Jefferson Recognizes their 9 Sophomores

Jeffferson Men's Basketball recognized their sophomores on Saturday in what would be one of their last home games of the season.  Coach Vaadi had a few words to say about his players before the game; 

"Let us recognize this group of young men (Jeremiah Smith #3, Davon "Country' Scott #33, Jaraen "Big J" Crockett #45, Matthew Brown #30, Eric Eastham #23, Ikechukwu Ezike Jr. #5, Jermaine Jackson #12, Scott Geathers #22, and Isaiah Lemon, #24), who are finishing their careers here at JCC.  Each individual possesses a certain quality that has had a positive effect on the men's basketball program.  We have had some bad days, and we have had some good days, but each individual has grown as a person, which is what we are most proud of for these young men. 

I would like them to remember this day and remember their time here at JCC as one of growth, not only as a basketball player, but also, as a young adult who will be heading out and facing the challenges that life will throw at them.  Let these young men remember when the coaching staff would make them run, would challenge them to get better every day(academically and athletically), how the game they love has taught them about dedication, time management, and how to make smart decisions in life.  How the coaching staff cares about them as people and does not look at them only as basketball players.  How many people have helped them become better students and better people here at JCC.  A time of personal and athletic growth……

These young men will be heading to their next destination, which could include playing basketball at the next level or just pursuing their academic dreams.  Whichever path they choose, we wish them the best and plan on staying in touch with them throughout their careers."

Unfortunately the outcome of the game wasn't what the cannoneers would have wanted as they fell to the Hudson Valley Vikings 80-65.  The game was close throughout the first half as the Cannoneers hung around and would only trail by 6 at the break.  The Vikings would open the second half ona 10-3 run and would never look back in the game.  Leading the way for the Cannoneers was Jeremiah Smith with 24 points, followed by Ikechukwu Ezike Jr. with 11 points/6 rebounds.