Three men’s basketball players and head coach receive national honors

 

A graphic of three players. and head coach listed as award recipients
Three Knights and Head coach earn region 21 East/District honors Northern Essex community college

On March 6th it was announced by the NJCAA men’s region 21 committee three Knights, Luis Reynoso and Jeremiah Melendez both of Lawarence and Mehmet Asik of Ankara, Turkey received national recognition. In addition, Darren Stratton was named regional head coach of the year.  

In 29 games Reynoso averaged 19.2 points per game and recorded 26 double-doubles. He also ranked second nationally in rebounding with 13.3 rebounds per game. Reynoso’s performance earned him a spot on the first team all-region. 

Also receiving honors were Melendez and Asik. Melendez was selected to join the third team all-region. He averaged 11.3 points per game and shot 47% percent. Meanwhile, Asik was named an honorable mention for the second consecutive season, averaging eight points this season.  

Head coach Darren Stratton won the regional head coach of the year award. Stratton led the team to their first national tournament appearance in program history. In his 20th season leading the program, The Knights won 27 consecutive games and finished 311 overall. Under his tenure The Knights are 288-203 with a 587% winning percentage.