February 2009

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Warriors of Massasoit Community College from Brockton, MA 85-63. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 20-10 and earn their fifth straight Region XXI title.

The Knights were able to use their trademark balanced attack which over the course of the game proved to be too much for the visiting Warriors of Massasoit CC. However, that is not how the game started as the Warriors came out with a sense of purpose having lost two games already to the Knights this season and they knew that they had a chance because it is very hard to beat a team three times in a row.

The Knights found themselves in a hole early in the game as they were trailing 16-10 and their leading scorer Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) had to exit the game at the 12:20 mark of the first half with three fouls. Luckily for the Knights their depth served them well as Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) would shoulder the scoring load for the Knights for the remainder of the half. Storti would score 11 of his 15 first half points to lead the Knights on a 29-19 run to close the half giving them the 39-35 halftime lead.

In the second half The Knights cranked up the defensive pressure which led to turnovers and easy baskets for the Knights. From there the Knights leaned on their big man Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) who gave the crowd at the Cullen Field House many reasons to stand-up and cheer. In the first three and a half minutes of the second half Nared threw down three vicious slam dunks as the Knights extended their lead to 14 points with the score 51-37 with 16:24 left in the game. The Knights’ second half pressure was relentless which allowed them to build their lead up to 24 points with 7:07 left on two free throws by Lee Mitchell making the score 74-50. From there the Knights would cruise to the 85-63 victory.

Leading the way for the Knights was Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) who scored a game-high 22 points with three assists, three rebounds and two blocked shots. Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) was back in form charting his 14th Double-double of the season scoring 18 points with 14 rebounds adding four blocked shots while displaying the Division I skills that will have the scouts eager to sign him which included six dunks and two 3-pointers. Three other player also scored in double-figures including Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) who shook-off early foul trouble to score 11 points with five assist and four steals, Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) who scored 11 points with six rebounds, four assists and three steals, and Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) added 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. In addition, Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) played well though he only scored two points he had a career-high seven assist and nine rebounds in all 11 of the 12 Knights made it into the scoring column in the Championship.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the big win: “A great day for the CCRI Men’s Basketball Program today as we won our fifth straight Region XXI Championship. We did it with one of our best second halves of the season (the second half). I couldn’t be any prouder especially with our 30 team assists. We played Knight Basketball Hard, Together, and we had Fun!” the 5th straight is just as sweet because each and every year the target on our back gets bigger and bigger. Our 10 freshmen and three sophomores have done a wonderful job to again bring home this championship and finish with a 12-1 Region XXI record. I am most proud of how we won, with great team play and total unselfishness. Our guys display brotherhood they have improved as individuals and as a team are peaking at just the right time. At this point they allow me to just sit back and enjoy the ride. We will enjoy this win for a couple days then quickly re-group and prepare fro our next major challenge, a berth in the Northeast District Championship Game. It will be a major challenge, but one we have been working for since October 1st. Knight Fans can be assured we will give 100% physically and mentally as well as play as a team as we seek our goal of playing in the NJCAA National Tournament.”

The Knights now look forward to playing in the Northeast District Championship game hosted by the Region III Champion. The winner of Region III will be decided Sunday at 1:00pm when Monroe Community College (26-5) plays Erie Community College (25-6). The Northeast District championship game will be Saturday March 7th time TBD.

Knight times and marks keep improving at USATF New England Indoor Championships!

Full Results

The CCRI Knights track team travelled to Harvard University Sunday to compete in the Unites states of America Track and Field New England Indoor Championship. The Knight had plenty of season-best performances in their last open invitational of the 2009 Indoor season.

Everett LaMountain (Smithfield, RI) ran a season-best 2 minute 4.95 second effort in the 800m run setting a school record good for 22nd place. This was his season best. Blest Norris (Pawtucket, RI) placed third in the 200m dash with a season best time of 22.98. Dennis LaFleur (Coventry, RI) placed 10th in the 200m with his best time of the season 23.77. Other Knights who ran their best races in the 200m were, Jay LaRose (Pawtucket, RI) 36th in 25.37, Adewole Akinbi (Providence, RI) 25th 24.63, Anthony Manfredi (Warwick, RI) 46th 26.71, for the Lady Knights Kayleigh Smith (Cumberland, RI) 28th 31.01 and Shannon Young (Cumberland, RI) 34th 36.43.

The 400m event also went will for the Knights Sunday at the USATF New England Championships. Adewole Akinbi placed 11th in a personal best time of 53.76. Jay LaRose placed 18th in a season’s best time of 55.31. Kayleigh Smith placed 25th in the women’s field with a personal best time of 1:11.72.

The men’s 4x400m relay placed 3rd in a season best time of 3:38.17. The team was made up of LaRose, Edwin Jean-Louis (Providence, RI), LaMountain and Akinbi. Ending the run of season best performances was Chris Allegretta (Warwick, RI) who placed 18th in the 3,000m in his season best time of 10:24.04.

Other CCRI performances are as followed: 35lb weight throw Joe Frederickson (Scituate, MA) placed 4th with a throw of 8.96m, shot put Frederickson placed 6th with a throw of 8.59m and Dan Bociek (Cumberland, RI) placed 8th with a throw of 8.22m. In the long jump Cory Dozier (Blackstone, MA) placed 18th with a 5.24m jump, Dozier also placed 6th in the triple jump with his second best effort of the season with an 11.54 meter leap. In the 60m dash Blest Norris placed 4th in 7.05, followed by Edwin Jean-Louis in 20th with a time of 7.70, Dennis LaFleur placed 23rd in a time of 7.76 while Anthony Manfredi running in his first 60m race placed 31st in 8.20.

The Knights now focus their efforts on the NJCAA Championships March 6th and 7th at Texas Tech. in Lubbock, TX starting both days at 9:00am.

Lady Knights finish regular season with 72-52 win over UCONN-Avery Point!

The CCRI Lady Knights increased their win streak to six straight games as they defeated UCONN Avery Point (UCAP) of Groton, CT on Saturday 72-52. With the win the Lady Knights improve to 21-6 on the season and a perfect 5-0 in region XXI action.

The Lady Knights got off to slow start on Saturday in front of large crowd in the Vincent A. Cullen Field House. The Lady Knights and Pointers of UCAP would exchange baskets to open up the first half. With the score tied at 10 the Lady Knights inserted Ashley Williams (Windsor, CT) and Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) who provided the Lady Knights with a spark and a scoring punch. The Lady Knights with those two on the floor closed out the first half with a nine point lead as Jackie scored eight first half points and Ashley poured in seven. The Lady Knights took a 31-22 lead into the locker room.

The Lady Knights came out of the second half firing on all cylinders on the offensive end as they were able to get easy baskets by causing turnovers on the defensive end. In the second half the Lady were led by the Sophomore All American Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) and point guard Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) who were both playing in their final regular season game in the her home gym. Simmons and Girard did not disappoint in the second half as Simmons scored 16 points and Girard scored 11 in the second half. The Lady Knights cruised to a 72-52 victory.

The Lady Knights were led by Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who recorded her second straight Double-double with 23 points 11 rebounds adding six steals and two assists. Helping Simmons was sophomore point guard Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) scoring 13 points, dishing out six assists and pulling down three rebounds. Also scoring in double-figures were Ashley Williams (Windsor, CT) who finished with 11 points and four rebounds and Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) who finished with 10 points and three rebounds. Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) as always provided superb energy finishing the game with six points, pulled down five rebounds, and dished out five assists.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after the win, “This was a great way to cap off our regular season, we know have to turn all of our energy and focus over to preparing for our one game district playoff. The two week lay off will be one that we will turn into a positive as we will get healthy and make sure that we are more then well prepared for who ever comes in from Region XIX.”

The Lady Knights have now advanced to the Northeast District Championship game where they will play the winner of Region XIX on Saturday March 7th time and opponent to be announced. This will be the Lady Knights sixth-straight appearance in the District Championship and with a win they will advance to the National Tournament.

Knights finish regular season on high-note defeating ASA 67-51!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated Division I ASA from Brooklyn, NY 67-51 on Saturday. With the victory the Knights end the regular season with a 19-10 overall record, 4-0 record in Division II Region XXI and 11-1 overall in Region XXI play.

Before the game the Knights celebrated Sophomore Day where they honored sophomores: Sam Jones (New London, CT), Lou Ferreras (Providence, RI), and Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) for their contributions to the CCRI Knights basketball program.

The Knights used the emotion of the pre-game festivities and came out with a sense of purpose playing tremendous defense which led to a 13-8 lead at the 10:59 mark of the first half. They were able to maintain their lead in the first half going in with a 30-24 lead.

In the second half the Knights traded baskets with ASA in the first five minutes with the score 34-30 with 15:31 left in the game. Then Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) led the Knights on a 10-point run with back-to-back 3-pointers giving the Knights the 44-30 lead with 12:57 left in the game. With ASA playing a controlled tempo game there was no way they were going to be able to overcome the 14 point deficit with the Knights cruising from there to win by the final score of 67-51.

Leading the way for the Knights was Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) with 17 points including five 3-pointers with eight rebounds and two assists followed by Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) scoring 15 points with five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Also having a big game for the Knights was sophomore Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) scoring 14 points, Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) added six points and four rebounds and Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) ran the point very efficiently dishing-out eight assists and swiping six steals.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the victory “It’s been a long season but a fun and enjoyable one. Our sophomores have been solid leaders and it was shown in how our team competes on a day in and day out basis. Finishing at 19-10 and the No.1 seed in the upcoming Region XXI Championship is a testament to our guys’ commitment, dedication and loyalty to the CCRI Basketball Program. Today’s victory over Division I ASA, our third against a division I opponent, is a great way to finish the regular season. Now the real season begins and we will give 100% as we seek to attain our long-term goals. Everything we have been working for since summer league and September 1st pre-season workouts is right in front of us. We look forward to the challenge.”

The Knights now look forward to the Region XXI Championship Game where they will face Massasoit Community College this Saturday February 28th at 2:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Lady Knights reach 20 win plateau with 66-52 victory over Notre Dame Prep!

For the second straight year the CCRI Lady Knights accomplish a goal of every college team and that is to win 20 games. The Lady Knights with a strong defensive second half defeated the Crusaders of Notre Dame Prep from Fitchburg, MA 66-52. With the win the Lady Knights improve to 20-6 on the season and have won five in a row and eight of its last nine games.

The first half was very difficult for the Lady Knights having to regroup from its emotional win the night before over its arch rival Dean College. The Lady Knights were tired and worn-down from a great comeback the previous night and it showed. The first half was an up and down affair as neither team really did much offensively and played very little defensive. That is really not the modus operandi of this Lady Knight team and it hurt them in the first half as they would trail going into halftime 30-29.

The Lady Knights knew exactly what they had to do coming out of halftime and made the proper adjustments and blitzed the Crusaders for an 11-0 run to start the half. The Lady Knights would never trail from that point on. The Lady Knights would continue to run the Crusaders who were only playing with six players. The Lady Knights would cruise to 66-52 victory and win number 20 on the season.

The Lady Knights were led by there All-American guard Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who put forth her first ever Double-double of her career pouring in 21 points, pulled down 11 rebounds while dishing out three assists. Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) scored 12 points while pulling down nine rebounds. The Lady Knights got great contributions from its power forwards as Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) scored nine points with 14 rebounds, and Ashley Williams (Windsor, CT) scored nine points and pulled down nine rebounds. Rounding out he scoring attack were Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) and Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) each dropped in five points.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after the game, “This was a great win for us to bounce back after a difficult win the night before. Ever time you play this time of year you are able to accomplish a team goal. Wednesday night we clinched our region championship and last night we were able to win our 20th game which is a great accomplishment. We hope to close the season out the right way on Saturday by honoring our eight sophomores.”

The Lady Knights are back in action on Saturday as they play regional XXI opponent UCONN Avery-Point at noon time. Also on Saturday the Lady Knights will honor its eight sophomores: Nicole Girard, Lauren Harrington, Jackie Murray, Rachel Murray, Kaitlyn Rachiele, Taylor Simmons, Tonisha Tate, and Sharniece Williams as they play their last regular season game in the Vincent A. Cullen Field House. The pregame festivities will begin at 11:45.

Go Lady Knights!

Knights fall 87-81 in scrimmage to Notre Dame Prep

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team played the Crusaders of Notre Dame Prep from Fitchburg, MA and came-up on the short end of the battle 87-81 in a scrimmage. The game will not count against their record because it was a scrimmage.

The Knights were up for the challenge playing a very tough Notre Dame Prep team that features multiple Division I recruits including: Johnny Lacey to Providence College, James Southerland to Syracuse and Sean Kilpatrick to Cincinnati.

In the first half the Knights found themselves down 29-23 at the 8:37 mark on a basket by James Southerland. Then Knights’ sophomore Co-Captain Guard Lou Ferreras (Providence, RI) led them on a 9-3 run scoring four of those points that gave the Knights a 32-31 lead at the 6:08 mark. From there Alex Russell (Orlando, FL) scored six of his eight first half points to lead a second charge Knights outscored the Crusaders 16-12 as the Knights went into halftime with a 48-43 lead.

In the second half the Knights scored the first two baskets to extend their lead to nine points 52-43 at the 19:01 mark. However, the Crusaders’ talent would get them back in the game as they would outscore the Knights 13-7 over the next five minutes to cut the lead to 59-56 with 13:50 left. But the Knights had another run in them as well as they stormed back to take a 77-65 lead. The Knights’ scoring run was highlighted by a four point play by Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) and was capped by Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) back-to-back baskets including a 3-pointer with just 7:34 left in the game. However, the Knights could not maintain their lead. With just 4:30 left the Knights led 81-74 but the Crusaders would score the game’s final 13 points to win by a final score of 87-81.

Leading the way for the Knights was Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) scoring a team-high 16 points with eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Also stepping-up big time was Co-Captain Lou Ferreras (Providence, RI) scoring 10 points with two assists and a steal while locking down Johnny Lacy and Alex Russell (Orlando, FL) who scored eight points with seven rebounds. Other contributors included Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) with nine points, four assists and three rebounds, Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) scoring nine points with five rebounds, and Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) with nine points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the scrimmage: “It was a solid evening for us to get the chance to compete with a talented team like Notre Dame Prep. This is a game that allows us to get better both mentally and physically. Even though we lost the scrimmage in my mind we were victorious.”

The Knights will celebrate Sophomore Day this Saturday the 21st before their 2:00pm game with ASA where sophomores: Co-Captain Lee Mitchell, Lou Ferreras, and Sam Jones will be honored before the game at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Go Knights!

Lady Knights win sixth consecutive Region XXI Championship with 54-43 win over Dean!

For the sixth straight season the Lady Knights won the Region XXI Regular Season Championship. The Lady Knight beat there arch rival Dean College of Franklin, MA for the sixth straight time in the last three seasons. Wednesday night the Lady Knights defeated the Bulldogs 54-43 to extend its win streak to four games and improved its record to 19-6 and a perfect 4-0 in Region XXI action.

The game had a feel of two teams that really wanted to beat each other. The Bulldogs from Dean need to beat the Lady Knights to have any chance to participate in post season while the Lady Knights with a win could clinch there sixth consecutive Region XXI Championship and would move on to the District Championship. Dean came out like they were playing for their season as they scored the games first four points. The Lady Knights stopped that run after a Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) free throw which cut the Bulldogs lead to 4-1. That would be last point the Lady Knights would score for the next five minutes as the Bulldogs used a 9-0 run to make the score 13-1. The Lady Knights would finally connect on a Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) 3-pointer to post their first field goal of the game and cut Dean’s lead to 13-4. However, Dean had answer as Shelley Monahan would connect on back to back 3-pointers to extend Dean’s lead to 19-4. Once again Harrington had the answer for the Lady Knights which cut Dean’s lead to 12. After Dean’s Diaysha Brewington scored four straight points to extend their lead to 16 its largest of the game the Lady Knights went on an 11-4 run capped of by Harrington’s third 3-pointer of the half to cut the Bulldogs lead to 27-18 going into the half.

The Lady Knights knew exactly what they had to do in the second half, turn up the pressure, put the ball in the basket, and win the first five minutes of the half. The Lady Knights did all three of these things as they made a commitment to pressing Dean for the full 20 minutes in the second half. The Lady Knights also got off to the quick start that it needed as they scored the half’s first nine points capped off by Taylor Simmons 3-pointer which was her first field goal of the game. In just four minutes the Lady Knights were back to even at 27-27 and could feel the momentum of the crowd turning their way. However, Monahan would have no part of it as she would knock down her third three to give the Bulldogs the lead back at 30-27. After a Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) basket and two free throws from Simmons the Lady Knights would take its first lead of the game at 31-30. When most teams would succumb to the Lady Knights pressure the Bulldogs just kept responding as they would make a 9-2 run to take 39-33 lead and “Mr. Mo” (Momentum) had once again switched back. However, the poise and experience of the sophomore-laden Lady Knights took over as they would then score the games next 11 points seven of which were scored by Simmons to take a 44-39 lead with five minutes remaining. Over the next five minutes the Lady Knights would hold the Bulldogs to just four points the rest of the game and score 10 of their own. The Lady Knights outscored the Bulldogs in the second half by 20 points for a 54-43 victory.

The Lady Knights offensively were led by Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who scored 19 points, 17 of which came in the second half, pulled down five rebounds, had four steals and dished out two assists. Also in double figures for the Lady Knights was Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) who scored 11 points all in the second half and pulled down a career high 21 rebounds. This was Williams’ sixth Double-double of the season and her third in six games. Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) did not score in the second half but that did not matter because she single handily kept the Lady Knights in the game in the first half as she scored all nine of her points while having the unenviable task of covering Dean’s Shelly Monahan for the entire game.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after winning his first region XXI Championship “This was a tough battle tonight, the Dean games are always a battle. This game should really emphasize what we have been teaching all year that defense wins games. We shot the ball so poorly tonight, and the ball just seemed to be bouncing in Dean's favor but our defense kept us in the game in the first half, and the defense became our offense in the second half. We had a huge performance from Sharniece Williams tonight on the glass (21 Rebounds), and some really significant contributions by people who don't get a lot of credit especially Tonisha Tate and Kate Rachiele. Their minutes and performance was vital crucial to our victory this evening. In games like this it is all the little things (Rebounds, deflections, loose balls, making the extra pass, rotating over to help out a teammate defensively) that add up to victory. It is difficult to win when you shoot 29%, but solid defense gives you a chance! The defense can never have a night off.”

The Lady Knights will go for their 20th win on the season tonight as they get very little time to recover from last nights’ game. The Lady Knights will go to Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, MA, tip off will be at 6:00 PM.

Go Lady Knights!

All five starters score double-figures as Knights’ second half rally downs Dean 96-88!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Region XXI rival Bulldogs of Dean College from Franklin, MA 96-88. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 18-10 on the season, 11-1 in Region XXI play and a perfect 4-0 in Division II Region XXI play.

The Bulldogs came into this game with a 7-14 record but had been playing much better in the second semester and just like any rivalry game you can throw the records out the window this game was going to be decided by the team that wanted to play with the most heart and unselfishness. In addition, the Bulldogs were out to avenge their 98-57 loss early in the first semester and they came out firing.

The Bulldogs got on the board first with a basket from Anthony Baskerville but the Knights’ Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) answered quickly and emphatically by following-up a missed basket and jumping over two Bulldog rebounders to slam the ball home a feat so impressive the Dean fans even went crazy. However, from there Dean was the hungrier team in the first half jumping out to an 18-12 lead at the 12:14 mark on a basket by Josh Hodge. The Knights were able to battle back and take their first and only lead of the first half at the 7:58 mark after back-to-back baskets from Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) making the score 24-22. But the Bulldogs’ Jimmy Chaudry answered Mitchell with back-to-back baskets of his own to give Dean the 26-24 lead with 6:45 left in the half. The Bulldogs kept their intensity for the rest of the half taking a 39-35 lead into the break. Lee Mitchell led the Knights in the first half with 10 points followed by eight from Tyrone Nared but the Bulldogs Josh Hodge led all first half scorers with 12 points.

In the second half the Knights were the aggressor quickly regaining the lead on a basket by Tyrone Nared making the score 46-44 with 17:13 left in the game. The Bulldogs answered with a basket from Jason Watkins tying the score at 46-46. However, Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) banged a 3-pointer to give the Knights the 49-46 lead with 17:00 left. The Knights would extend their lead to nine points their largest of the game to that point after two free throws by Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) with 11:07 left. But the Bulldogs dug deeper and scored six straight capped by Jimmy Chaudry making the score 69-66 CCRI. However Tyrone Nared once again served notice that the Cullen Field house is “his house” by following another Knights missed basket with another follow-up dunk that could have been included in the NBA slam dunk contest this past weekend using his tremendous wing-span to corral the errant shot and slam it how with no regard to the well being of the rim to give the Knights a 71-66 lead with 9:44 left. But the Bulldogs just would not go away, as Chaudry sank a 3-pointer with 7:17 left to cut the Knights lead to one point 75-74. But the Knights were not to be denied scoring the next seven points highlighted by a basket by Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) on a ridiculous no-look cross-court pass from Lee Mitchell that would ultimately giving the Knights the 82-74 lead and they never looked back as the went on to win by the final score of 96-88.

Leading the way for the Knights was Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) scoring a team-high 20 points with four assists followed by Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) with his 13th Double-double scoring 17 points with 16 rebounds and added four blocked shots. Also having a stellar game was Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) who has improved steadily with every game he has played scoring a career-high 18 points including eight points in the final 6:30 minutes when the Knights really them, adding six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Rounding-out the Knights double-figure scorers was Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) charting a Double-double scoring 15 points with 13 rebounds and Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) added 12 points with four rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. The Knights also got a boost with the return of point guard Apollos Wade (Taunton, MA) from injury which put a smile on every player’s face.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the game “”Great night for CCRI men’s and women’s basketball. It was two nice conference wins tonight. It’s a rivalry game just like Cranston West/Cranston East or Duke/North Carolina where anything is possible. Throw the records aside and see who is going to play with the most heart. I am very happy for our young men as they accomplished something hard to do, going 4-0 in conference play and 11-1 in Region XXI play. We will enjoy this tonight and get ourselves prepared for Sophomore Day Saturday versus ASA.”

The Knights will travel to Fitchburg Thursday night for a scrimmage with Notre Dame Prep and then gear-up for their final regular season game and Sophomore Day Saturday when they face ASA at 2:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Filed House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Go Knights!

All 11 Lady Knights score as they blast Bristol Bee’s 82-20!

The Lady Knights improved their record on Thursday night to 18-6 and 3-0 in Region XXI action with their win over Bristol Community College of Fall River, MA 82-20. With the win the Lady Knights won their third straight game all of which have come on the road and five of their last six.

In a tune-up game for Region XXI rival Dean College the Lady Knights took care of business in the first half of Thursday night’s game as they jumped out to a 23-2 lead in the first seven minutes of the game. The Lady Knights never looked back as they cruised to an 82-20 victory. The Bee’s of Bristol are a first year program trying to gain regional recognition while the Lady Knights are a national powerhouse that has played in five straight national tournaments. The Lady Knights will now turn their focus over to playing Dean College on Wednesday.

The Lady Knights were led by freshmen forward Ashley Williams (Windsor, CT) who came off the bench and recorded her second Double-double of the season with 16 points and 17 rebounds. Also with a Double-double for the Lady Knights was Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) who scored 11 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, nine offensively. All together the Lady Knights had five players in double-figures the other three where Nicole Girard (Forster, RI) with 13 points, five rebounds, and six assists, Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) with 11 points and Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) who scored 10 points, pulled down five rebounds and had four blocked shots. Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) and Kaitlyn Rachiele (Scituate, RI) chipped-in with eight and six respectively while Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI), Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) and Michaela Lima (Cranston, RI) each scored as well for the Lady Knights.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after the game, “This was a nice night tonight. All players scored, which is great for team unity and we played solid defense once again. We had some nice contributions from a number of different players. The team goal is to continue to get better as the regular season comes to a close. There is just one week left and some pretty important games ahead on our schedule.”

The Lady Knights next game will be Wednesday the 18th when they host Region XXI rivals Dean College at 6:00pm at the Vincent A, Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Knights outlast Warriors 81-78 to secure Region XXI regular season crown!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team travelled to Brockton, Ma to face Region XXI foe Warriors of Massasoit Community College 81-78. With the victory the Knights improve to 17-10 on the season, 10-1 in Region XXI and 3-0 in Division II Region XXI. The win earns them the Region XXI regular season title and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Region XXI Tournament the weekend of February 28th-March 1st.

This was a very important Region XXI match-up because the knights knew with the victory they would get the No. 1 seed in the Region XXI Tournament and the Warriors knew the only chance they had for that same seed was to knock-off the Knights. Fortunately for the Knights they were able regain their composure to withstand the Warriors final push. Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) once again came up big down the stretch sinking both ends of a one and one with just 9.4 second left in the game to put the Knights up by three points. The Knights man-to-man pressure as the clock wound down forced the Warriors’ Marcus McLaurin to shoot a 30-foot jumper at the buzzer that missed long giving the Knights the important 81-78 victory.

The Knights started the game off strong holding leads of 11-2 and 16-5 before Massasoit began settling down and closed the gap to 37-34. The Knights finished the half strongly leading 47-37. Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) led the scored 15 of his team-high 23 points in the first half to pace the Knights.

The Knights biggest lead in the second half was 57-45 before Massasoit went on a 6-0 run cut the lead to 57-51. The Warriors finally tied the game 67-67 setting the stage for a well executed finish. On the Knights’ next possession Lee Mitchell was fouled sending him to the line where he made the first and hit the second foul shot which was rebounded by Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) who dished the ball to Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) giving the Knights the 79-76 lead. The Warriors answered on a baseline drive making the score 79-78. Setting the stage for Colin Burns who was fouled and made both ends of the one-and-one giving them the 81-78 lead and they defended the last possession man-to-man with Marcus McLaurin’s shot missing long.

Leading the way for the Knights was Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) with 23 points including 11-15 from the free throw line with five assists and four steals followed by Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) charting a Double-double with 16 points and a team-high 11 rebounds also adding three assists and two blocked shots. Also having a big game was Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) scoring 14 points with five assists and five steals and Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) added 11 points including the game-winning free throws with five rebounds and two steals. Rounding out the Knights’ big performers were Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) with eight points, a season-high eight assists wit four rebounds and two steals and Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) was in foul trouble but still added seven points, five rebounds and five blocked shots.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the game “Very satisfying road win for us this evening. Just a month ago we may have lost this game. The kids’ maturity growth-wise prevailed this evening. Again we hope to use this as a stepping stone for bigger and better things.”

The Knights next game will be Wednesday when they will host Region XXI rival Dean College at 8:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

CCRI versus Ben Franklin Institute game available on Cox “On Demand Free Zone”

The CCRI Men’s basketball game that was taped Monday by Cox Sports Channel 3 is available all month long on Cox Communications “On Demand Free Zone.” Here is how you can tune in to see the exciting action.

Using your Cox Communications digital cable remote control go to channel 1 (On Demand & Free Zone). Using the down arrow button located just below the “select” button:

1) Scroll down to “Free Zone” then press “select”
2) Scroll down to “Cox Local On Demand” then press “select”
3) Scroll down to “Cox on Campus” then press “select”
4) Finally, scroll to “College Basketball BFIT versus CCRI” then press “select”
5) Then enjoy the Knights in action!

Also there was some confusion on the air date for the Cox Sports Channel 3 broadcast. I (Dan LaCorbiniere) was under the impression that the game was to be aired Friday February 13th. However, it aired last night Wednesday the 11th. The mistake was mine, they moved the date up two days and I missed the communication. For that I am sorry. Fortunately it can be seen all month long for the loyal Knights basketball fans. Any questions about accessing “Cox On Demand Free Zone” please do not hesitate to call me 401-486-9964.

Enjoy the game!

No ‘Shocker’ as Knights beat Ben Franklin Institute 106-45!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Shockers of Ben Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) from Boston, MA 106-45. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 16-10 on the season and 9-1 in Region XXI play. Though the score may look lopsided this was a very exciting game if you were a fan of the CCRI Knights basketball team because they were bale to put on a show for the Cox Sports Channel 3 cameras. The game can be seen via tape delay on Cox Sports Channel 3 as part of their “Cox on Campus” programming this Friday February 13th at 8:00pm it can also be view on “Cox in Demand Free Zone” all month long.

The game was nip and tuck for the first three minutes as the Shockers’ Dailon Wilson sank his second 3-pointer to tie the score at 9-9 at the 16:59 mark of the first half. From there the Knights took over the game dominating in both offensively and defensively closing the half with a 53-12 run. Leading the way for the Knights in the first half was Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) scoring 15 points, Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) with 11 points, and Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) who scored 9 first half points all in the final 1:45 of the half.

Though the score was not close the beginning of the second half featured some of the most exciting plays of the year including three ESPN worthy dunks by Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) in the first three minutes. One, a fast break dunk on an assist from Lee Mitchell followed by two alley-oop dunks that brought the Cullen faithful to their feet. Shorty after Head Coach Rick Harris got extended playing time for the Knights’ reserves as the Knights cruised to the 106-45 victory.

All eleven Knights who dressed made it to the scoring column including five players scoring in double-figures and two Knights charting Double-doubles. Leading the way for the Knights was Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) scoring a game-high 19 points with five assists followed by Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) who scored 17 points including four 3-pointers with eight rebounds and two assists. Also having a big game was Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) with his 12th Double-double scoring 11 with a game-high 14 rebounds and three blocked shots and Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) contributed a Double-double consisting of 13 points, 10 rebounds and adding seven assists. In addition, Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) scored 15 points with nine rebounds and three assists while Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) scored nine points with eight assists and a season-high nine steals.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the game “I was pleased with our young men’s performance in that they carried themselves in a classy manner. We did what we had to with regards to getting our work in, but we did it in a proper way. We were mature in how we carried ourselves. There was no whooping it up or looking to embarrass our opponent. Overall it was nice to see all our young men have a chance to play, take shots and have fun. This was a fun night with Cox Communications in the house and hopefully it will propel us to a strong performance Thursday at conference rival Massasoit CC. Everything we have been working for since October 1st begins Thursday evening. We will continue to take it one day (practice) and one game at a time.

The Knights’ next game will be Thursday the 12th when they travel to Brockton MA to play Region XXI foe Massasoit CC at 6:00pm.

Lady Knights seal deal versus Cecil College 75-55!

The Lady Knights won its second straight game on Sunday as they defeated Cecil College of North East, MD 75-55. With the victory the Lady Knights improve to 17-7 on the season.

Unlike Saturday, Sunday the Lady Knight exploded out of the gate scoring 44 first half points. The Lady Knights forced the tempo in the first half with the half court man-to-man pressure but after getting into foul trouble the Lady Knights were forced to go into their zone defense because of the defensive switch Lady Knights gave up five first half 3-pointers and a 20 point lead was cut down to 13 by halftime. The Lady Knights went into halftime with a 44-31 lead.

The second half the Lady Knights went back to what was working for them, half court man-to-man defense. The pressure worked with their man-to-man pressure holding Cecil to just 24 second half points and only one 3-pointer. The Lady Knights put up 31 points in the second half which was more than enough for them to cruise to a 75-55 victory.

The Lady Knights had four players in double-figures led by Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who scored 16 points, pulled down five rebounds, dished out four steals and swiped five steals. Also in double-figures for the Lady Knights were Kaitlyn Rachiele (Scituate, RI) who scored 10 points with four rebounds and three steals, Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) scoring 10 points with three rebounds, eight assists and four steals and Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) adding 10 points to the Lady Knights’ offensive attack. Also playing well was center Rachel Murray scoring eight points with eight rebounds. Rounding out the scoring with six points each were Nicole Girard (Foster, RI), Ashley Williams (Windsor, CT), and Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT).

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after the win, “This was a nice way to finish out the weekend. We shared the ball well today and spread the scoring around. We had to recommit to the defensive end in the second half and it paid off. We need to keep getting better everyday and staying committed to winning the battles of the little things like loose balls, rebounding, and intensity.”

The Lady Knights end this mini three game road trip on Thursday when they travel to Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA at 6:00pm.

Lady Knights’ feisty defense helps them floor Frederick CC 50-47!

After losing to Navy Prep a week and half ago the Lady Knights had to sit on that difficult loss until Saturday when they went down to play Frederick Community College of Fredrick, MD on their sophomore day. The Lady Knights got right back on track on Saturday by ruining Frederick’s sophomore day with a 57-40 victory. The win improves the Lady Knights to 16-6 on the season.

The first half was what the Lady Knights’ coaching staff referred to as a “rock fight”. Neither team was able to put the ball in the hoop partly do to both teams playing very well defensively. In the first half the Lady Knights were held to just seven field goals but were able to convert seven of eight from the free throw line. However, they Lady Knights defense was solid enough to hold Fredrick to just six field goals and just 18 points giving them a 23-18 halftime lead.

The second half saw a little more offense from the Lady Knights however it would not come immediately. The Lady Knights were getting the key defensive stops that it needed however they were not able to convert as they were not valuing the basketball. The Lady Knights turned the ball over on three of its first six positions. Usually sure handed guards Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) and Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) all finished the game five turnovers. However, Fredrick would not be able to keep the Lady Knights attack down for to long as they Lady Knights would expand its lead to as many as 20 in the second half. The Lady Knights would not let up on the defensive end as they would hold Fredrick to just 13 field goals and 40 points on the day. Despite only shooting 26.8% (18-67) on the day the Lady Knights did have its best shooting day from the free throw line as they converted 17-22 for 77.2%.

The Lady Knights offensive was led by Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) who scored 13 points with four rebounds, three steals, three blocks, and two assists along with Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who finished the game with 13 points, five steals and four rebounds. Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) had another solid performance for the Lady Knights as she scored seven points, pulled down six rebounds, dished out four assists and had seven steals. The Lady Knights once again dominated the glass led by Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) who pulled down 11 rebounds to go along with six points. In the last few Lady Knight wins they have been beating people with its depth and that was the case once again on Saturday. The Lady Knights bench was led by Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) who scored seven points and pulled down three rebounds and Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) who scored five points.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after Saturday’s win, “This was a good win for us bouncing back from a very difficult loss. During the week we had off we rededicated our self to the defensive end and it was nice to see that the hard work paid off. Now we have to maintain that same intensity and value the basketball on the offensive end and we will be a very difficult team to play.”

The Lady Knights get right back in action on Sunday the 8th when they play Cecil College at 1:00pm.

Norris leads Knights at Wesleyan Meet taking first place in 55m and 200m!

This Saturday the CCRI track teams travelled to Middletown, CT to compete in the Wesleyan Cardinal Invitational, this was their second meet at Wesleyan this season and they did not disappoint.

Leading the way for the Knights me was Blest Norris (Pawtucket, RI) who took first place in the 55m dash and 200m dash. Norris ran 6.65 seconds in the 55m and 23.44 seconds in the 200m run. Norris also joined Adewole Akinbi (Providence, RI), Edwin Jean-Louis (Providence, RI), and Dennis LaFleur (Coventry, RI) to take fourth place in the 4x200m relay in a time of 1minute 37.11 seconds.

Other Knights placements included: Dennis LaFleur placing 13th in the 55m dash in 7.15 seconds followed by Edwin Jean-Louis who finished 14th in 7.22 seconds. Jean-Louis finished 8th in the 200m dash in 24.32 seconds while LaFleur finished 11th in 24.42 seconds. Akinbi placed 15th in the 200m in a time of 24.71 seconds. Jay LaRose (Pawtucket, RI) finished 22nd in the 200m in a time of 25.61 seconds followed by Anthony Manfredi (Warwick, RI) who finished in 28th in a time of 27.25 seconds. Also, Akinbi placed 11th in the 400m run in a time of 54.54 seconds, LaRose was 13th in the 400m in 55.79 seconds and he was followed by a 22nd place effort by Manfredi in a time of 1 minute .61 seconds. Everett LaMountain (Smithfield, RI) ran a personal best in the 5,000m in a time of 16 minutes 43.16 seconds good for 7th place then ran a strong 800m race placing 6th in two minutes 5.45 seconds.

In the field events Joseph Frederickson (Scituate, MA) placed 11th in the 35lb weight throw with a toss 29 feet 8.75 inches. Frederickson came back to place 11th in the shot put with a throw of 29 feet 4.00 inches. He was followed by Dan Bociek (Cumberland, RI) who placed 12th with a personal best 28 foot 7.50 inch toss. In the triple jump Cory Dozier (Blackstone, MA) placed 12th with a 35 foot 10.50 inch jump. Dozier came back to place 14th in the long jump with a 17 foot 6.75 inch effort.

Two Lady Knight’s competed on Saturday, including Shannon Young (Cumberland, RI) who ran 9.60 seconds in the 55m dash which was good for 28th place and Kayleigh Smith (Cumberland, RI) placed 19th in the 400m run with a personal best time of one minute 11.90 seconds. Both lady’s came back to run season best times in the 200m dash: Smith was 32nd in a time of 31.78 seconds and Young placed 35th in 37.27 seconds.

The Track teams are off until February 22nd when they will travel to Harvard to compete in the United States of America Track & Field New England (USAFTNE) Indoor Championships at 10:00am.

Valiant effort not enough as Knights fall to TCI 84-79

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team lost to the Generals of Technical Career Institute (TCI) from New York, NY 84-79. With the loss the Knights fall to 15-10 on the season while remaining 8-1 in Region XXI play.

The CCRI Knights started strong and finished strong versus the Generals of TCI but cannot overcome the hot shooting of Marquette-bound Jamel Jackson. The Knights led the Generals early in the game with leads of 10-4 and 15-6 before TCI heated-up from beyond the 3-point line as Jackson would score 11 late first half points including three 3-pointers that would give the Generals a comfortable 48-32 lead at halftime.

In the second half the Knights ratcheted up their man-to-man defense and slowly clawed their way back into the game. The Knights would tie the score 71-71 on a lay up by Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT). The Knights would later take the lead on a Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) 18-foot jump shot making the score 73-71. With just over two minutes left the Knights had their biggest lead of the game 77-74 however the Generals would not be denied as they regained the lead on a Jamel Jackson three point play making the score 79-78. The Knights had a couple chances to ties the game including a 3-pointer by Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) with under a minute left but his shot rimmed-out with the Generals getting the ball back and making enough free throws down the stretch to win by the final score of 84-79.

Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) had a career night scoring a career-high and game-high 28 points including 18 in the second half while dishing out seven assists, tying a career-high and also swiping three steals followed by Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) who put up yet another Double-double scoring 18 points with 13 rebounds and added five blocked shots. Also having a big game was Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) with a Double-double of his own scoring 12 points with 10 rebounds with three assists, Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) added 12 points and four rebounds and point guard Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) ran the point well scoring four points while dishing out a game-high eight assist and charting three steals. Jamel Jackson led the Generals with 22 points including a game-high five 3-pointers.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the game “This was a game, win or lose; we leave the gym with our heads held high. Our togetherness and intensity were outstanding from beginning to end. It was pleasing for me to hear from TCI Head Coach Pernell Hosier ‘That was a tough a game as we have had all year’. This game is one that the young men can use as a stepping stone as we get closer and closer to tournament time. I look forward to our next game as we continue to make strides towards becoming the best team that we possibly can be. We will do it by understanding that ‘the greatest part of me is we’.”

The Knights next game is Monday the ninth when they will host Ben Franklin Institute of Technology at 7:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick. The Game will be taped by Cox Sports Channel 3 to be aired as part of their “Cox on Campus” basketball schedule to air this Friday February 13th at 8:00pm.

Knights rally to “Burns” Rams 90-89 in Region XXI Thriller!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Rams of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) from Springfield, MA 90-89. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 15-9 overall and 8-1 in Region XXI play.

Wednesday night the Knights traveled to Springfield, MA to face Region XXI Division III powerhouse STCC whom the Knights defeated in December 82-73 in a very closely contested battle at the Cullen Field House. So the Knights knew on the Rams’ court STCC was going to be that much tougher and they did not disappoint.

After leading at halftime 52-48 the Knights found themselves in a very difficult predicament with just 1:40 remaining in the game. The Knights trailed 87-79 when Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) hit a shot from inside the key to cut the STCC lead to 87-81. After a missed STCC shot Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) hit a huge 3-pointer from the left corner to make the score 87-84 with just 55 seconds remaining in the game. The Ram’s Daquan Cook was fouled and hit both foul shots to extend the Rams lead to 89-84. Then Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) drove the lane to score making he score 89-86. From there the Knights’ defensive pressure took over with Colin Burns again coming up in a big way stealing the ball off of a double-team and driving the lane for an uncontested lay up cutting the score 89-88 with just 17 seconds remaining. Once again, Burns forced another steal which he passed to Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) who quickly found Burns cutting to the basket for the score and the 90-89 lead. The Rams tried to answer but missed a runner in the lane that was rebounded by Bueno who was fouled but missed the front end of the one-and-one and with seven second remaining. The Rams’ Robert Hopkins missed a 15-foot jumper which was again rebounded by Bueno. Bueno again missed the font end of the one-and-one but there were only .2 seconds remaining on the clock and the Rams could not get off a final shot attempt as the Knights come away with the thrilling 90-89 victory!

The Knights had five players score in double-figures led by Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) who scored a career-high 21 points, including seven in t he final 1:40 of the game with four steals followed by Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) who charted his 10th Double-double of the year scoring a team-high 23 points with 12 rebounds adding three blocked shots and an assist. Also having as big game for the Knights was Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) scoring 14 points with two rebounds and a block, Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) also charted a Double-double scoring 12 points with 12 rebounds, Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) who scored 13 points with four assists, three steals, and two rebounds while point guard Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) dished out a game-high five assists with three steals. The Rams’ Robert Hopkins led all scorers with 24 points including six 3-pointers.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the thriller “This was a much needed road win against a gutsy STCC team. I kept telling the guys ‘defense could give us a chance to win’ and finally it did. They did not give up and saw in action one of my favorite axiom ‘the harder you work the luckier you get.’ Hopefully we will see a carry over from this game to our next practice and our game Saturday with TCI. It was a great night for us in that we won as a team with all eleven guys contributing. It was not our best night of the season basketball wise but it was one of our most important and best wins. The best is yet to come!”

The Knights next game will be this Saturday at 2:00pm when they will host Technical Career Institute from New York, NY at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Go Knights!

Norris sets CCRI record in 55 meter dash and qualifies for Nationals at Rhody Open!

The CCRI Knights men’s track team traveled to Kingston, Rhode Island to compete in the Rhody Open Invitational at the Mackal Field house on the campus of the University of Rhode Island. This event featured some of New England’s top NCAA Indoor Track and Field competitors.

Leading the way for the Knights was freshman sprinter Blest Norris (Pawtucket, RI) who set the CCRI record in the 55 meter dash with a time of 6.50 seconds (Using the Automatic Timing System) which also qualifies him for the NJCAA Nationals with his second place finish. The former record was set by Mario Miranda in January of 2002 and Lawrence Aidoo in March of 2004 their time was 6.3 hand timed (with hand timed events you must add .24 second to the time to equal the timing from Automatic Timing System which makes their record times actually 6.54 seconds).

Also for the Knights in the mile run Everett LaMountain (Smithfield, RI) placed fifth in a time of 4 minutes 38.01 seconds. Blest Norris and LaMountain joined Adewole Akinbi (Providence, RI) and Edwin Jean-Louis (Providence, RI) in the 4x400m run placing fourth in a season best time of 3:38.45. Finally, Akinbi and Jean-Louis also ran in the open 400m dash, Akinbi finished eighth in a personal best time of 54.23 seconds and Jean-Louis finished ninth in 57.59 seconds.

Up next for the Knights they will travel to Middletown, Connecticut to compete in the Wesleyan Invitational this Saturday February 7th at 10:00am.

Knights lose to the Lions of Nassau CC 88-77

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team lost their second consecutive game Saturday when they fell to the Lions of Nassau Community College from Garden City, NY 88-77. With the loss the Knights drop to 14-9 on the season.

This game went back and forth like a heavyweight prize fight with the Lions landing the first big blow by starting the game with an 18-11 scoring run led by Anthony Gill who scored 14 of the Lions first 18 points at the 15:00 minute mark of the first half. The Lions would extend their lead to as much as 13 points later in the first half. The Knights would answer back with a haymaker of their own to tie the score 40-40 on a 3-pointer by Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) at the 2:04 mark. Two free throws by Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) would send the Knights into halftime with a 42-40 lead.

In the first six minutes of the second half the Knights would start to impose their will on the Lions taking a 59-48 lead with 13:58 left in the game on a basket by Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI). However, the Lions were on a mission led by Rashawn McCarthy who leaked out on a fast break after a Lions steal and converted a three-point play to get the Lions within two points 59-57 with 10:44 left in the game. Anthony Gill later tied the game at 63-63 with another driving basket with 8:28 left. The Lions would take a 65-63 lead with 8:00 left and extended that lead on back to back 3-pointers by Shawn Bassarath making the score 71-65. Adalberto Bueno would answer back with a 3-pointer of his own but the Lions would keep their lead by making key free throws down the stretch and sealed the deal with about 1:42 left as the shot clock winded down and Rashawn McCarthy would sink a deep 3-pointer, his third of the day as the shot clock buzzer sounded giving them the momentum and a 81-72 lead. The Knights would lose by a final score of 88-77.

The Knights were led by Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) who charted his ninth Double-double of the year scoring a career-high 24 points including two 3-pointers with 15 rebounds, 10 offensively with six blocked shots. He was followed by Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) who scored a career-high 17 points with seven rebounds and four assists. Also having a big game were Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) scoring 14 points and dishing out a team-high six assists with two steals and Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) added 14 points including two 3-pointers with nine rebounds and three assists. Rashawn McCarthy led the Lions with 24 points followed by Anthony Gill who added 21.

Head Coach Rick Harris Commented after the game “It is clear to see we are in a bona fide slump. I told the young men the only way out of that slump is for them to stay together, cover each others back and get back to where they want to be as a team. Our youth has been showing this week and all we can do is go back to work and search through hard work for an answer to our setbacks. The answer is staying together and doing it together as one. We did many things well today except defend the basket. We gave up 88 points today and 87 points on Thursday. That kind of defense is not going to guarantee us many victories. As a team our defense has to be our pride and joy and right now it has not been. It must be our focus in our nest practice as we prepare to take on an always tough Springfield Tech CC team Wednesday evening. The young men are a work in progress and I have faith that they will bounce back nest week eager to take the steps necessary to become the team we believe they can be.”

The Knights next game will be Wednesday when they travel to Springfield to play the Rams of Springfield Technical Community College at 7:00pm

February 2009

02.28.09

02.23.09

02.20.09

02.19.09

02.13.09

02.12.09

02.10.09

02.09.09

02.05.09

02.02.09