Category: News

Mustangs Drop Exhibition at NCCU

DURHAM, N.C. – Redshirt senior Ja’Darius Harris and junior Keishon Porter lit up McDougald-McLendon Arena from distance, combining for seven three-pointers in NCCU’s 113-50 victory over Mid-Atlantic Christian in an exhibition game Tuesday evening.

Sophomore forward Joshua Tyler led the Mustangs with 15 points.

“Our goal was to work on our defense and score 50 points,” MACU coach Charles Sims said after the game. “We did that. One of their players said to me, ‘You’re changing the defense every time down the floor.’ I told him, ‘ We have to keep you on your toes.'”

“Our guys know that this is a process. We’re not where we want to be, but we’re in a good place,” said Sims.

The Mustangs (1-2 overall, 1-0 NSAC) face cross-town rival Elizabeth City State tonight.

Story details courtesy nccueaglepride.com; image courtesy gomacumustangs.com

Three Ball Pushes MACU Past CIC 101-77

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Mid-Atlantic Christian’s long-range game was the difference maker Tuesday night as the Mustangs put away Central International 101-77 in the NSAC Tipoff Classic.

The Mustangs (1-1 overall, 1-0 NSAC) shot 46.7% (14 of 30) from beyond the arc, almost as good as they did from the floor overall (46.8%). The Cardinals (3-2, 0-1) shot a good 50% from the floor, but only mustered 3 of 14 (21.4%) from three.

MACU opened on a 9-0 run before CIC got on the board, then stretched the lead to as much as 16 before intermission. Central used a 12-2 run to claw back in the second half, trimming the lead to 64-60 with less than 12 minutes to play, but could get no closer as the Herd used a 14-3 run of its own to put the game away.

“Today’s game was good for the players as they came together collectively as a group to achieve the first home game victory,” MACU coach Charles Sims said after the game. “From the onset they made up in their minds that this game was going to be a statement game. We still have areas of the game that we need to improve in, too. We will continue to take the approach of one game at a time mentality.”

Junior Carlos Raven led the Mustangs with 21 points, while CIC’s Sincere Moore led all scorers with 24.

Image courtesy USCAA Sports Network/MACU

Conference Hoops Action Tips Wednesday Night

Central International and Mid-Atlantic Christian hook up in the first NSAC game of the season Wednesday night in the NSAC Tipoff Classic at Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

With CIC just making the move from Chester to Waverly, Virginia, Cardinals coach Wayne Johnson is taking a long-term approach to the contest. “We’re trying to make sure we build as the season progresses and stay focused and disciplined, and understand the big picture is later, not necessarily right now,” said Johnson. However, the Cards have tasted some early season success, already taking a pre-season tourney title and sporting a 3-1 record.

“We’re excited about this season,” said Mustangs coach Charles Sims. “CIC will be a good early season test for us in the NSAC.” MACU is coming off a 97-91 opening loss at Carolina University on Saturday and an exhibition loss at Liberty Monday night.

Builders’ Means Named MBB Player of the Week

Donovan Means of Apprentice is being recognized as the first men’s basketball Player of the Week for 2023-24 by the New South Conference.

The 6’3″ freshman guard from Chesterfield, Virginia made an immediate impact leading the Builders in their first two matches of the season, averaging 19.5 points, 3 steals per game, was 5-10 from 3, and 10-11 from the free throw line for the weekend’s action.

Congratulations to Donovan Means, the NSAC Player of the Week!

Apprentice Splits Benchoff Tournament Matchups

MONT ALTO, Pa. – Freshman Donovan Means averaged 19.5 points per game as the Apprentice School men’s basketball team opened up the 2023-24 season with a split at this weekend’s Benchoff Tournament, hosted by Penn State Mont Alto.

GAME ONE – PSU York 79, Apprentice 70
PSU York jumped out to an early 14-10 lead before the Builders went on an 11-0 run over a four minute span to take a 21-14 lead with 8:20 to go in the first half. The Nittany Lions answered right back, scoring the next seven to tie things up at 21-21.

After the teams traded baskets, York reeled off a 15-2 run to take a 38-25 lead with just over 90 seconds to go before halftime. Although Apprentice pulled the deficit down to eight at one point, the Nittany Lions hit a three late in the half to take an 11 point lead into intermission.

York came out on fire in the second half, stretching their lead to as many as 23 before the Builders were able to bring it back to a seven point game midway through the second half. Apprentice could get no closer as the lead hovered around seven for the final stretch of the game.

Means finished with a game-high 23 points, while five York players ended in double figures.

GAME TWO – Apprentice 66, PSU Mont Alto 58
Saturday’s game was back-and-forth early until the Builders started to pull away at the 6:08 mark when they started an 8-0 run that extended a two-point game to a 28-18 lead for Apprentice with 3:03 to play before halftime. Mont Alto trimmed the lead back down to four, but the Builders added two baskets late in the period to take a 34-26 lead to the locker room at halftime.

The Nittany Lions cut the lead to three early in the second half, but Apprentice answered with a 10-0 run that spanned 4:36 of the half to take a 13-point lead. Mont Alto cut the lead down to as few as two points with 1:53 left, but Apprentice scored the final six points of the game to earn their first win of the season.

Means again had a game-high 16 points, while Angel Pacheco-Ortiz finished with a double-double of 14 points and 11 boards. Karree Smith also had 14 points, and Tony Epps, Jr. had 11 points, including three three-pointers.

Story and image courtesy gobuilders.com

Apprentice Tops Preseason Basketball Poll

The league coaches have spoken and chosen Apprentice as the overwhelming choice to repeat as NSAC men’s basketball champions.

The Builders garnered 5 of the 6 first-place votes, the most possible. NSAC newcomer Atlantis was tabbed to finish second with Mid-Atlantic Christian and Blue Lights College close behind. Central International and Lighthouse Christian, the other new NSAC member, tied for fifth:

  1. Apprentice 25 (5 first place votes)
  2. Atlantis 17
  3. MACU 16 (1)
  4. Blue Lights 13 
  5. (tie) CIC and Lighthouse 9 each

Comments from coaches:

“Apprentice – the defending champs – brought back a lot of experience and added some very talented players. They were one possession away from the national championship game last year so I expect them to be formidable to say the least.”

“The conference is extremely strong this season. Apprentice, MACU, Blue Lights and Atlantis all return key players from last season and have enhanced their rosters with strong recruiting classes. CIC and Lighthouse are somewhat of mysteries but should have talent that will give them the opportunity to make a run in the NSAC Tournament.”

“I’m really looking forward to conference play this season. The NSAC is looking strong once again, with 3 of our conference’s teams being voted preseason top 10 in the USCAA, I think we are poised for a very competitive schedule.”

“The NSAC is a power conference.”

“Atlantis and Lighthouse are great additions to our conference. Lighthouse is a young program on the rise and they’re going to be looking to make some noise here. Atlantis is coming off a strong 16-win season and they have been hitting the recruiting trail hard to bolster their roster. I think they’re going to have a very strong showing in their first year in the conference.”

“CIC is a little bit of a wild card since there wasn’t a full season last year for Coach Wayne and his troops, but one thing is for sure: they’ll be well coached and ready to battle come tip off.”

“Coach Sims at MACU has had a full year to bring in his own guys and I have heard great things about MACU so far this preseason. They’re gunning for the top spot, no doubt.”

Tickets for NSAC Tournament On Sale Now

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Apprentice School is hosting the New South Athletic Conference basketball tournament this upcoming weekend, and tickets are now on sale for the event.

Tickets for each day will be $7 each and can be purchased at GoBuilders.com/ticketing. As this is the conference tournament, all spectators will be required to pay as no pass lists are being allowed for the event.

The Apprentice women’s basketball team will open the tournament Saturday at 2 p.m. against Christendom. Prior to the contest, the program will have its Senior Day festivities. The Builders men’s team will play host to Blue Lights in the 4 p.m. semifinal Saturday afternoon. At 6 p.m., the Mid-Atlantic Christian University men will face the Virginia Peninsula/Christendom winner.

The semifinal round of action will be carried live on the BuilderStream YouTube page, while the championship games on Sunday will be carried by BigSportsTV.

Builders’ Kee Named NSAC Coach of the Year

Apprentice School head coach Evan Kee has been named the New South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after guiding the Builders to a perfect 11-0 record in league play.

In his fifth season at the helm, Kee has led Apprentice to an 18-7 regular season mark, the most wins since 2003-04. The Builders are currently ranked 4th in USCAA Division 1, and are number one in field goal percentage, 2nd in rebounding, and 7th in blocks and forced turnovers.

Kee also guided two players onto the NSAC All-Conference Team this season, including NSAC MVP Shawn Eley. His squad has earned the top-seed in the upcoming NSAC Tournament.

Congratulations to Evan Kee, the 2023 New South Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year!

Image courtesy Walker McCrary/Apprentice Athletics

Eley Tops Voting, Leads All-Conference Team

Apprentice senior swingman Shawn Eley has been voted the Most Valuable Player on the 2023 All-NSAC Men’s Basketball Team.

Eley elevated his game when it came to NSAC opponents. He averaged 15 points per game overall and 7.4 rebounds, but in New South contests he turned it up, averaging 17.4 ppg and 9 boards. He also averaged 53.4% from the field.

Congratulations to Shawn and to each member of the 2023 NSAC All-Conference team!

All-NSAC First Team:

  • Shawn Eley, senior, the Apprentice School (MVP)
  • Wol Yak, freshman, Blue Lights College
  • Talik Totten, senior, Mid-Atlantic Christian University
  • Javion Majette, sophomore, Virginia Peninsula Community College
  • John Paul Vander Woude, junior, Christendom College

All-NSAC Second Team:

  • Karree Smith, sophomore, The Apprentice School
  • Sam Benton, Jr., freshman, Blue Lights College
  • Keyshawn Bryant, freshman, Blue Lights College
  • Robert Murdock, sophomore, Carolina Christian College
  • Noah Richardson-Keys, freshman, Mid-Atlantic Christian University
  • Keshaun Johnson, freshman, Virginia Peninsula Community College

Honorable Mention:

  • Adrion Wall, sophomore, The Apprentice School
  • Jayden Eason, sophomore, The Apprentice School
  • Daishaun George, junior, Carolina Christian College
  • Andrew Heisler, junior, Christendom College
  • John Kennedy, sophomore, Christendom College
  • Bobby Vander Woude, freshman, Christendom College
  • Jeremiah Dickerson, sophomore, Mid-Atlantic Christian University
  • Jhalen Harris, sophomore, Virginia Peninsula Community College
  • Quishaun Brevard, sophomore, Virginia Peninsula Community College

Image courtesy Walker McCrary/Apprentice Athletics

Gators’ Win Finalizes MBB Playoff Picture

Virginia’s Peninsula’s 79-70 win over Mid-Atlantic Christian in the final regular season conference game of the year pushes the Gators into the third seed for next week’s NSAC Basketball Tournament.

Fourth-seed Blue Lights College and Carolina Christian, which tied Christendom for the 5th seed, will open the tournament Tuesday night in Apex, North Carolina in a quarterfinal game. VPCC will host Christendom Thursday night in the other opening round matchup in Newport News, Virginia. The two winners will advance to Saturday’s semifinals at the Apprentice Athletic Center, also in Newport News.

Thanks to Joe Dotson/Christendom Athletics for the bracket graphic