College of St. Joseph's Sweep Basketball Titles

Women:

College of St. Joseph’s   72              

SMCC        67        

Men:

College of St. Joseph’s         73    

SMCC                                     67    OT

Concord, NH: The College of St. Joseph’s women’s basketball team jumped out to an early lead and then hung on to defeat Southern Maine CC 72-67 to capture the YSCC Elite 8 Basketball Tournament championship. 

CSJ had to withstand a furious SMCC rally and serious foul trouble that plagued the Fighting Saints the entire second half to garner the championship. In addition to the championship, CSJ earned the automatic bid to the USCAA national tournament in Uniontown, Pa March 3-7.

The Saints were paced by a balanced scoring attack led by Jazz Laracuente’s 18 points, Chntavia Kennedy and Regina Steele both chipping in with 17 points along with 9 points from Jamie McLaughlin. Steele also grabbed 17 rebounds for the victors.

SMCC was led by Amira Jones 21 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. SMCC’s Jordan Turner scored 9 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for the Seawolves.

Women’s Special Awards

Outstanding offensive player: Amira Jones—SMCC

Outstanding Defensive player: Regina Steele—St. Joe’s

MVP: Chontayvia Kennedy—St. Joe’s

The men’s championship was decided in overtime with the College of St. Joseph’s 73-67 defeating SMCC to capture the YSCC Elite 8 Tournament championship.

CSJ’s Steven Edwards scored 14 points over a 6 minute stretch late in the second half to help the Saints erase the 6 point Seawolves lead and ultimately change the momentum of the game.

Leading the way for CSJ was Edwards with 21 points including 6 three pointers, Kashean Alston scoring 16 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, Kyle Houston contributing 15 points and 5 assists and Josh McAfee adding 10 points and 6 assists.

SMCC was led by fine performances from Atencio Martin with 22 points and 15 rebounds, Tyheem Simon scoing 19 points and Chase Soares chipping in with 10 points.

CSJ receives the automatic USCAA national bid to the championships in Uniontown, PA March 3-7.

Special Awards:

 Oustanding Offensive Player: Tyheem Simon –SMCC

Outstanding Defensive Player: Kashean Alston—CSJ

MVP: Dre Anderson--CSJ