By Rob Potter
LOCH SHELDRAKE — February 15, 2005 – The Sullivan County Community College Generals just keep rolling along.
On Sunday afternoon at Paul Gerry Fieldhouse, SCCC recorded its sixth victory in a span of nine days with an 82-59 win over visiting Hostos Community College.
Excellent outside shooting by freshman guard Everage Richardson helped SCCC build a double-digit advantage in the first seven minutes of the game. The Generals then gradually extended their lead over the Caimans in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XV game.
Richardson hit four 3-pointers in the first half, which helped SCCC hold a 43-32 advantage at the intermission. He added three more “3s” in the second 20 minutes of play.
For the game, Richardson connected on 7-of-11 shots from beyond the arc. He finished the afternoon with a game-high 26 points.
Three other Generals scored in double figures. Kelvin Nelson netted 16 points, Kevin Johnson recorded 15 points and Greg Johnson added 10.
Freshman forward Jon Frasier grabbed 10 rebounds for the Generals.
With the win, SCCC improved its record to 18-4 overall and 13-1 in Region XV play. Hostos CC fell to 16-7 overall and 11-3 in Region XV.
“He can play,” SCCC Coach Chris DePew said of Richardson.
The SCCC helmsman quickly noted that all of the other Generals can play as well.
“I think this was the most important game of the season for us so far,” DePew said. “In this game, you had two of the best teams in Region XV – a 13-1 team facing a 12-2 team. I’m very happy with the way our guys stepped up to the plate. The way they played together was incredible.”
DePew praised Johnson for “playing a great game at the point guard position” and Frasier for “doing a great job in the inside against some bigger kids.”
The seventh year coach was happy with the way the Generals have won those six games in nine days. He also praised the team members for overcome some adversity this season. SCCC began the season with 16 players, but several players are no longer on the squad due to academic problems.
“Now we have nine kids who have really come together as a team,” DePew said. “They care about each other and really play together.”
Wayne Taylor paced the Hostos CC offense with 12 points. Mike Salmanca added 10 points, while Raul Mercedes and George Cotal netted eight points apiece.
“We just lost to a better team,” Hostos CC Coach Robert Holford said. “They outplayed us today. Hats off to Sullivan, they have a great program.”
Notes: The game was halted for about 10 minutes late in the first half when tempers flared following a loose ball situation. As Hostos CC and SCCC players dove to the floor and scrambled for possession of the basketball as it rolled on the court, the battle for the ball got physical and words were exchanged. Players from both benches came onto the court and a few fans left the bleachers and walked onto the floor.
The officials eventually separated the coaches, players and fans and play resumed. No technical fouls were assessed and the rest of the game was played without any similar incidents.
DePew praised the officials for doing a great job of handling the situation. He also lauded the players on both teams for settling down and concentrating on playing basketball for the rest of the contest.
• On Saturday, SCCC defeated SUNY Delhi 74-53 in a non-conference game at Paul Gerry Fieldhouse.
Richardson hit four 3-pointers in the contest and finished with a game-high 21 points.
Frasier recorded a double-double by netting 13 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Johnson added 14 points for the Generals.
• SCCC will be back in action tonight at Paul Gerry Fieldhouse. The Generals are scheduled to host Rockland Community College in a Region XV game. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.