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Men's Basketball—Archive 

2008-09 Season

Season Record: 28-5
Conference Record: 13-1

*Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Champions (clinched Feb. 17)

All-Region IV first team: Marcale Marshall (Rich South)
All-Region IV tournament first team: Roy Beard (Rich Central) and Krystopher Randolph (Brother Rice)
All-Region IV Player of the Year: Beard
All-Conference first team: Beard, Marshall and Randolph
All-Conference second team: Durelle Garmon (Prosser Vocational) and Kodahmus Llongbey (Summit Prep)
Conference Player of the Year: Marshall
Conference Coach of the Year: Dedrick Shannon

* Denotes Conference Game

September 4, 2009
Tryouts for 2009-10 season

Tryouts for the men's basketball team have been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the gym. If you have any questions, call head coach Dedrick Shannon at (708) 974-5461 or e-mail shannond5@morainevalley.edu.

June 9, 2009
Another top recruit for 2009-10 season

The men’s basketball roster continues to develop in the off-season as head coach Dedrick Shannon picked up another top player.

Willowbrook High School product Kyler Market is set to start classes and his college ball career at Moraine Valley in the fall. The 6-5 wing guard/forward averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game. Market was a four-year varsity starter and all-time leading scorer at Willowbrook with 993 points in his high school career. He also was an All-Conference and All-Area player.

May 1, 2009
Cyclones’ center plays in national all-star game

For the first time, an athlete from Moraine Valley’s men’s basketball team took part in the National Junior College Athletic Association all-star game in Odessa, Texas, on April 25. Sophomore Roy Beard was voted by coaches in each region to play in this game, which pitted the NJCAA Division I against Division II all-stars. The 6-foot-8 center finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the night.

“I think the opportunity in itself was a great deal of exposure for Roy and of course Moraine Valley. Moraine Valley has always had a rich tradition in basketball, and we’re just trying to piggy back off Bill Finn’s success and continue down the road he's paved. I'd like to thank Bill, who played a huge role in getting this done for Roy and Moraine Valley,” said head basketball coach Dedrick Shannon.

Beard is transferring to Robert Morris College to continue his education and play basketball.


Newest Cyclone invited to elite basketball camp

New transfer Dwight Mc Combs is joining the men’s basketball team for the 2009-10 season, but not before he attends the Top 120 JUCO Camp, a basketball camp for the top junior college players in the country.

Mc Combs is only the second player from Moraine Valley to get an invitation to this elite camp, which showcases the best junior college sophomores (Division I-III) in the country. Larry Woods III, who was a Cyclone from 2006 to 2008, was the first to go to the camp.

The camp is hosted by Jerry Mullen, who is generally considered the nation’s foremost junior college scout, and is held in July at Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma.

April 27, 2009
Team welcomes transfer star for 2009-10 season

The Cyclones narrowly missed advancing to the national tournament in March, but are looking for an even better showing next season after the acquisition of a power forward/center transferring from Miami of Ohio University.

Chicago native Dwight Mc Combs is heading to Moraine Valley this fall, and head coach Dedrick Shannon believes this strong athlete will step up in the absence of the Cyclones’ three top transferring sophomores and add to an already skilled team.

“He’ll be an impact player right away with the potential of being one of Moraine Valley’s greats,” Shannon said.
 

March 12, 2009
Emotional loss for 'Clones
 
Too many turnovers and nerves may have been factors in a heartbreaking loss for the top-seeded Moraine Valley’s men’s basketball team in the NJCAA Region IV Division II championship game as the Cyclones fell 68-74 to Morton College. Although the Cyclones came up short in the title match, the season was exceptional.

Moraine Valley clinched the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Championship Feb. 17 and was rolling on an 11-game winning streak going into the title game. The Cyclones were expected to win and get into the national tournament, and that may have been a factor in their downfall, said head coach Dedrick Shannon. “We picked the wrong day to play our worst game of the year. We turned over the ball 34 times. Just the fact that we turned over that many times and were still in the game is a miracle,” Shannon said. “I don’t know if the players were nervous because it was the first time they were on a playing stage with that many spectators, or there was pressure because we were the number one team and Morton had nothing to lose. There were so many things. Nonetheless, I don’t take anything away from the team. It was an incredible feat what the men did this season. We didn’t win the title this year, but there’s always next year.”

The Cyclones were down by 9 with 23 minutes left in the game and tied it with a minute left to play. Morton, however, rallied to capture the crown. “Our kids were warriors, but it’s one of those games where you hate to be on the losing end,” Shannon said. “I’m disappointed, but not incredibly so because they did wonderful and worked their butts off; I have nothing bad to say. We had a great year.”

The finale to an otherwise outstanding season was not ideal, but Shannon was pleased with his team’s accomplishments. The Cyclones ended the season with a 28-5 overall record, a 13-1 conference record, and topped the conference for the first time since 2002.

For their hard work several players garnered region and conference awards this season. Marcale Marshall was named to the All-Region IV first team and Roy Beard and Krystopher Randolph were named to the All-Region IV tournament first team. Beard was also named All-Region Player of the Year. All-Conference first team honors went to Beard, Marshall and Randolph while second team honors went to Durelle Garmon and Kodahmus Llongbey. Conference Player of the Year was Marshall and Conference Coach of the Year was Shannon.

Three Cyclone sophomores will be furthering their education and basketball careers at other four-year colleges, the aforementioned being an important goal Shannon has for all his players. Beard is set to attend Robert Morris College, while Marshall and Garmon have several scholarship offers to choose from.

Seven players are expected to return for the 2009-10 season, as well as some incoming talented recruits. “We’re going to be pretty good next year,” Shannon said. “They’re ready for redemption, so they’ll be a little hungrier. I’ll keep reminding them.”

Feb. 27, 2009
Cyclones rise in the ranks

The Cyclones are climbing the ranks of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II polls. As of Feb. 24 the men’s team was ranked in the top 15 teams for the second straight week. The Cyclones are 12th out of 122 teams, up from 14th last week.

After a crushing 110-35 win over College of Lake County College Feb. 26, the Cyclones will continue their quest in the semi-finals of the Region IV (District B) championship against Prairie State College on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Triton College.

Feb. 20, 2009
Cyclones win conference championship; next up regionals
 
Being crowned Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Champions was a surprise to many outsiders, but now Moraine Valley’s men’s basketball team is looking for nothing less than a trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) tournament—but the road won’t be easy. They first have to claim a second title—the Region IV championship.

The Cyclones clinched the championship with a 68-61 win Feb. 17 against Elgin Community College. The men’s team last topped the conference in 2002. Moraine Valley’s women’s basketball team also secured their conference championship Feb. 12 with a 55-47 win against Oakton Community College. The last time both teams won a conference championship in the same season was 1998.
 
“A conference championship is always expected on my part, but from everyone else it wasn't. We weren’t picked to finish well by other NJCAA coaches,” said head coach Dedrick Shannon. “I’m excited though. It’s my first 20-plus win season and conference championship while coaching at Moraine Valley. I’m excited for the school and the kids. I’m happy as can be.”

The Cyclones are 13-1 in conference and 26-4 overall. Regional playoffs begin Feb. 26. After clinching the crown, the team finally broke into the NJCAA Division II top 15-team ranking. As of Feb. 18 the men’s team was ranked 14th in the national poll, out of 122 teams. Several players also currently hold high rankings in the NJCAA Division II. Guards Krystopher Randolph and Kodahmus Llongbey are ranked 3rd and 9th, respectively, for their 3-point percentage. The 6-8 forward/center Roy Beard is not surprisingly ranked 2nd in rebounds per game, 18th in individual blocks per game and 4th for his field goal percentage. Guards Marcale Marshall and Randolph are 2nd and 47th, respectively, as assist leaders. Randolph is also the 25th individual leading scorer.

Although there is plenty of individual talent, the key to this successful season was a team effort. “Marshall and Randolph have great leadership qualities. Beard and Durelle Garmon have stepped up as sophomores. But we’re a much better team when all the individuals on the team come together,” Shannon said.

With a stellar season under their belt and some intense competition ahead the Cyclones are ready for the next step.

“I think we caught some people off guard this season. Now we’re motivated to go to the national championship, especially since Moraine Valley’s athletic director is being inducted into the NJCAA Basketball Hall of Fame during that game,” Shannon said. “It’d be an unsuccessful season if we don’t get to nationals. We can do it, but it’s not going to be easy because everyone’s gunning for us. Hopefully this will be the year.”

Jan. 5, 2009
Cyclones riding high into second half of season

With several win streaks and an 11-2 record, the Cyclones look to continue their winning ways in the second half of the season.

"So far the season has exceeded my expectations. I think the players have really adjusted to our system rather quickly, and any time you have numerous freshman stepping up and playing big always helps," said head coach Dedrick Shannon. "We have six key players who are freshman."

Moraine Valley has crushed a couple teams already this season, winning by more than 30 points. The Cyclones finished the first half of their season on Dec. 20 with a 92-78 win over Saint Xavier JV. The rest of the season is played almost entirely against Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference teams.

"Looking into the next half of the season we are just going to try and continue to do the things that have gotten us this far. We'll focus on playing hard as we have, playing great team defense, continue playing team ball, and sharing the ball as well on offense. We'll depend on players Roy Beard, Kris Randolph, Marcale Marshall, Kodahmus Llongbey, Durelle Garmon, Kaleb Watts, Dwayne McGhee, Matt Anderson, and Aaron Green," Shannon said.

Moraine Valley will play their first game of 2009 at home Jan. 6 against conference rival Prairie State College.

Oct. 28, 2008
2008-09 team looks to young talent for successful season

They are young and talented, and the 2008-09 Moraine Valley basketball squad members have a lofty goal—winning the conference championship.

“We always want to win 20 games and win conference. Those are common goals each year, along with making sure they commit to their classes,” said head coach Dedrick Shannon. “We’re young and inexperienced, so it will be difficult, but we’ve got lots of talent.”

The three lone returners to lead the 2008-09 campaign are 6’4” guard/forward Durelle Garmon (Prosser Vocational), 6’8” center/forward from Rich Central Roy Beard, and guard Marcale Marshall (6’0”/Rich South) who sat out last year but is expected to perform.

Transfer guard Christopher Quinn (5’9”/Marist) should see significant playing time this season. Several incoming freshmen also are expected to bring their talents to the court, including 6’0” guard Krystopher Randolph (Brother Rice); Patrick Sullivan, a 6’1” guard from Oak Forest; 6’4” forward Kaleb Watts, a Rich South graduate; guard Kodahmus Llongbey (6’2”/Summit Prep); James Hayes, a 5'11” forward from Mt. Carmel; 6’0” George Washington guard David Baez; Scott Lyons, a 6’3” Ridgewood Baptist forward; Homewood-Flossmoor graduate Travis Oscar, 5’11” guard; 6’5” center from Richards, Dwayne McGhee; and Aaron Green, a 6’4” forward from Lockport.

2007-08 Season
Season Record: 12-17
Conference Record: 8-5

* Skyway Conference

2007-08 Season Preview
Moraine Valley men's basketball team aims for nationals this spring

Coming off a 19-win season in 2006-07, Moraine Valley's men’s basketball team is looking to finish the upcoming season with 20 or more wins and earning a spot at the national tournament in March.

"We had a great season last year, and of course we want to improve upon it with an even better showing this season," said head coach Dedrick Shannon. "Our first goal will be to compete for the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championship, and if we can do that, I think we’ll be a major contender in post-season play."

"The talent on this year's team is deep," Shannon said. "We have skill players available at every position that are ready to compete for a conference title."

Contributing to the Cyclones' campaign this year will be second-year starter Larry Woods (Shepard High School, a 6'6" guard/forward who recently was named one of the top 120 junior college players in the nation and a first-team pre-season All-American. Woods, who was the team's leading scorer last season, will be supported by Larrell Gary (Whitney Young High School), a 6'1" second-year guard who will establish his leadership on the floor.  Roy Beard, a 6'8" forward/center who transferred from East Central Oklahoma also is expected to make a big presence under the boards. Outside shooter and steadfast defender Evon Mosby (Rich South), a 6' first-year guard, also will be a key player for the Cyclones this season, as will 6'5" second-year guard/forward Brandon Price (Marist High School) and 6'4" first-year guard/forward Durrelle Garmon (Prosser High School). Additionally, 5'10" first-year guard Julian Ibarra (Reavis High School) will bring a 21 point-per-game high-school average into collegiate play.

Several supporting roles also will be crucial to Moraine Valley's success this year, including the talents of McKinley Bell (Harper High School), a first-year 6'4" guard/forward; Donny Malic (Andrew High School), a second-year 5'9" guard; Scott Erickson (Andrew High School) a second-year 6'2" guard/forward; Dominique Sanders (Eisenhower High School) a first-year 6'2" forward; D'Ron Walker (Evergreen Park), a first-year 6'2" guard/forward; and Rob Sankey (Curie High School), a first-year 5'10" guard.

"We have a solid team this year," Shannon said. "If these kids commit to the team and to their studies, this season will have some real potential."

2006-07 Season Review
Cyclones look to reload this off-season, compete for conference championship in ’08

The men’s basketball team advanced through the playoff round of the Region IV Tournament before being handed a loss by a second-seed tournament team. The Cyclones notched a 19-13 record (7-7 in conference play).

“We had a good season,” said head coach Dedrick Shannon. “Our guys played really hard and I’m impressed with what we’ve done. Next year, with the talent of our sophomores and the help of some incoming freshmen, we’ll have the talent to compete for a conference championship.”

Team members earning post-season recognition included forward Larry Woods (Shepard High School)—first-team All-Region IV and first-team All-Conference; forward John Chimino (Marist High School)—first-team All-Conference; and guard Mahmood Ghouleh (Reavis High School)—second-team All-Conference.