2008 Woodie Awards
Men's basketball team set to impress
Richard Pietrick
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
It's that time of year again, the Lorain County Community College Commodore Basketball team is gearing up for a new season
Tryouts are over and the Commodores have whittled down their roster to 10. The squad, led by returning players Joey O'Keefe, point guard Ruben Davilla, and Bay Village High School star Trevor Wenzell, are prepping their team for another run at the conference tournament. Last year the Commodores finished 6-0 in the regular season, winning their conference championship, but settled for third place in the conference tournament.
"Hopefully my goal [this year] is to get to the regional final four," said Coach Ralph Barrios, " We've been talking about this since day one. We really want to make a strong effort of getting these kids to the final four."
Barrios, who has coached the men's basketball team for the past seven years, understands the younger squad may need some time. "We're still raw. There are high school kids coming in, and it's their first year playing college basketball, so there's a lot to learn. After they adapt to this level of play, the faster we'll take off."
The Commodores looked to gain some experience last Saturday in a scrimmage against the Kent State Club Basketball team. Barrios is focusing on making this year's Commodores a solid group of team players. "Team chemistry is really big with me, if you can get along on and off the court, it just makes it that much easier to play basketball... [Developing] that chemistry and camaraderie is the toughest thing to do in the beginning of the year. I believe the quicker we get over that hurdle, the quicker we are going to succeed on the court."
In part with joining the National Junior College Athletic Association, the Commodores will have to get used to playing schools with a larger talent pool to draw from. All of their regular season opponents come from D1 and D2 schools.
While the new schedule will maker for tougher opponents, it will also gives fans a chance to see some entertaining games. "Hopefully we can get the campus community more involved. Your going to see some exciting basketball this season," said Barrios.
Tryouts are over and the Commodores have whittled down their roster to 10. The squad, led by returning players Joey O'Keefe, point guard Ruben Davilla, and Bay Village High School star Trevor Wenzell, are prepping their team for another run at the conference tournament. Last year the Commodores finished 6-0 in the regular season, winning their conference championship, but settled for third place in the conference tournament.
"Hopefully my goal [this year] is to get to the regional final four," said Coach Ralph Barrios, " We've been talking about this since day one. We really want to make a strong effort of getting these kids to the final four."
Barrios, who has coached the men's basketball team for the past seven years, understands the younger squad may need some time. "We're still raw. There are high school kids coming in, and it's their first year playing college basketball, so there's a lot to learn. After they adapt to this level of play, the faster we'll take off."
The Commodores looked to gain some experience last Saturday in a scrimmage against the Kent State Club Basketball team. Barrios is focusing on making this year's Commodores a solid group of team players. "Team chemistry is really big with me, if you can get along on and off the court, it just makes it that much easier to play basketball... [Developing] that chemistry and camaraderie is the toughest thing to do in the beginning of the year. I believe the quicker we get over that hurdle, the quicker we are going to succeed on the court."
In part with joining the National Junior College Athletic Association, the Commodores will have to get used to playing schools with a larger talent pool to draw from. All of their regular season opponents come from D1 and D2 schools.
While the new schedule will maker for tougher opponents, it will also gives fans a chance to see some entertaining games. "Hopefully we can get the campus community more involved. Your going to see some exciting basketball this season," said Barrios.
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