November 1, 2021
The East Central Community College men's basketball team has a talented roster in 2021-2022 and hopes that the skill results in some exciting play in Brackeen-Wood this season. ECCC posted a 4-12 record last season while finishing 3-11 in division play. The team competed in the NJCAA Region 23 tournament and downed Southern University-Shreveport in the opening round, 87-75, before falling to Hinds in the second round in a heartbreaking 69-68 loss to end the year. The Warriors look to take that post-season experience into this season and build off the foundation that was laid in the spring.
The Warriors will be led by a trio of sophomores from last season in Demajion Topps, David Berry, and Matthew Mackey. Topps was ECCC's leading scorer a year ago as he poured in 17.5 points per game, and the Warriors are expecting much of the same from the sophomore this year. Berry is a player that brings loads of energy to the floor, plays his hardest every day, and is expected to be a leader this season, while Mackey is a talented returner that learned a lot from last season. The sophomore has improved since arriving in Decatur as he has become adjusted to the speed of the game. Avery Richards joins this group as a returner as he is coming off an injury last season. He has shown that he has recovered and is expected to play a key role at down low for the Warriors and defensively as well.
"We look for our sophomore guys to be leaders in general, not just in their play, but in our team's mindset," said ECCC head coach Rahim Lockhart. "I'm looking for these guys to show sacrifice, maximum effort on the floor during games and in practice, and maximum focus throughout the season."
Joining the group of returners is a pile of freshmen with loads of talent in multiple areas of play. Jelani Clark is a D1 transfer from Nevada. The Warriors are expecting his playing experience to show on the floor on both ends of the court. Christopher Keys is another talented player in multiple facets of the game. The dandy-dozen player brings lots of energy to the court and has a much-improved three-pointer in his arsenal. Damian McKnight is a versatile freshman that can see action from all over the floor, ranging from the 2 spot all the way to the 5, and looks to be a playmaker, especially in transition.
James Granger is knockdown that shooter that looks to utilize his high basketball IQ to find the best shots and is expected to be an impact scorer for the Warriors from the outside. Anthony Richards is a lengthy, versatile forward that will be a great offensive asset, but an even more important piece on the defensive end of the floor. Antwan Hatten is a big-body player that has the athleticism to not only play multiple positions but play nearly any sport. Hatten looks to bring intensity to the floor and find ways to get points. John Woods is another talented freshman joining the squad this season that looks to make an immediate impact, while Trey McMullan joins the Warriors lineup as a player with a strong work ethic and focus and is already proving to be a leader of the team.
Tynerious Daniels is yet another dandy-dozen talent out of high school that will settle into a key piece of the Warrior attack. Lamarius James joins the team this season as a quick-footed player that can use his speed and toughness to be a scorer and a nuisance to any opposing offense. Tyrel Thames rounds out the new members of the Warriors in 2021. Thames has adjusted to the speed of the game from high school very quickly and is a player that will bring lots of energy to the court.
"My is hope is that this freshman class brings the talent that I know they have to the floor because this group is special," said coach Lockhart. "I expect them to look up to our sophomore guys and have that same effort and focus that they bring to this program every day."
The MACCC men's teams, just like our women, will play in an 'open-state' format this season with the Warriors playing every MACCC team one time, as opposed to rotating through the south division with home/away series.
"The format doesn't change our preparation, but it does change a lot for us in the sense that we can sell and show off our program state-wide, which could help our recruiting in the future," said Lockhart.
The Warriors are a fast, physical team that looks to play advantage-disadvantage basketball by scoring in transition and playing with lots of speed as they capitalize on defensive rebounds. The Warriors look to utilize pick and rolls and force mismatches on the offensive end to set up downhill plays with pace. Pair this high-energy, attacking offense with some dangerous shooters on the outside, and ECCC is prone to be a team to put up points and wear down the opposition.
ECCC opens up home play this Thursday, November 6 as the team plays host to the Royal Ambassadors in Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
