at 41-31 on a jumper by point guard Tim Downs. To make matters worse the hot shooting Mike Noonan picked-up three quick fouls within the first three minutes sending him to the bench with four fouls. However, the Knights were still able to extend their lead back to 14 on a basket by Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) on a beautiful dish from Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) with 16:25 left in the game. Once again Palm Beach cut the lead back to seven points on a 3-pointer by Josh Woodley making the score 50-43 with 10:50 left. The Knights got the lead back to double digits on a basket by Carl Lee off a wrap around pass from Pat Dame making the score 54-43 with 7:55 left. Palm Beach would not quit though cutting the lead down to eight points on a free-throw by Tim Downs making the score 60-52 with just 2:02 left. The man of the hour Mike Noonan quickly put their come back to rest sinking his fifth 3-pointer of the night giving the Knights the 63-52 lead and they never looked back winning by a final score of 65-55.

Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) led the way for the Knights scoring 17 points including a season-high five pointers while dishing out four assists followed by Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) who scored 16 points with six assists and Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) had a great all-around game adding 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Also contributing for the Knights was Co-Captain Jake Grimes whop scored eight points with four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a blocked shot. Another key to the Knights victory was their play from the Center position as they were playing against a very tall and athletic front line. Starting Center Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) had two points and five rebounds, Kris Wood (Central Falls, RI) saw extended time and played very well scoring four points with three rebounds and Sam Jones (New London, CT) two points, two rebounds and an assist.

Head Coach Rick Harris said: “Very pleasing victory, it was a total team effort. I am very proud of our guys. We put forth another great effort tonight. Hopefully we can catapult this momentum into another great effort on Monday night against Miami-Dade. If we can play with this intensity every game, one game at a time, we are going to have some great nights ahead of us.”

18th Ranked CCRI Lady Knights lead Wire to Wire over Palm Beach Winning 61-49

The CCRI Lady Knights improve there record yesterday to 9-3 as they beat Palm Beach Community College 61-49. This is the second year in a row that the Lady Knights have defeated Palm Beach Community College. With the win the Lady Knights have won five of their last six games and are now 1-1 on there three game Florida road trip.

The Lady Knights come out of the gate on fire jumping out to a quick 9-2 lead which was capped off by a Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) baseline jump shot. After two free throws by Palm Beach guard Sierra Williams the Lady Knights went back on the run scoring nine more straight points to increase their lead to 18-4 with eleven minutes left in the half. The two Lady Knight runs were sparked by their defensive pressure as Palm Beach struggled to get their leading scores to the basket for easy hoops. Palm Beach was able to crack the Lady Knights pressure towards the end of the first half and on a three pointer by guard Jamarra Robinson cut the Lady Knights lead to six points, however Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) closed the have with a fast break lay-up to give the Lady Knights a 32-24 lead going into halftime.

Jillian Lewis started the second half the same way she ended the first half with a open five foot jump shot. This sparked the Lady Knights as they opened the second half on a 13-4 run which was capped of by Pre-season First Team All-American Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY). During the run Scott scored eight of the 13 points for the Lady Knights. Scott scored 16 of her 18 points during the second half. This pushed the Lady Knights lead back up to 18 points with the score 45-27. This was the largest lead of the game for the Lady Knights. Palm Beach would cut the Lady Knights 18 point lead in half to nine however that would be as close as they would get. Key baskets and defensive stops lead the Lady Knights to a 61-49 victory.

To go along with Denise Scott’s 18 points she also pulled down six rebounds had four assists and four steals. Supporting Scott were Jillian Lewis and Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT). Lewis scored five points, pulled down nine rebounds and dished out five assists, while Williams scored nine points and pulled down 11 rebounds, including eight offensive rebounds. The Lady Knights domination of the backboards continued as Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) pulled a team- high 12 rebounds.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “We continued are high level of intensity and on the backboards as well, that is starting to become the identity of our team. With that base established our team is improving game by game with maturity of our offensive and individual play. Fortunately today solid execution versus pressure and a better shooting performance sealed the upset over Division 1 Palm Beach.”

After a day off on Sunday the Lady Knights are back in action on Monday as they square off with another Division I power in Miami-Dade CC. Tip time is scheduled for 5:30. With a win the Lady Knights could finish up their difficult Florida swing with a 2-1 record for the first time in three years.

Knights Show Tremendous Intensity but come up Short Falling to Broward CC 81-76

In the first game of the Knight three-game road trip to Florida the CCRI Knights play well showing tremendous heart but come up short versus Division I power Broward CC 81-76. With the loss the Knights record drops to 8-5 on the season, Broward improves to 14-1.

The Knights knew they were going to be in a battle against the high-powered offense of the 13-1 Broward CC Seahawks who are averaging over 94 points a game but they came out with blood in their eyes as they would not be intimidated by the Division I powerhouse. To make matters more difficult the Knights were without Head Coach Rick Harris which left the coaching duties to Kevin Monagle and Curtis Spence and they stepped-up big time.