ACCC men's basketball looks to build off last year's success

Story from Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College’s men’s basketball team is looking to continue its positive momentum coming off the Buccaneers’ first 20-win season in more than two decades.

Their home opener is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Jonathan Pitney Gymnasium in Mays Landing against the Community College of Philadelphia.

The roster blends experience, athleticism and potential with dynamic frontcourt depth and skill. Coach Allen Ragland said he is confident in his player’s ability to dominate on both ends of the court.

“Our success this season will depend on defense and rebounding,” Ragland said. “We’re ready to play an aggressive, high-tempo style that emphasizes these fundamentals. I’m excited about this team and confident in our ability to compete in our conference.”

Ragland’s squad finished last season 21-11 overall in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Region 19 Division III. The Buccaneers defeated Northampton Community College in the first round of the playoffs before ultimately falling to Montgomery County Community College in the second round.

Leading the way for the Buccaneers this season will be a starting five that brings size and defensive skill under the basket, a lethal outside scoring threat and a tenaciousness that will keep opponents on their toes.

    Sophomore Christopher Parker
  

Sophomore Christopher Parker, a 6-foot-6 forward from Columbia, S.C., has transformed his game and conditioning, thus positioning himself as a formidable presence and leading force in Region 19 and the Garden State Athletic Conference.

Sophomore Semajeh Echols, a 6-foot-7 forward also from Columbia, S.C., returns to the Buccaneers lineup after playing only 10 games last season. Echols is ready to elevate his performance and reach new heights.

Sophomore Jaylen Jenkins, a 6-foot-6 forward from Cayce, S.C., showed considerable promise during his solid freshman season. Coming off surgery this past summer, Jenkins will be eased back into the rotation and will be expected to add depth once he returns.

Sophomore Jeremy Ellis, a 6-foot-8 forward from Trenton, rejoins the Buccaneers after missing last season. Known for his high-flying dunks and defensive presence, Ellis is making a name for himself in the eyes of recruiters and has developed an improved offensive game.

 “Jeremy will be a difference-maker for us this season and he’s ready to step up in a big way,” Ragland said.

Freshman returnee Omero Chevere, a 6-foot-2 guard from Ocean City, adds a dynamic scoring threat to the roster. Chevere led the nation in three-point shooting last season with an impressive 55 percent accuracy. With an expanded shooting range and a newly-honed ability to drive to the basket, Chevere will be essential to keeping opponents aware, ensuring they can’t double-team those in the frontcourt.

The Buccaneers will depend on the depth, versatility and skill of several newcomers from off the bench this season as Ragland’s squad once again seeks to challenge for a national championship.

Freshman MeQuaje “Swipe” McDaniels, a 5-foot-9 point guard who transferred from Division I South Carolina State, brings an explosive playmaking ability to the backcourt.

“Swipe has Player of the Year potential,” said Ragland, who added that they’re working to refine McDaniels’ point guard skills to prepare him for a return to the Division I level.

Meanwhile, freshman DeAndre Brown, a 6-foot-1 guard from Virginia Beach, Va.; freshman Justin Moore, a 6-foot-3 guard from Egg Harbor Township; freshman Shamir Jones, a 6-foot guard from Mays Landing; freshman Ramar Cook, a 6-foot guard from Galloway Township, and freshman Jayden “Rico” Lopez, a 5-foot-9 guard from Mays Landing, bring youthful potential to the Buccaneers.

CLICK to view the season’s schedule along with team roster and coaches.