‘We Understand What it Takes to Get There,’ Coach Says
The goal for the upcoming season is simple. “Win the Region XX Tournament and advance in the National Tourney,” said Alan Hoyt, head coach for the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Men’s Basketball Team.
Hoyt’s goal, then, is to at least match the record-setting season enjoyed by the Hawks last season, when the team won the Region XX Division II Men’s Basketball Championship, qualifying the team to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Tournament, which was held in March in Danville, Illinois.
“I think that last year success as a team has motivated me and the returners to get back to the national tournament,” Hoyt said. “I think we understand what it takes to get there and we have come out focused and determined.”
“Our men’s team had great success last year,” said CSM Executive Director of Student Life and Athletics Michelle Ruble. “That experience has motivated the coaching staff and players even more to return again this year. The returners have come into the season in better shape and are focused as they understand the commitment and dedication it takes to win.”
Five members of last year’s team have returned for this season to help keep the momentum going. “I am looking to Levon Randall and Sean Scott for leadership,” Hoyt said. “They were two of my top players last year, and they gained valuable experience last year and want nothing more than to get back to the tournament.”
In addition, Hoyt said fans should watch for big things from new player Juwan Smith of Lexington Park, the team’s starting point guard, a transfer from University of Mount Olive. “I expect him to be a top player in the conference,” Hoyt said.
In addition to forwards Randall and Scott and point guard Smith, this year’s team includes Shawn Ortiz-Robinson of Misawa, Japan (guard), Tony Tavares of Chesapeake Beach (forward), Trevon Porter of Oxford, Mississippi (guard), Darnell Taylor of Clinton (guard), Jarell Boddy of Burtonsville (guard), Nygel White of King George, Virginia (guard), Jerome Savoy of Waldorf (guard), Desmond Creek of Prince Frederick (guard), Malik Smith of Temple Hills (forward), Renard Lane of Clinton (forward), Damon Gaither of White Plains (forward), Raymond McLeod of Great Mills (guard) and Jerry Sharpe of Temple Hills (guard).
Hoyt, who is starting his 11th season as the team’s head coach, will be supported by assistant coaches Burton Moody and Daniel Richards.
The Hawks’ regular season includes more than 30 games and runs from the beginning of October to the beginning of March. Hoyt sees the games with Richard Bland College, Frederick Community College, Cecil Community College and Garrett Community College to be key to the team reaching its goals.
For information about the CSM Men’s Basketball team, the 2017-18 schedule and roster, visit http://athletics.csmd.edu/sports/mbkb/index.
