Rosario Grinds His Way to POW Award

Atlantis University’s men’s basketball team displayed gritty resolve in this weekend’s Pensacola Classic, highlighted by senior Jose Rosario.

Atlanteans coach Francisco Hernandez elected to play only five players Sunday after others had been involved in an altercation during Saturday’s game. Rosario, a 6’3″ guard from the Dominican Republic and a former NJCAA All-American, not only toughed out all 40 minutes on Sunday, but poured in 44 points, hauled in 18 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, playing much of the second half 4-on-5 after a teammate fouled out. For his determined and resilient play, Rosario has been named the NSAC Player of the Week.

Congrats, Jose!

Image courtesy Atlantis Athletics

Brown, Colomb Lead All-Pensacola Classic Lineup

MILTON, Fl. – Lighthouse Christian’s Eddie Brown and Tayshaun Colomb of John Melvin (LA) led the voting for this past weekends’ Pensacola Classic and have been named as Co-MVPs for the event.

John Melvin (FL) served as host and Lighthouse provided the venue for the three-day, nine-game event which concluded Sunday evening.

  • Eddie Brown, Lighthouse, Co-MVP
  • Tayshaun Colomb, JMU (LA), Co-MVP
  • Jacquari “JJ” Johnson, JMCC (FL)
  • Darion Ramos, JMCC (FL)
  • Leonardo Rodriquez, UIC
  • Jose Rosario, Atlantis
  • Deonne Williams, Jr., JMU (LA)

Mustangs Get First-Ever Win over ECSU 75-71

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Mid-Atlantic Christian made history Tuesday night as it knocked off cross-town rival Elizabeth City State 75-71 for the first time in program history.

The game was tightly contested, featuring five ties and nine lead changes.

The Mustangs (10-8 overall, 4-0) were led by junior Janus Shepherd with 20 points. Following behind were Stewart Clough, who had 18 points, and Keith Shakes Jr. with 16.

ECSU (10-11) was led by Sterling Vaughn with 18 points.

It was the tenth overall meeting between the two EC schools with the NCAA division 2 Vikings having the upper hand in each of the previous contests.  

The game marked the fourth straight win for MACU since losing to Regent on January 23. The Mustangs host the Royals for a rematch tonight, the third game in three days for Mid-Atlantic.

Image courtesy Isabel LaPoe

Clough’s Return Leads MACU Past Carolina U. 70-68

Forward Stewart Clough returned to the Mid-Atlantic Christian men’s basketball lineup Monday night and scored 17 points to lead the Mustangs to an 70-68 win over Carolina University at Chesson Gym.

The sophomore from Hollywood, Florida, who was injured in December and missed the entire month of January, went 4-of-7 from the field, including 2-of-3 from deep.

“Another big game for us,” said Mustangs coach Charles Sims after the game. “We knew what we needed to do, and the team once again stepped up and delivered. It was great to have all the team back after having players out with illness and injuries. Stew Clough, who hadn’t played since December, played a big role. This win was our fourth against an NAIA opponent this season. Being battled-tested early in this season definitely has prepared us for games like these.”

MACU (9-8 overall, 4-0 NSAC) never trailed in the non-conference contest and led by as many as 23 points but had to hold off a late Bruin rally to preserve the win.

Keith Shakes, Jr. and Janus Shepherd each had 14 points and Tyus Williams added 12 for the Herd. Audree Polk had a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds for Carolina (8-12).

Image courtesy Isabel LaPoe

Brown, Ramos Lead All-Classic Team

Participating coaches in this week’s Leesburg Classic have named six players to the All-Classic Team, led by two standouts.

Eddie Brown of Lighthouse Christian and Darion Ramos of John Melvin (FL) tied for the most ballots and have been named Co-Most Valuable Players for the event.

Congrats to each player and team for a great weekend!

  • Eddie Brown, Lighthouse (Co-MVP)
  • Darion Ramos, JMCC (FL) (Co-MVP)
  • Tyler Camplin, JMCC (FL)
  • Jared Carter, Beacon College
  • Santiago Insaurralde, Atlantis
  • Naysean Rhome, Southeast Christian

Dias Powers to NSAC POW

Elijah Dias from Mid-Atlantic Christian University was instrumental to the Mustangs’ success over the past week. The freshman forward from Queens, New York is shooting 56% from the field while averaging 18 ppg in the past two games, including 10 points and 10 rebounds against Christendom and 26 points and 6 boards against Bluefield University. For his strong week, Dias is honored as the NSAC Player of the Week.

Congrats, Elijah!

Mohawks Hold Off Blazers in 2 OTs

LEESBURG, Fl. – John Melvin (FL) led for almost the entire game but needed two overtime periods to put away a diehard Beacon College squad 114-112 on the final day of the NSAC Leesburg Classic.

“Did we just win the Game of the Year Award?” asked Mohawks coach Colin Doss after the win.

The Mohawks (17-3 overall, 7-1 NSAC) put five players in double figures led by Josh Wyatt’s 23 points and Darion Ramos, who went 5-for-7 from long range to chalk 20 points. Beacon (8-10 overall, 5-3 NSAC) was led by Jared Carter who poured in 29.

JMCC was the only team to make it unscathed out of Classic, which pitted six teams in a three-day round robin format.

Two Big Conference Games Rescheduled

Two games with big implications for seeding in the NSAC tournament have been postponed.

Due to flu-like symptoms in both programs, the Apprentice School and Mid-Atlantic Christian University, along with the New South Athletic Conference, have agreed to postpone Wednesday night’s game to February 17. Tipoff will still be set for 7:30 p.m.

John Melvin (FL) and Lighthouse, who were also scheduled to meet Wednesday night, have agreed to reschedule due to travel conflicts with the Leesburg Classic, which ended Monday night. The date has yet to be set.

MACU currently sits atop the standings with a 4-0 conference record, while Apprentice is 3-1 and statistically in 4th behind John Melvin (FL) and Lighthouse, who are tied for 2nd at 7-1.

MACU Defeats Bluefield 73-71

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Mid-Atlantic Christian got 26 points from freshman Elijah Dias and picked up a big non-conference win over Bluefield 73-71 Monday night.

The game had seven lead changes, seven ties, and neither team led by more than seven points.

“This was a big win for us today we were shorthanded with two of our starters out due to being sick,” said Mustangs coach Charles Sims. “I relied on our reserves to get this win today. Elijah Dias had an outstanding game. Bluefield is a NAIA opponent, so we needed to be ready. We had to work for this victory. Every player stepped up and accepted their responsibility which was critical to this game.”

Tyus Williams added 15 points and Keondre Rodgers came off the bench with 12 for the Mustangs (8-8 overall, 4-0 NSAC). MACU was without the service of key players Keith Shakes and Janus Shepherd who were out with illnesses.

Bluefield (5-13) was led by Elijah White with 15 points.

MACU is back in action Wednesday night in a major NSAC matchup at Apprentice.

Image courtesy MACU Athletics