Decatur, MS- The East Central Community College Warriors opened their NJCAA basketball season in dominant fashion, defeating Florida Coastal Post Grad 88-55 on November 1, 2024, at Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium. From the opening tip, the Warriors established control, building a 36-20 lead by halftime and extending their advantage in the second half with a powerful 52-point surge.
Connor Rogers led the Warriors with an outstanding performance, scoring a game-high 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2 three-pointers. His precision from the free-throw line, where he went 7-for-8, and his playmaking skills, dishing out six assists, kept the offense fluid and effective. Rogers also pulled down 7 rebounds, demonstrating his all-around contributions to the team.
Fateh Bensalah followed with an impressive 19-point effort, shooting 7-for-13 from the field and converting 5 of his 7 free-throw attempts. His relentless energy on defense earned him three steals, and he added 7 rebounds to cap off a strong night.
The Warriors dominated the boards, outrebounding Florida Coastal 64-32, allowing them to control the game's pace and generate second-chance points. Daniel Zatsepin was a force inside, securing a double-double with 8 points and 11 rebounds. He also contributed 3 assists and 2 steals, underscoring the Warriors' defensive intensity. Tarrell Doby also made his presence felt on the glass, collecting 8 rebounds and chipping in 7 points.
Amare Holmes provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, adding 7 rebounds and a block. Tamarion Jones added depth to the roster, securing 8 rebounds and contributing 6 points, further highlighting East Central's rebounding strength and versatility.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc, hitting only 3 of 22 attempts (13.6%), the Warriors' 45.9% field goal shooting and 54.8% success rate at the free-throw line enabled them to keep the scoreboard moving. Their defense was also on full display, with East Central forcing 16 turnovers and racking up 10 steals, which translated into fast-break opportunities.
This commanding 88-55 victory gives the Warriors a strong start to the season, showcasing their depth, defensive tenacity, and rebounding prowess. With Coach Pringle's leadership, the team looks poised for a promising season.