The #5 ranked CCRI Knights Debunk Bunker Hill CC 97-66

The CCRI Knights started the day finding out they had moved up in the NJCAA National rankings from #7 to #5 they finished the "Knight" with a resounding 97-66 win over Region XXI foe Bunker Hill CC. With the win The Knights improve their record to 7-1 and six in a row.

Four Knights scored in double figures in the victory including the Knight’s leading scorer Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) (26.3 ppg) who scored 25 with seven rebounds and four assists, Cranston’s Connor Evans had a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds, while West Warwick’s own Brandon Gaillard added 11 points, nine boards, and two blocks. However, the performance of the night was turned in by Travon Little (Danbury, CT) who got his first start of the season and had 12 points, four steals and four spectacular aerial dunks that ignited the Knight faithful. Other Knight contributors included Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) and Warwick’s Jim Reynolds who scored nine points each and Will Lyons with seven while Warwick’s A.J. Coppola scored his first points on a 3-pointer.

The Knights jumped out to a quick 20-point lead in the first half, which was trimmed to 16 by the half at 48-32. In the second half it got interesting as Marvin Owens started things off with an alley-oop dunk of the backboard from Ray Ross (Port Washington, NY), then Marquis Victor hit a free-throw after being fouled after another sweet dish from Ross then Jared Callanan (Bennington, VT) from Bunker Hill CC hit four unanswered 3-pointers to pull the Bulldogs within five at 51-46. Callanan’s flurry was answered by a high-flying Travon Little who immediately took momentum back with three key steals that led to an awesome aerial assault by Little that brought the crown to a frenzy. From there the Knights pulled away to win by a final of 97-66.

The Knight’s next game will be Thursday at Massasoit CC at 7:00pm and their next home game is Saturday December 3^rd at 1:00pm versus Orange County CC at the Cullen Field House on the Knight Campus in Warwick.

#13 ranked CCRI men’s basketball team

The CCRI men’s basketball team stretched their winning streak to five in a row with victories over Mercer CC and CC of Philadelphia this weekend. The Knights defeated Mercer CC 91-85 led by team leading scorer Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who scored 31 points and Darby Brown (New London, CT) who scored a season-high 25 points. The Knights beat the Community College of Philadelphia 89-75 behind Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) who scored 23 points, Owens who had 15 points, and Brown who had 13 points.

For the season the Knights have been scoring at a torrid pace with 87.4 points per game led by Marvin Owens (26.4pts), Marquis Victor (17pts), Cranston’s Connor Evans (11.3 pts), Travon Little (Danbury, CT) (7.4pts), and Darby Brown (7.1pts).

#19 ranked CCRI women’s basketball team

The CCRI women’s basketball team is also on a winning streak winning three in a row over Dean College, Lackawanna CC, and West Point JV. Over the weekend the Knights won two big games on the road versus Lackawanna CC 71-59 and West Point JV 68-54. In the Lackawanna game The Knights were led by sophomore center Odessa Williams (Stratford CT) who scored 22 points, Jenny Kinney (Milford, NJ) who scored 14 points, and Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) who scored 10 points. In the West point game the Knights were led by Kinney and Johnson who both scored 16 points and Williams who scored 12 points.

For the season the Knights have scored 69.2 points per game led by Monet Johnson (16pts), Jenny Kinney (11.2 pts), and Odessa Williams (11.2 pts). Not to mention the Knights have played all but two games without their starting point guard Renee Buck (Ft. Gully, Victoria, Australia) who averaged 15.5 points a game in the two she did play. Once they are back at full strength they will be an even more formidable force in the Northeast.

Twenty-one CCRI Student-Athletes Earn All-Region XXI and All District Honors

The first round of post season awards were announced and twenty-one CCRI student-athletes earned all-Region XXI or All-District honors. Here is the complete list of CCRI student-athlete All-Region XXI and All-District winners:

Goalkeeper Anne Kineke (East Greenwich, RI), Midfielder Brittney Godbout (Cranston, RI), Midfielder Jami Elliott (Cumberland, RI), Defender Jessica Mullett (Woonsocket, RI), Midfielder Katie Finn (Warwick, RI), Midfielder Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI), and Midfielder Sharon Barbosa (Fall River, MA)

Defender Raunisio Oliveira (East Providence, RI), Midfielder Todd Leveillee (North Scituate, RI), Daniel Ortiz (East Providence, RI), and (Honorable Mention) Defender Jose Davis Grajales (Central Falls, RI)

Setter and Outside Hitter April Oberhelman (Woonsocket, RI), Middle Hitter Kimiyo Garcia (East Providence, RI), Libero (Defensive Specialist) Jasmine Bonanca (Swansea, MA), and Middle Hitter Sonja Nealy (Woonsocket, RI)

*For the complete list of All-Region XXI members please log on to http://njcaaregion21.org/awards

All-District (there is no Region XXI for Cross Country they are qualified by District)

Chris Farrell (Lincoln, RI), Ronald Guenard (Cumberland, RI), Joe Hannon (Gloucester, RI), Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA), Luis Rodriguez (Lincoln, RI), and Mark Langlois (Warwick, RI)

Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA)

Knights Dominate Dean 92-66 to Win Third in a Row

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team won their third game in a row defeating Region XXI rival Dean College 92-66. The Knights shared the ball well as five scored in double figures. With the win the Knights improve their record to 4-1 on the season.

The Knights were led by freshman shooting guard Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) who poured in 28 points including 4-6 from the 3-point line with four assists and three steals. Sophomore forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) matched his uniform number by scoring 21 points including three 3-pointers with three steals and a blocked shot. Sophomore forward Travon Little (Danbury, CT) came off the bench and charted a double-double scoring 16 points and ripping down 16 rebounds.

Also contributing fore the Knights were freshman forward Jim Reynolds (Warwick, RI) who contributed 13 points and six rebounds and freshman forward Connor Evans (Cranston, RI) who added 12 points three assists and three steals.

The game started a little sloppy with a lot of physical play as to be expected from a rival game but the Knights jumped out to a quick 18-10 advantage all the Knights points were scored by Marvin Owens and Marquis Victor until Travon Little put in a lay-up to make the score 20-10. The Knights extended their lead to 47-30 by the half led by 18 points from Victor and 12 points from Owens. In the second half Victor kept the hot hand along with Owens and they were assisted by Little who took over the paint ripping down rebounds and following missed shots for easy baskets. This was very important because the game got even more physical in the second half. Also contributing with tremendous hustle and effort were Connor Evans and Jim Reynolds which led to scoring opportunities for the Knights which helped the knights pull away for the 92-66 victory.

The Knights look to keep the win streak alive as they travel to Mercer County CC this weekend for their invitational tournament. The Knights next home game is Tuesday November 29^th at 7:00pm versus Bunker Hill CC at the Vincent A. Cullen Field house on the Knight Campus in Warwick.

Knights Beat Bulldogs 100-74 to improve record to 2-2

The CCRI Knights women’s basketball team beat up on Region XXI rival Bulldogs from Dean College winning 100-74. The Knights played without two of their key players starting point guard Renee Buck (Ft. Gully, Victoria, Australia) and reserve center Eszence Walker (Stratford, CT). Even short-handed five Knights scored in double figures as they improved their record to 2-2.

The Knights were led by freshman forward Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) who charted her first triple-double scoring 24 points with 13 rebounds and 11 assists and Lasheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) scored 20 points with five assists.

Also contributing for the Knights were reserve forward Janay Perkins (Bronx, NY) who scored 14 points with five rebounds, forward Jenny Kinney (Milford, NJ) who scored 12 points with eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals, point guard Ana Sierra (Bronx, NY) who scored 10 points with four steals, and center Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) who contributed eight points, nine boards and two blocks while Michelle McNamee (Cranston, RI) added eight points, four assists and one block.

The first half was very closely contested but the Knights never trailed taking a 42-37 lead into halftime led by Monet Johnson’s ten points and Lasheena Boyd’s eight points with a spark off the bench from Janay Perkins who scored six in the first half. In the second half the Knights applied more defensive pressure and went on a 25-10 run to run the score to 67-47. From there Sharee Daluze (16pts) and Tanya Freeman (18pts) from Dean tried to keep the Bulldogs in the game with their scoring but the Knights’ fast-break countered all their attacks bringing the final score to a 100-74 Knights victory.

The Knights look to continue their winning ways this weekend as they face Lackawanna CC Saturday and West Point JV Sunday. The Knights next home game will be Sunday December 4^th versus Globe Institute of Technology at 1:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House on the Knight Campus in Warwick.

CCRI Cross Country Head Coach Gregg Cornell Voted NJCAA Division III Men’s Coach of the Year

CCRI Head Cross Country Coach Gregg Cornell was voted NJCAA Division III men’s coach of the year. This award came after an excellent season for the Knights where the CCRI Men won the Northeast District Tournament and finished third at the NJCAA Division III Championships.

Coach Cornell gives most the credit to his runners because he feels that their hard work was directly responsible for their success. Their success include six members of the men’s team and one on the women’s team earning All-District honors they include: Team Captain Chris Farrell (Lincoln, RI), Ron Guenard (Cumberland, RI), Joe Hannon (Gloucester, RI), Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA), Luis Rodriguez (Lincoln, RI), Mark Langlois (Warwick, RI), and on the women’s side Team Captain Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) also earned All-District honors. In addition Guenard and Nicholas earned Second Team All-American Honors. That’s a lot of hardware for one season.

Coach Cornell also gives a great deal of credit to Assistant Cross Country Coach Bob Bayha who is a member of the RI Cross Country Hall of Fame and whose knowledge and experience is invaluable in the growth and development of the Knights young runners.

"Gregg is a class act, and one of the most ethical coaches I have ever met, if there were more coaches like him it would make my job a lot easier, he works so hard for the kids and is so happy when they succeed" chimed Kevin Salisbury the Assistant Director of Athletics and team administrator for the Cross Country Team.

This was truly a season to remember for the 2005 CCRI Cross Country Team both for the runners and their Head Coach. Great job Gregg and great job Knights!

Guenard Leads Knight Runners to third place at National Meet

The CCRI Knights men’s cross country team finished third at The NJCAA Division III Championship behind a very strong eighth place finish by freshman Ron Guenard (Cumberland, RI) who was the top finisher for CCRI. With his eighth place finish Guenard earned Second Team All-American honors. The third place finish is the best ever finish for a CCRI men’s cross country team at the National Championship.

On the women’s side CCRI only had one runner, Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA), who ran one of her best races of the season and placing sixth in 21:27. She ran a great race, which earned her Second Team All-American honors. Nicholas has proven her self to be a very versatile runner from the 200m to the 5000m.

The other CCRI men’s finishers were: 24th Joe Hannon (Gloucester, RI) 29:38, 26^th Chris Farrell (Lincoln, RI) 29:43, 31^st Luis Rodriguez (Lincoln, RI) 30:02, 43^rd Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA) 30:41, 79^th Hunter Stewart (Foster, RI) 32:36, and100^th Mark Langlois (Warwick, RI) 33:57.

Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA) will receive CCRI Most Valuable Runner award for the season for his unselfish team effort for the last two meets of this 2005 cross country season. He lost a close friend in a motorcycle accident just three days before our District Championship. He also came down with a severe upper respiratory infection that affected his running immensely during our last two meets. Bryan never let his team down as he gave each race all he had and helped his team to a District Championship and a great 3^rd place finish at the Championship.

Knights throttle Chiefs 90-68 to improve record to 3-1

The CCRI Knights Men’s basketball team throttled the Chiefs of Quinsigamond CC 90-68 to improve their record to 3-1.

The game was pretty close in the first half as the Knights played very sloppy and kept the Chiefs in the game with a halftime score of 37-29. The Knights came out focused in the second half playing with far more intensity on the defensive end building a 36-point lead until they took most of their starters out of the game making the final score a bit closer than the game actually was ending at 90-68.

Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who scored 21 points, Travon Little (Danbury, CT) who scored 12 points, and Jim Reynolds (Warwick, RI) who scored 11 points.

Also contributing were Halim Lopes (Mattapan, MA) who had a career high nine points, Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) and Will Lyons (Warwick, RI) who both scored eight points each.

The Knights hope to continue their winning ways on Tuesday when they face Region rival Dean College at 8:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House on the CCRI Knights Campus in Warwick, RI they will follow the women who will be playing at 6:00pm also versus Dean College.

WOMEN’S NJCAA DIVISION III NATIONAL CHAMP.

At Canandaigua, N.Y.

TOP FIVE FINISHERS -- 1, Poveck, Mohawk Valley, 19:49; 2, Connor, Suffolk Community College, 20:17; 3, Lazarus, Herkimer County College, 20:24; 4, Murray, Cumberland County College, 20:54; 5, Dever, Mohawk Valley CC, 21:11.

CCRI FINISHERS: Nicholas, 21:27.

MEN’S NJCAA DIVISION III NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS  -   CCRI MEN FINISH THIRD!!!!!!

At Canandaigua, N.Y.

TEAM RESULTS: 1, SUNY-Delhi, 26; 2, Mohawk Valley CC, 109; 3, CCRI 117; 4, Erie CC, 131; 5, Howard CC, 140; 6, Alfred State, 152; 7, Harper College, 183; 8, SUNY-Cobleskill, 232; 9, College of DuPage, 246; 10, Morrisville State, 285; 11, Finger Lakes CC, 307; 12, Columbus State CC, 351; 13, Georgia Military College, 360; 14, Queensborough CC, 391; 15, Herkimer County College, 394; 16, Middle Georgia College, 422; 17, Gloucester County College, 438; 18, Northern Essex CC, 441. Distance -- 5.0 miles at Finger Lakes Community College.

TOP FIVE: 1, Baez, SUNY-Delhi, 27:20; 2, Jackson, SUNY-Delhi, 27:24; 3, Sirtoli, Mohawk Valley CC, 27:42; 4, Conant, SUNY-Delhi, 27:46; 5, Aeschimann, Mohawk Valley, 28:06.

CCRI Finishers -- 8, Guenard, 28:26; 24, Hannon, 29:38; 26, Farrell, 29:43; 31, Rodriguez, 30:02; 43, Galvin, 30:41; 79, Stewart, 32:36; 100, Langlois, 33:57.

Owens’ 41-point Explosion leads #13 ranked Knights passed Pointers 88-59 in home opener

The #13 ranked CCRI Knights pummeled the Pointers of UConn-Avery Point 88-59 thanks in large part to sophomore forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who poured in 41 points including three 3-pointers and five highlight reel style monster dunks that brought the packed crowd to their feet.

Owens started the game scoring the first eight points for the Knights and 20 of the first 24 points ending the first half with 27 points alone while Avery Point only had 34 points at the half. Owens slowed down in the second half scoring only 14 points ending with total 41 points, which raised his season scoring average to 32.33 points a game (up from 28 pts/game).

Also contributing for the Knights were Connor Evans (Cranston, RI) who scored 14 points, Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) and Jim Reynolds (Warwick, RI) who had 10 points each, while Travon Little (Danbury, CT) added eight points. With the win CCRI raises their record to 2-1 on the season.

The Knights look to continue their winning ways this Saturday versus Quinsigamond CC at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House at the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick at 1:00pm

#13 Ranked CCRI Knights men’s basketball home opener vs. UCAP Tonight at 7:00PM!

The #13 ranked CCRI Knights men’s basketball team will have their first home game of the season tonight versus Region XXI foe UConn-Avery Point at 7:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House on the Knight Campus in Warwick.

The Knights are led by Sophomore Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who is averaging 28 points and 11.5 rebounds a game and Freshman Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) who is averaging 19 points a game. The 2005-06 Knights team is more athletic and deeper than the 2004-05 team and they play with an exciting pressure defense and fast breaking style that make all their games fun to watch.

The Knights are currently 1-1 after their road trip to New York where they defeated Cuyahoga CC 91-76 and lost to Genesee CC 81-71. Come support the Knight son their quest for another trip to the National Tournament.

Go Knights!!!

Owens and Victor Lead Knights to First Victory 91-76 over Cuyahoga

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team exacted some revenge on Cuyahoga CC the team that beat them in the first round of the NJCAA Division II National Tournament last year. This game originally scheduled to be played at Genesee CC but had to be moved to Erie CC in Buffalo, NY to accommodate the Division II Volleyball and Women’s Basketball Tip-off Classic.

Leading the way for the Knights were Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who scored 28 points ripped down a monster 17 rebounds, with five assists, and swiped two steals and freshman Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) who scored 25 points including a whopping 5-5 from three point land and four assists.

Also contributing to the Knights were former Cranston East Stand-out Connor Evans (Cranston, RI) who added 15 points and eight rebounds, Darby Brown (New London, CT) who scored ten points, and center Brandon Gaillard (North Stonington, CT) who score eight points, four rebounds, three steals, and four blocked shots.

The Knights got off to a slow start as they went into halftime down 31-28 but then exploded for 63 points in the second half due in great part to excellent rebounding which led to fast-break points. With the outstanding second half effort the Knights pulled away for the 91-76 victory making them 1-0 on the season.

The Knights next game will be against Genesee CC at Genesee CC on Sunday November 6^th.

Cougars Take a Bite out of Knights to win 81-71

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team was in their third city in three days and it showed as they fell to Genesee CC 81-71 to even out their record at 1-1 on the season. After a day long bus trip to Batavia, NY on Friday, the Knights then traveled to Buffalo to play Cuyahoga CC on Saturday, and then back to Batavia to play Genesee CC on Sunday.

The Knights started out pretty well as they took a 42-40 lead into halftime and grew that lead to ten points in the second half but were unable to make key free throws down the stretch which allowed Genesee CC to rally back, take the lead and pull away in the final minutes.

Leading the way for the Knights were Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who scored 28 points for the second game in a row along with six rebounds, three steals, and two assists and Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) who scored thirteen points with four assists and four rebounds.

Also contributing for the Knights were Brandon Gaillard (North Stonington, CT) who scored ten points pulled down seven rebounds, Connor Evans (Cranston, RI) who scored ten points with four rebounds, and Travon Little (Danbury, CT) who scored six points with five rebounds, four assists, a steal, and two blocks.

With the loss the Knights record is now 1-1 they look to get back on track Thursday when the return home to play UConn-Avery Point at 7:00pm at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House on the Knight Campus in Warwick.

#3 Ranked CCRI Men’s Cross Country Team Wins Districts

Meet at Suffolk CC as six of their eight runners finished in the top fifteen earning them All-District honors, while the women finished third with one earning All-District honors.

The Knights Men’s team ran very well on the most difficult 5 mile course they had run this season. Six of CCRI male runners finish in the top fifteen. Five Knights men finish in the top ten separated by only 1:15. Six Knights earned All-District honors by finishing in the top 15 led by Captain Chris Farrell (Lincoln, RI) 3^rd at 29:16, Ronald Guenard (Cumberland, RI) 4^th at 29:20, Joe Hannon (Gloucester, RI) 6^th at 29:32, Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA) 7^th at 29:54, Luis Rodriguez (Lincoln, RI) 10^th at 30:33, and Mark Langlois (Warwick, RI) 13^th at 31:22. The other CCRI men’s finishers were 38^th Hunter Stewart (Foster, RI) 34:21 and 2^nd Nick Wienhofer (New Foundland, Canada) 38:29.

On the women’s side The Knights finished third led by Captain Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) who finished 7^th at 23:10 earning her All district honors, while Lani Pollack (Deland , FL) just missed making All- District by nine seconds as she finished 16^th at 26:19 the other CCRI women’s finishers were Amanda Berthod (Burrillville, RI) 16^th at 30:19, Mary Oyekoya (Woonsocket, RI) 24^th at 30:49, and Bridget Bettencourt (Lincoln, RI) 26^th at 31:59.

The #3 ranked CCRI Knights Men’s Cross Country Team will now focus their attention on the NJCAA Division III National Meet this Saturday the 12^th at Finger Lakes CC in New York where they should fair well. They will be led by Chris Farrell, Ron Guenard, Joe Hannon, Bryan Galvin and Luis Rodriguez and Mark Langlois. Running for the Knights on the Women’s side will be Sherilyn Nicholas and Lani Pollack.

CCRI Knights Volleyball Team Make it to Finals of Districts but Falls to Genesee CC

The CCRI Knights Volleyball Team traveled to Genesee CC to face Lackawanna CC and Genesee CC in the Northeast District Tournament. On Saturday all three teams played a round robin to see who would advance to the Championship match.

In their first match of the day Saturday the Knights defeated Lackawanna CC 30-14, 30-16, and 30-19. The Knights were led by Captain Nicole Pedro (Fall River, MA) who served 17 straight points in one game including two aces and Kimiyo Garcia (East Providence, RI) who had nine blocks and eleven kills.

In their second match Saturday the Knights lost to Genesee CC 16-30, 12-30 and 30-28. Though the Knights lost they did win their second game ever versus Genesee CC thanks in large part to the efforts of Jasmine Bonanca (Swansea, MA) who had 18 digs. After going 1-1 Saturday the Knights qualified for the District Tournament Finals Match versus Genesee CC on Sunday.

On Sunday the Knights battled minor injuries to two of their key players Bonanca and April Oberhelman (Woonsocket, RI) and could not overcome Genesee CC losing 22-30, 22-30, and 24-30. Oberhelman battled back from injury to contribute four blocks, three kills, three aces, and 17 digs, while Abby Hummel (Warwick, RI) added three blocks, eleven kills, two aces, eight digs, and eleven assists.

With the 1-2 record on the weekend The CCRI Knights Volleyball Team ends the season with a 32-16 record which sets a new school record for victories by a volleyball team as Head Coach Ray DeAngelis said "A great group of kids had a great season, who could ask for more."

#3 Ranked CCRI Knights Women’s Soccer Loses Heart Breaker to #2 Monroe CC 1-0

The #3 ranked CCRI Knights Women’s Soccer Team lost a heart breaker to #2 ranked defending National Champion Monroe CC 1-0 Friday at Ocean County College in Toms River, NJ to end their quest for another National Championship. With the loss the Knights end the season with a 14-3 record.

The only goal of the game came in the 14^th minute after a free kick by Monroe CC just outside the eighteen-yard box, the Knights defensive wall blocked the initial shot but the deflected ball was rocketed past an outstretched Anne Kineke (East Greenwich, RI) to make the score 1-0. The Knights fought to the very last minute but could not tie the game.

Head Coach Dennis Grassini commented about the Knights effort: "it was a very hard fought game they gave it everything they had" about the goal: "We did a great job blocking the initial shot, but on the deflection one of their players was able to uncork a rocket and there was nothing Anne could do, that’s part of the game" he then commented "I am just so proud of the kids they fought hard until the last whistle and never gave-up, that’s all I can ask."

Next CCRI Knights Women’s Soccer Team awaits the post-season individual awards from Region XXI and Nationally. Great Job Knights!!!

Knights women’s basketball team falls to #3 Genesee CC 66-58 in GCC Tip-off Finals

The CCRI Knights women’s basketball team faced e very tough Division II team in the #3 ranked Genesee CC Lady Cougars. The Knights were coming off a game where they did not play their best game would need a much better effort if they were to win.

The first half started much like the first game they played, very sloppy as the Knights went into halftime trailing Genesee CC 31-18. in the second half the Knights played inspired ball as they cut the lead to 64-60 with the ball late in the game unfortunately The Knights committed a turnover leading to a GCC lay-up, the Knights had two more opportunities to get the game closer but they could not convert. Though the Knights came up short their inspired play offers hope for the rest of the upcoming season.

The Knights were led by Renee Buck (Ft. Gully, Victoria, Australia) who score eleven of her 16 points from the free throw line also contributing nine rebounds six assists, and two steals and Jenny Kinney (Milford, NJ) who scored ten points with seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Their performances were enough to get them selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Also contributing for the Knights were Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT), Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY), Michelle McNamee (Cranston, RI), and Tamara Shaw (Norwalk, CT) who all scored six points each. With the loss CCRI record is now 1-1.

The Knights next game will be at the Monroe CC Invitational Friday against an opponent TBD. Monroe CC was the 2004-05 Division II National Champion and since then has moved up to Division I.

The #19 Ranked Knights women’s basketball teams defeat Mott CC 68-54 in opener

The #19 ranked CCRI Knights women’s basketball team started their season on the road at the Genesee CC Tip-off Classic in Batavia New York versus Mott CC. All five Knights starters scored in double-figures to lead the Knights to their first victory of the year.

Because it was the first game of the year and four of the five starters are freshman the Knights had a hard time finding their rhythm but still took a 31-25 lead into halftime. In the second half the Knights settled down a bit but still struggled fortunately Mott CC struggled more as the Knights pulled away for the 68-54 victory. This was a very sloppy game as The Knights had 19 turnovers a trend they cannot continue if they hope to succeed.

Leading the way for the Knights were Monet Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) who scored 17 points, ten rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals, Rene Buck (Ft. Gully, Victoria, Australia) who scored 15 points including two 3-pointers, three assists and a steal, and Jenny Kinney (Milford, NJ) who scored 11 points with six rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

Also contributing for the Knights were Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) who scored ten points with nine rebounds, an assist and a steal and Lasheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) who scored ten points with four assists and three steals. With the win the Knights start the season 1-0 and will face #3 ranked Genesee CC in the final of the Genesee CC Tip-off Classic.

2005-06 CCRI Knights Women’s Basketball Preview

After a record setting year, CCRI once again will set their sights in competing for a national tournament run. CCRI is committed to competing with the nation’s elite from November to the very end of March madness with the belief in playing a highly competitive schedule to enable CCRI to get ready for the post season. This year’s schedule is another "blockbuster" that will rank as one of the toughest in the nation. CCRI will play away from its friendly confines of Vincent A. Cullen field house to embark on trips to upstate NY, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and a one week swing in Ft. Lauderdale Florida where CCRI will play three Division 1 teams. All 5 starters from last year’s 29-4 team (Number 3 in the nation) graduated and received full athletic scholarships at NCAA Division 1 and 2 colleges. This year’s team is young but talented.

The program enters it’s second season under head coach Cas Grygorcewicz,(formerly of Mitchell College & Brown Univ.) and his top assistant Claudia DeFaria (CCRI Hall of Fame/RIC) and new assistant Alyson St. Armand (CCRI alumnus 2003/RIC) Both assistants are instrumental working with our student athletes and helping establish this program to a national level.

With only one player returning from last year’s record setting season, (Region 21 champions/ Northeast District champions/ #3rd place in national tournament) the staff has been busy all year recruiting a strong class that fits the philosophy and mission of CCRI women’s basketball team which ranks as the finest in the northeast.

Returnee Odessa Williams (Stratford CT) is a 6’ powerful post player who can score inside and out. She has the potential to be outstanding and she has the skill to follow other CCRI players who are playing NCAA Division 1 basketball. I believe that Odessa has matured and now has the understanding of the effort that is demanded to reach the next level.

The recruiting class is led by Renee Buck (Australia/ Holyoke High School) Renee is another line of excellent players from Australia and foreign players who have attended CCRI. She has a great understanding of the game. She is an excellent shooter, passer and defender to go along with her toughness on the court. Renee is a coach’s dream being a complete player. Tamara Shaw (Norwalk CT) is a transfer from Division 1 junior college in Texas. She is an excellent perimeter player and a very good all around athlete. Her experience on the college level will be vital in helping this team. A player Coach Cas is extremely excited about is Monet Johnson (Brooklyn NY) Monee is our top athlete, she has exceptional skills to be a great division 1 player when she leaves CCRI. Monee can run, rebound and slash to the hoop with the best in the country. Jenny Kinney (Milford NJ) is a late signee who will compete for a starting spot. Jenny is a versatile performer with an absolute great attitude. She will undoubtedly work very hard to reach her goals, learning to be the best possible player and to reach the next level. Ana Sierra (Bronx NY) will compete for the point guard spot. She is a proven leader who can shoot very well from the outside, more importantly she is tough and plays hard all the time.

Two recruits that Coach Cas has secured played together at Bunnell High (Stratford CT) Eszence Walker is another versatile performer with excellent skills who will be asked for inside help. Eszence best basketball is ahead of her and we look forward to seeing her outstanding potential develop. The other is LaSheena Boyd who will also compete for the point guard spot. Sheena is our quickest/ fastest player with also a great attitude. Her speed is familiar in line of fast point guards who have played for Coach Cas. Janay Perkins (Bronx NY) played all the positions in high school. She will be asked to contribute at the small forward. Janay is another slasher who can score.

Two local recruits from Cranston East (RI) are Michelle McNamee and Michelle Rhau. McNamee has really improved from last year working real hard all summer at her game. She is a very good athlete. Her improved shooting will help this team. Rhau is a strong post player who adds depth to a much needed position at Center. These two players from RI help continue a fine tradition of garnering top athletes from the state and who will help the CCRI team.

Head Coach Cas Grygorcewicz said: "We have a talented squad except for the fact that all but one (Odessa Williams) are freshman or new to the team. We are looking for this team to mature, and build positive team chemistry and get an understanding regarding the challenges that come with college basketball. I think once we do this, the team has high hopes of returning to the National Tournament held in Phoenix AZ."

2005-06 CCRI Knights Men’s Basketball Pre-Season Outlook

The 2005-06 CCRI Knights Men’s Basketball Team currently ranked #13 in the NJCAA Division II Pre-season Poll looks repeat their efforts of last year by making the NJCAA National tournament. In 2004-05 The Knights finished with a 22-11 record as they went undefeated in Region XXI becoming the Region XXI champion and then Northeast District Champion before going on to the Nationals where they lost a heartbreaker to the defending 2003-04 National Champion Cuyahoga CC and to Lincoln College to Finish 9^th.

The 2005-06 Knights returning players include 2004-05 leading scorer and member of the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Team member Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) along with reserve forward Travon Little (Danbury, CT) and reserve point guard Halim Lopes (Mattapan, MA). Like last year there will be a tremendous influx of talent that will fill out the starting line-up and reserve roles. The starting five may not be a strong as the Knights from last year but the team is much deeper and should rotate ten players a game rather than the six to seven man rotation there was last year.

The 2005-06 Knights starting line-up will include point guard Tyson Johnson (Worcester, MA), shooting guard Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA), small forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), Cranston East standout power forward Connor Evans (Cranston, RI), and center Brandon Gaillard (West Warwick, RI). A bulk of the scoring should come from Owens who averaged 19.2 points a game last year along with Victor and Evans who should help provide a versatile inside-outside threat to complement the slashing style of Owens. Gaillard will be the man in the post while it will be up to Johnson to distribute the ball which is a new role for him as he is naturally a shooting guard but is adjusting quickly to his new role.

Coming off the bench will be reserve point guard Ray Ross (Port Washington, NY), shooting guard Jim Reynolds (Warwick, RI), small forward George Coles (Waterbury, CT), power forward Travon Little (Danbury, CT), and center Will Lyons (Warwick, RI). Also seeing time will be shooting guard Edgar Martinez (Providence, RI), point guard Darby Brown (New London, CT), shooting forward John Garrick (North Stonington, CT), point guard Halim Lopes (Mattapan, MA), and shooting guard AJ Coppola (Warwick, RI).

Head Coach Dave Chevalier will be looking to play his signature pressure defense and running style to get the Knights back to the Nationals "If we play defense and grow together as a team like we did last year we have the tools to return to the Nationals"

CCRI Knights Women’s Soccer Team Moves up to #3 in the National Poll!

The CCRI Women’s Knights women’s Soccer Team has moved up one spot in the NJCAA Division I National Poll to #3. the Knights Travel to Ocean County College this weekend to face the #2 team in the Country and Region III Champion Monroe CC Friday at 1pm. If they win they will play the host and Region IXX Ocean County College on Sunday game time TBD this weekend (probably at 12 noon or 1 pm).

NJCAA Service Bureau
November 01, 2005

CCRI Volleyball Team Heads for Districts at Genesee and Women’s Basketball Tip-off

The CCRI Knights Women’s Volleyball Team looks to add to their record setting 31 win season as they travel to Genesee CC this weekend to compete in the Northeast District Playoffs. Saturday the Knights will face-off against Lackawanna CC at 11:00 a.m. and then host Genesee at 1:00 p.m. from there Genesee CC will face Lackawanna CC at 3:00 p.m. the top two seeds will advance to the District Championship Match Sunday at noon.

Going into the District Tournament the favorite is Genesee CC with a record of 42-7. However, the CCRI Knights are peaking at the right time and may just have enough to beat the Cougars of Genesee CC. Every time the Knights have played the Cougars the game shave been getting closer and closer and for the first time this year The Knights took a game from the Cougars this time the Knights goal is to win the match and to quote Head Coach Ray DeAngelis after the Knights 31^st victory over Naval Prep "this is the best team we have beaten all year, if we can play this way at the Districts we’re going to Nationals"

During the same weekend Genesee CC will also be hosting their annual women’s basketball tip-off tournament. The #19 ranked CCRI Knights women’s basketball team will face perennial basketball power Mott CC from Detroit, MI at 5:00 p.m. and Fulton Montgomery CC will meet #3 ranked Genesee CC at 7:00 p.m.. The Consolation game for the tournament will be played at 10:00 am Sunday while the Championship Game will be played at 2:00 p.m.

The #19 nationally ranked CCRI Knights women’s basketball team will face a tough early task as they will face a very tough and scrappy Mott CC team that played in the National Tournament last year if they win that game they would go on to face the #3 team in the country Genesee CC. Head Coach Cas Grygorcewicz will be looking to see how The Knights respond to the top-notch competition as the Knights could meet some of these teams if they move on to post-season play.