Basketball Season Comes to a Close
The Thomas Nelson men's basketball team went 17-9, finishing on a four-game winning streak.
With wins Saturday and Sunday, the Thomas Nelson's men's basketball team finished the season 17-9, winning its final four games.
"We're on a win streak," coach Chris Moore said of victories over Northern Virginia Community College and Hartford Community College the weekend of Feb. 8-9. "Those were two big wins for us at this point in the season."
The Gators then beat Southside Community College on Feb. 15 and the College of Southern Maryland on Feb. 16. They originally were scheduled to finish the season Feb. 23 at home against Carolina Christian College, but that game was canceled.
"It's been a great season," Moore said. "The guys have said they've learned so much about the game of basketball. Things are starting to process for them. The key to this game is learning how to win together."
Josh Moore led the way for the Gators, averaging more than 25 points a game. Returning players Amari Aklin and Vincent Collins also played huge roles. But their teammates were just as important.
"The buy-in of all of the guys, buying into the culture, the dedication, the selflessness," Coach Moore said are just as important. "Just their overall sacrifice that they put forth to become better basketball players, to win games, but to also build the culture of the program."
That building has the coach looking beyond this season. He's already recruiting for the class of 2020 in the hopes of intensifying existing talent.
"I want to make this environment a very competitive environment, so I'm always looking to find guys who are assets to the program and want to buy into the program," he said.
He said he's been getting interest from players all across the country, which shows the growth of the program in just his second season in charge.
"I always say TNCC basketball is on the rise," Coach Moore said.
The Gators are making a bigger impact on the community, as well. Moore said attendance was up from last year, and he continues to make inroads with local organizations and look for ways to partner with the community.
"Our success is success for the school, ultimately," he said.
The relationship with the community was evident as the team was able to raise, through donations from Bar Louie, friends and family almost $1,500 for a scholarship to honor former player and coach Armand "Ant" Brown.
Women's coach pleased with progress
The women's team hasn't registered as many wins as the men's team, but coach Nedria Ames said the season has "been going well." The Gators earned their second victory of the season by defeating Northern Virginia Community College at home Feb. 8. They also were scheduled to close the season at home Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. against Carolina Christian College but the game was canceled.
"If we give a maximum effort, and don't quit, I'm fine with that," Ames said.
Lack of numbers hurt the team, Ames said. She started the season with 10 players, but finished the season with six. However, there were some surprises, one of which is Lapatrice McFadden from Kecoughtan High School.
"She has a really nice jump shot. She has a really positive can-do attitude," Ames said. "I love coaching her. She probably would have gone to a four-year school if she had not hurt her knee."
Another key player has been Koriana Carter, who played guard for Warwick High School.
"She has really stepped up this season," Ames said. "She's been running point guard for me these last five to six games. That's been a help."
Sisters Ta'Keemah and Ta'Kyrah Barnes from Denbigh, and Nichole Miranda from Peru provided leadership.
"Those young ladies have really held the program together," Ames said.
As with the men, the coach already is looking ahead to the next season.
"We have a good foundation," Ames said. "I think we are one of the best-kept secrets. I, hopefully, have a couple of recruits for next season. I'm excited about that."