Category: Beacon

Beacon Rides Balanced Scoring, Late Surge to top Millennia Atlantic 82–73

LEESBURG, Fl. — Noah Wilhelm scored 20 points and Beacon used a late second-half push to pull away from Millennia Atlantic for an 82–73 win on Saturday afternoon.

Wilhelm knocked down five 3-pointers and went 5 of 6 from the free-throw line as the Blazers outscored the Macaws 44–41 after halftime to secure the win. Javeon Wells-Reddick added 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Ernesto Hichez dominated inside with 13 points and a game-high 18 boards.

“I think we’ve started to play for each other,” said Beacon head coach Pat Burke. “We’re still working out some early season ‘coming together.'”

MAU was led by Tyus Wilson, who scored 22 points on 11-of-19 shooting.

Beacon shot 21 of 30 at the free-throw line and held a narrow 39–38 rebounding edge. Millenia Atlantic trailed 38–32 at halftime and briefly closed within one possession before the Blazers responded behind Wilhelm’s outside shooting and Hichez’s work on the glass.

With the win, BC improves to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the NSAC, while MAU drops to 6-2 and 1-1, respectively.

Image courtesy Beacon Athletics

Blazers Show Efficiency in Hard-Fought Loss at Fort Lauderdale

NORTH MIAMI, Fl. — The Beacon College Blazers men’s basketball team showcased efficient offense and teamwork on Tuesday night, but ultimately fell 82–72 on the road to the University of Fort Lauderdale.

Despite the final margin, the Blazers displayed balance and composure throughout the contest, battling back from an early deficit and continuing to build momentum in their young season. Beacon shot an impressive 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, moving the ball well to generate high-quality looks. Ernesto Hichez led the way with a dominant 21 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, marking another double-double performance and proving to be a steady interior presence.

Tony Wade and Tre’von Redd each added 13 points, with Wade contributing six assists and Redd connecting on three three-pointers while matching Wade’s assist total. Javeon Wells-Reddick continued his consistent play inside, finishing with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks, a strong two-way effort that energized the Blazers throughout the second half. Noah Wilhelm chipped in eight points and five rebounds, while Sean James added a perfect 1-for-1 from the floor off the bench.

The Blazers’ offensive rhythm kept them within striking distance all night, but UFTL’s hot shooting from deep (70% from three-point range) proved difficult to overcome. Beacon trailed 44–31 at halftime yet fought to outscore the Eagles in stretches of the second half, narrowing the gap with efficient ball movement and interior defense.

While the result didn’t go Beacon’s way, the Blazers’ 22 assists on 27 made field goals highlighted their unselfish play and continued growth.

The Blazers will look to regroup and build on their strong offensive showing as they travel to
face Atlantis University on Saturday, November 15th, in an NSAC matchup.

Story and image courtesy Beacon Athletics

Beacon College Welcomes Pat Burke as Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Director of Athletics 

LEESBURG, Fla. — Beacon College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Pat Burke, a distinguished former NBA player and community leader, as our new men’s head basketball coach and director of athletics, fitness, and recreation.

Burke brings extensive experience and a proven track record of success to the Leesburg school, the nation’s first accredited baccalaureate institution dedicated to educating students with learning and attention issues. His remarkable 12-year professional basketball career, which began with the Orlando Magic in 2002, saw him make history as the first Irish-born player in the National Basketball Association. His impressive career includes six championship titles across the NBA, FIBA leagues, and with Ireland’s senior men’s team.

“Pat brings a wealth of experience in education, mentorship, and athletics,” said Dana Manzo, vice president of student affairs. “Beyond his career in professional basketball, Pat has dedicated himself to mentoring and youth development. His passion for education, leadership, and community engagement makes him a fantastic addition to our team.”

Prior to joining Beacon, Burke founded HoopsLife, a youth development program focused on empowering children with leadership and life skills by emphasizing the impact of their choices. His commitment to mentorship aligns perfectly with Beacon’s mission to foster holistic student development.

Burke’s connection to Beacon College began a decade ago when he consulted with the college on the launch of a summer program for international students, culminating in a successful three-week program for Saudi students on Beacon’s campus in 2015.

“Pat’s prior contributions to our community and his proven ability to connect with and inspire young people are invaluable,” said Beacon President George Hagerty. “We are confident that his leadership will elevate our athletics program and provide our student-athletes with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.”

Burke succeeds Sam Vincent, Beacon’s founding men’s basketball coach, who is leaving Beacon to pursue a position with the Basketball Africa League as reported by ESPN.  

Story and image courtesy Beacon College

Seeds Hold in Quarterfinals, Semis Set for Today

MILTON, Fla. – The top four seeds in the 2025 NSAC Men’s Basketball Tournament held serve on Friday, leading to what promises to be an exciting pair of games today.

In Friday’s first matchup, 3rd-seed John Melvin (FL) held off 6th-seeded Atlantis 67-64. The Atlanteans had the ball with under five seconds to play but could not connect on a shot to tie.

Second-seed Mid-Atlantic Christian kept upset-minded Beacon at bay 88-83.

Apprentice, the 4th seed, cruised to a 102-71 victory over SC Central Christian in the day’s third game. The Builders set a new program record for rebounds in a game, pulling down 74.

In the nightcap, top-seeded Lighthouse Christian struggled with upstart Southeast Christian, the 9th seed, for most of the first half before pulling away for a 93-66 win.

That sets up Saturday’s bracket as the Mustangs and Mohawks will meet at 2:00 pm Eastern/1:00 pm Central, followed by the Makos and Builders in a rematch of last year’s championship. That game is set to tip off at 4:00 pm Eastern/3:00 pm Central. The winners will advance to meet for the title Sunday at 3:00 pm Eastern/2:00 pm Central time.

All games are being streamed live at Channel One – JMU-Mohawks

Men’s Basketball All-Academic Team Recognized

The New South Athletic Conference is proud to honor the 2025 Men’s Basketball All-Academic Team, comprised off all players who are carrying a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale.

“At the small college level, more than any other college level, academic progress and excellence are still cornerstones of athletic success.” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “That’s why I take special interest in honoring these 53 young men who lead the way in a well-rounded college experience.”

The Apprentice School

  • Clifton Goode
  • Wayne Hedgepeth
  • Chris Hinmon
  • Montrell Jackson
  • Donovan Means

Atlantis University

  • Santiago Inssuarlde
  • Jose Rosario
  • Jatez Ward
  • Artem Sorokin
  • Samuel Jiménez

Beacon College

  • Jovan Bell
  • Jared Carter
  • Bryce Contreras
  • Ernesto Hichez
  • Michael Turner
  • Jordique Vincent
  • Cooper White

John Melvin Christian College (FL)

  • Elijah Berger
  • Dayne Bordelon
  • Arnez Bryant 
  • Tyler Camplin
  • Korey Catchings
  • Tyvin Garrison
  • Nick Gikas
  • Evan Griffin
  • Jaedon Sisk
  • Joshua Steen
  • Javier Valerezo

John Melvin University (LA)

  • Richard Casler
  • Tayshaun Columb
  • Kaimauri Hodges
  • Landen Istre
  • Kyle Roach
  • Nate Smith
  • Deonne Williams

Lighthouse Christian College

  • Michael Ribeiro
  • Akok Shan

Mid-Atlantic Christian University

  • Arius Alston
  • Stewart Clough
  • Elijah Dias
  • Jake Harper
  • Uriah Logan
  • Kaylon Sampson
  • Janus Shepherd
  • Janai Williams
  • Terrance Williams
  • Tyus Williams

South Carolina Central Christian College

  • Kevin Butler
  • Tavion McPherson
  • Henoch Mukendi
  • Cedric Shelby
  • Travis Stroud

Southeast Christian College

  • Calvin Harrigan
  • Lawrence Ruffins III
  • Jordan Stevenson
  • Jaden Victor
  • Marvin Windom

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

Seedings, Bracket Set for 2025 Tournament

MILTON, Fl. – With the final conference games of the season in the books, the seedings have been finalized for the 2025 New South Athletic Conference men’s basketball tournament beginning this Thursday outside of Pensacola, Florida.

Lighthouse enters the tournament as the top seed for the second consecutive season, this time sporting a perfect 13-0 conference record. The Makos are also the hosts for the event.

Action begins Thursday at 6:00 pm Central time when 8th-seed John Melvin (LA) faces Southeast Christian, the 9th seed. The winner of that game goes on the meet Lighthouse Friday at 7:00 pm Central.

The championship game will tip off Sunday at 2:00 pm Central.

All games will take place at the Lighthouse Gym, 8604 Bobby Brown Road, Milton, Florida, and will be streamed live on the JMU Mohawks Sports Network.

Beacon Forfeits Four Games Due to Ineligible Player

The USCAA has informed Beacon College that it must forfeit four men’s basketball games, including wins over Lighthouse and John Melvin (LA), due to the use of an ineligible player.

The games included all three NSAC contests during the Leesburg Classic in January, plus a non-conference contest against Trinity College of Florida. Beacon had recorded wins in three of the four games.

“We affirm the importance of upholding the integrity of intercollegiate competition and appreciate the guidance of the USCAA in ensuring compliance with its regulations,” Beacon president Dr. George Hagerty stated in an email to the effected schools and the NSAC.

“We appreciate Beacon’s commitment to fairness and sportsmanship,” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “Their administration was forthcoming and open throughout the process, and that does not go unappreciated.”

The forfeits mean Beacon drops to 3-7 and 7th place in conference play. It also erases Lighthouse’s only conference loss, propelling the Makos atop the standings with a two-game series against second-place John Melvin (FL) taking place over the next five days to close out the regular season.

What We Know with One Week to Go

We have just one week (eight days actually, if you count today, but I digress) until the 2024-25 NSAC men’s basketball regular season comes to a close, thereby completing the seedings for the tournament, AND YET there are still questions to be answered! It’s been that kind of a ride. But here’s what we DO KNOW as of today:

  1. The top four spots are a crap shoot. John Melvin (FL) and Lighthouse are tied for first and are scheduled to play twice this week. Apprentice and MACU are tied for third with the Builders holding the tiebreaker, but these two teams will also play TONIGHT in Newport News, so that tiebreaker is a moot point. Suffice it to say, the three remaining games among these four will settle the order, with various combinations of wins and losses determining the top four seeds, but none of them can fall lower than fourth. So there.
  2. Beacon and SC Central are tied for fifth, but the Blazers’ conference schedule is complete while the Gladiators host Southeast Christian next Sunday. If S4C wins, it will claim fifth outright and Beacon will fall to sixth. Vice versa if Southeast wins. More on that in a moment.
  3. Atlantis is locked into seventh. Thus it has been decreed, thus it shall be.
  4. JMU (LA) is eighth, and Southeast is ninth, regardless if the Eagles win in South Carolina next weekend. Thus, the Millers and Eagles will face off in the lone first round game on Thursday, February 27 for the right to tackle the top seed the following day. Talk about incentive.

And there you have it. The picture at the top will start to clear a bit once tonight’s Battle in the Bay is over and attention turns to the first of two Pensacola Pileups. Gosh, this is fun.

Photo by Thomas T on Unsplash

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

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.