Sports

Men’s basketball captures East district title

 
Men's basketball team members pose for a team photo on the court.
The 2023-2024 Knights men’s basketball team poses together. Photo courtesy NECC Knights

For the second consecutive season Northern Essex men’s basketball will participate in the NJCAA tournament in Herkimer, NY. The Knights captured the region 21 title for a second season in a row with an 80-69 victory over Quincy community college. They improved to (32-1) this season. 

This is just the first time a basketball team in the region won back-to-back district titles since Springfield tech in the 03’ and 04’ seasons. 

“This is a heck of a basketball team; I love them to death.” said head coach Darren Stratton. “These kids come ready to work in the classroom and here in the basketball court, I have nothing but praise.”  

“This is a dream come true” said freshmen guard Javien Kirmil of Lowell, MA. “I knew from the beginning we had a great core for a team. We put in the work, and I think we deserve it. 

Man climbs ladder to retrieve basketball hoop
Head Coach Darren Stratton raises the net in postgame celebration. Photo by Sports Editor Daniel Henrick

The first half opened trading baskets, unable to create much separation. The Knights were leading 7-5 at the 14-minute mark. A shot by Quincy from behind the arc put them up 8-7. Luis Reynoso of Lawerence responded a minute later by nailing a three-pointer that gave NECC the lead 10-8. An alley-oop from Karl Wolfgang of Doula, Camern helped give NECC breathing room for a six-point advantage 12 at the 12 minutes into the half. From there The Knights remained in control and took a 10-point lead into the locker room 33-23.  

The Knights opened the second half on a 6-2 run to extend their lead to 14 ,39-25 through two minutes. and remained in cruise control through the match. NECC extended their lead to 20 midway into the half 62-42. Quincy did manage to whittle down the deficit down to 11 down the stretch but never threatened to comeback. 

Luis Reysnso led the way on offensive with 27 Points, four assists and corralled 16 rebounds. Kyoya Sasaki of Tokyo Japan and Kirmil contributed with 14 and 10 points respectively. 

On defense, Edwin SamMbacka grabbed four steals and helped hold Quincy below their season average. 

In the tourment The seconded seeded Knights fell to Riverland communty colllege 77-59 in the frst round on March 14. NECC moved onto the cosolation round.and placed fifth nationally.