Month: July 2025

NSAC All-Stars Claim South American Cup Championship

SANTA RITA DO SUPACAI, BRAZIL – Sam Benton, Jr. scored 22 points and grabbed four rebounds in leading a team of New South Athletic Conference men’s basketball all-stars to a 70-59 win over CETAF in the prestigious Sula Basquete South American Cup championship game.

The team trailed at halftime 38-35, only the second time they had fallen behind in the weeklong event, but turned up the defensive intensity in the second half, holding a talented CETAF squad to 21 points.

The All-Stars won their three round-robin games by an average of 33 points before facing stiffer competition in the knockout rounds.

“The guys played like DAWGS!” said proud head coach Vando Becheli, who initiated and led the team in his home country.

“This is such a proud moment for our conference,” said commissioner Mike Davis. “These young men sacrificed to get there and compete, and they did so with poise and honor. I’m proud of every one of them, as well as for Coach Vando and Coach Frankie Hernandez. For them to have this moment is what the NSAC is all about.”

Sims Adds Two Coaches to MACU Staff

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Mid-Atlantic Christian men’s head basketball coach Charles Sims is welcoming two new coaches for the 2025-26 season.

Courtni Clay has been named MACU Master Resilience Coach. With over 15 years of experience in HR leadership, mindset coaching, resilience training, and personal development, Coach Courtni Clay blends science, strategy, and storytelling to create powerful, lasting breakthroughs. As a U.S. Army Officer and certified Master Resilience Trainer, Coach Courtni will bring a unique combination of discipline, empathy, and real-world insight.

“Coach Courtni will focus on building mental toughness and strengthening character through the development of specific resilience skills, said Sims, who served with Clay in the U.S. Army. “These skills will enable each player to better adapt to stress and adversity during the long season preventing issues like depression and anxiety. By developing these mental skills, all players can enhance their performance, cope with the demands of the game, and ultimately achieve greater success.”

Coach Court attended the University of Phoenix where she received a Masters in Human Services and Management and she also attended Ashford University where she received her Masters in Organizational Management and Human Resources.

Coach Thomas Bentley will be joining the Mustangs for the 2025-26 season as Player Development Coach. He grew up close to MACU in Portsmouth, Virginia and attended Stonebridge School. Thomas played his collegiate career at Regent University before going on to Liberty University as a manager. He spent two seasons as a manager and one as a volunteer under head coach Ritchie McKay.

“Thomas brings experience with him from winning programs, and a passion for helping players grow that we are excited to have join the staff,” said Sims. Thomas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science: Strength and Conditioning.

“There’s more that’s ahead for us this season as we have unfinished business to attend to that was left in Buffalo,” added Sims, recalling the Mustangs’ first round loss in the USCAA Nationals in March. “Looking forward to another great season of success. Let’s go MACU!!!”

Conference All-Stars Prepare for SULA Tournament

SANTA RITA DO SAPUCAI, BRAZIL – A team made up entirely of New South Athletic Conference upperclassmen basketball players is preparing to represent the conference in the prestigious Copa Sul-Americana de Basquete (South American Basketball Cup) Tournament in Brazil.

Led by defending NSAC champion coach Vando Becheli and assisted by Atlantis University head coach Francisco Hernandez, ten of the league’s finest will suit up for a series of games against some of Brazil’s top pro teams, followed by the South American Cup (SULA 25) tournament.

“This is an exciting event for these young men and for our conference,” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “Many leagues for much larger schools would never have an opportunity like this. I want to than Vando for his leadership in arranging this trip. I also want to thank Brazilian athletic uniform manufacturer Overtime, our sponsor, for making this possible, and a big shout out to everyone who assisted these student-athletes.”

The team will assemble early next week in Brazil to begin the gauntlet run with games planned for most every day through the tournament championship on July 27. The games will be streamed live. Links will be provided here and via NSAC social media outlets.

2025 New South Athletic Conference All-Star Team

  • Ethan Barnes, Atlantis
  • Sam Benton, Jr., Lighthouse Christian
  • Tyler Camplin, John Melvin Christian (FL)
  • Jared Carter, Beacon
  • Santiago Insaurralde, Atlantis
  • Darion Ramos, John Melvin Christian (FL)
  • Jose Rosario, Atlantis
  • Folayemi Salako, Atlantis
  • Adrion Wall, Apprentice
  • Karlton Walton, Southeast Christian
  • Vando Becheli (Head Coach)
  • Fransisco Hernandez, Atlantis (Assistant Coach)

Graphic by WildCard Entertainment