YSCC Men's Basketball Elite 8 Quarterfinals Preview

(YSCC) – It's the most wonderful time of the year. No, we're not talking about the holiday season. It's Yankee Small College Conference postseason basketball! There's nothing quite like it: the underdog story, the rivalries, the chance at redemption. But what's at the center of it all? The student-athletes on the court. As our teams are getting ready for the quarterfinal conference play, we asked for YSCC coaches to reflect on the regular season, evaluate expectations heading into postseason play, and, most importantly, speak more about their student-athletes and their contributions made for their teams. 

Sentiments regarding COVID and its continual effect on sports competition remain prevalent. Whether or not teams were directly affected internally, the pandemic's restrictions managed to influence the season's outcome overall. Coach Dave Goneya of Central Maine described the season as "a roller coaster" and the need for adaptability amidst rules and restrictions. League President and Southern Maine Coach Matt Richards described the COVID impact as having "points of interruption" in which the natural flow of the season gets disrupted. COVID protocols disrupted Paul Smith's momentum due to seven game cancellations and postponements. Nearly every men's team expressed a plethora of COVID effects, but Coach Alex Burt of Great Bay wonderfully points out that the high and lows are natural in a season that runs for five to six months.  

It would be unjust to ignore the great basketball played all season, and our coaches recognize the tough competition that comes with the YSCC being so strong. Throughout the season, many of our programs were ranked nationally in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). Great Bay, NHTI, Southern Maine, Central Maine and Paul Smith's all ending the regular season in the top 20 of the USCAA Division II Coaches Poll. 

ELITE 8 SEEDINGS SHOW

Regardless of regular-season records, expectations heading into the postseason are always high. Coach Jamal Hughes of Vermont Tech emphasized that no matter how the season has gone before postseason play, the expectation is to "always give ourselves a chance to win a [conference] championship." Coach Paul Piscopo of the University of Maine Augusta stressed the importance of putting together a sustained, full 40-minute effort from beginning to end. Coach Josh Clemens of Paul Smith's and several coaches express the need to carry success and momentum from the regular season into the postseason and bring energy to each game. Coach Paul Hogan of NHTI also reiterates the importance of health for athletes as they head into the postseason. 

The essential part of any team in college sports is the student-athletes themselves. The ability to balance both roles and be successful in both is no simple feat. I wanted to ensure that the student-athletes were recognized for their contributions to their teams this season, though many coaches expressed difficulty singling one of their players out. After all, there is no "I" in team, or as Coach Alex Burt says, "We over me." 

Coach Goneya highlights CMCC senior guard Corey David as the team's leader, as he has been for the last four seasons for the Mustangs. From Goneya, "he's the gas that makes us go … he has been doing a good job [scoring] and making his teammates better." Goneya also mentions junior Malik Farley stepping into a leadership role, "who played limited minutes his first two years," and is now a "key to the Mustangs success." Coach Hughes similarly signals to junior captain Marquise Moore as key to not falling prey to letting up rather than pushing forward through tough schedule and tough competition. Moore has been a leader on and off the court, keeping his team motivated through it all.

Coach Richards gives nods to three soon-to-be graduates for contributing to SMCC's season's success; Ian Regan, Cam Cousins, and Zach Mickle. Senior guards Eddie Kwaw and Kenny Smith similarly receive recognition from Coach Josh Clemens at Paul Smith's. Clemens calls attention to Smith sitting at fifth in the conference at 15 PPG, and subsequently sitting in the top ten in rebounds, steals, assists and blocks. Further from Clemens, "Kwaw leads the conference in APG and is a strong voice on and off the court for the Bobcats." Coach Piscopo points to junior guard Elijah Smith, their leading scorer, as the "type of player that makes the team go." Coach Burt highlights senior Jordan Williams for his contributions and leadership to the Herons.

Several first and second-year student-athletes have stepped up to the plate this year for their teams. Moose Coach Piscopo notes that Trevor Beels had a great season before sustaining an unfortunate injury. Coach Clemens acknowledges Anthony Henson provides "a spark off the bench" for the Bobcats, as he leads the conference with 20.9 PPG. On and off the court, Coach Hogan notes NHTI first-year players Anthony Gauthier and Saeer Miller stepping up as leaders. Hogan points out the two have helped "bring a young team together" and that while both players have had great seasons individually, "team success" is what matters most. Great Bay Coach Burt highlights first-year student-athletes Alex Tavares and George Mortimer and sophomore Ethan May. Burt said these young players stepped up vocally while also getting work done in the classroom. 

Something that cannot be overstated is the strength of play, competitive energy, and team-first mentality that all members bring to the table. Don't forget to tune in and support your YSCC team as they battle this weekend for a spot in the semi-finals.

Saturday, 2/19

Vermont Tech @ Central Maine 1pm

Great Bay @ Paul Smith's 1pm

UMaine Augusta @ NHTI 2pm

Southern Maine – Bye Week

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You can live stream all the Yankee Small College Conference championship games on our new BlueFrame YSCC Sports Network App. Visit the iOS or Android mobile app store and Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV stores and search YSCC Sports.

Jordyn Kamis, YSCC Intern