Ezeigbo, Flakes, Earn TCCC Honors

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Eastern Nazarene College junior center Chima Ezeigbo (Roanoke, Va.) enjoyed a very strong individual week, as he averaged 17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 blocked shots and 1.7 steals per game over three contests, while shooting a stellar 72% from the field (23-of-32). Ezegibo hit eight of 12 field goal attempts in both of ENC’s first two games of the week. He just missed a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds in a 94-80 loss to Drew in the week’s opening game, but he followed with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double in a 73-57 triumph over Mitchell. Ezegibo closed out the week with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting along with seven rebounds in a last-second 58-55 loss to undefeated New England College. 

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK – Eastern Nazarene College freshman forward John Flakes (Boston, Mass.) averaged 14.3 points and 7.7 rebounds over a week in which the Lions posted a 1-2 weekly record. He collected 17 points and six rebounds in a 94-80 loss to Drew, recorded 14 points and six boards in a 73-57 victory over Mitchell, and crafted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in a last-second 58-55 setback to New England College. Over the week, Flakes shot a strong 62% from the field (16-of-26) and 73% from the line (11-of-15). 


Note: To view the complete news release, please visit http://www.thecommonwealthcoastconference.com/sports/releases1011/dec6.pdf .

Running Diary: ENC vs. NEC

Today's Starting Lineups:

For New England College:
Shane Hennessey
Andrew MacDonald
Spencer Marzouk
Joe Faragher
Jason Minerve

ENC Starters:
DeAngelo Alston
Aaron Johnson
Johnny Atwater
John Flakes
Chima Ezeigbo

(4:05) We are underway. Ezeigbo wins the tip but ENC quickly turns the ball over.

(4:08) Quick start for Ezeigbo, he's on a 5-0 run by himself. 5-0 ENC, 18:00 to go in the half.

(4:11) After a Flakes jumper from 15 feet out, ENC is up 7-0, and NEC calls the first time out of the game. 16:29 left in the half.

(4:15) Both teams disgruntled over fouls on their bigs on illegal screens. Both looked clean and the one against Ezeigbo seemed to be a make up call. NEC has come out of their timeout with an 8-0 run. 8-7 NEC, 14:25 1st Half.

(4:24) NEC is on a good string defensively. ENC has 4 points ever since NEC called a timeout after the 7-0 ENC run to start the game. Timeout ENC 18-11 NEC, over 9 minutes left.

(4:34) After being able to cut the deficit to 6, ENC has struggled to score. 27-19 NEC, with 4 to go.

(4:37) ENC is extending their defensive pressure on the basketball. Forced NEC to call a timeout in one possession.

(4:45) NEC played good defense throughout the half, hold ENC to . ENC has also played adequet defense, but haven't been able to get anything, other than their 7-0 run to start the game, together offensively. The referee crew has been poor at best, on both sides so it doesn't excuse ENC's play. No consistency, both coach's have had words with them. At the half NEC is up 32-22.

ENC's leading scorer in the half were John Flakes and C.J. Gonzales, who had 10 each. ENC was held to 29% shooting.  NEC didn't shoot particularly well either 36%. The difference is NEC's 43% behind the arc equaling 18 points, to ENC's 0-10 behind the arc.

(5:00) We're off and running in the second half. Trading baskets thus far, 37-26 NEC, 18:00 to play.

(5:05) Two quick fouls on Aaron Johnson, gives him 4 fouls on the game and a seat on the bench. The first was an absolute embarrassment of a call. Johnson was called for a charge when the defender prematurely flopped, creating little to no contact. The second was a tick tack call as he was defending a drive.

(5:15) An intentional foul was called against NEC. Chima went 1-2 at the line and hit a hook shot to cut the lead to 6. Timeout NEC, 45-39 NEC, 11:20 left.

(5:19) Three missed opportunities for ENC. After forcing 3 turnover they failed to capitalize on the offensive end. The score remains 45-39 NEC, 9 minutes left.

(5:20) A missed NEC shot and ENC comes down the courts to find John Cramer hit a 3 pointer in the corner, right in front of his bench. Timeout NEC, 45-42 NEC, 8:36 left in regulation.

(5:25) Aaron Johnson hits a 3 to tie, NEC come back down and hits a layup. Ezeigbo went to the line and went 1-2. 47-46 NEC, 6 to play.

(5:29) John Flakes gives ENC their first lead since 7-6. 48-47 ENC, 4:28 left.

(5:33) NEC takes the lead back by two after a three, ENC comes down and Cramer hits yet another big 3. An ENC steal gave them a 2 on 1 fast break that ended with a Flakes layup, assisted by Alston. Timeout NEC, 53-50 ENC, 2:37 left.

(5:35) NEC goes on a 5-0 run. Take a 2 point lead. 55-53 NEC, 26 ticks left.

(5:38) DeAngelo drives to the hoop, get fouled, and hit two clutch free throws. 55's all, 15 seconds in regulation.

(5:42) After a pair of turnover's NEC has the ball with 1.4 left in the game. Andrew MacDonald hits a game winning 3 as time expires. 58-55, final, NEC.

ENC Classic: Day 2

New England College defeated Lancaster Bible 75-53 last night and will meet Eastern Nazarene in the championship round of the ENC Classic at 4 p.m.

The consolation game is being played right now between Lancaster Bible and Mitchell College, who was defeated by the Lions last night 73-57. We have just under 16 minutes left in regulation with Lancaster Bible out in front 49-28.

Most of the ENC roster is suited up and spectating the consolation game behind the Lancaster bench. DeAngelo Alston said the team is "ready to go." Alston was also poking fun at assistant coach Ricardo Jean-Noel, who made his coaching debut last night, saying that his pregame speech was riveting and "pumped me up."

No red blazer for coach Jim Aller today. If you look back to last night's running diary you'll see a comparison to Bruce Pearl in turns of his game apparel.

New England College enter this evening game undefeated at 6-0. The Pilgrims haven't faced the toughest of competition but they did defeat Suffolk who beat ENC in the season opener. NEC's leading scorer is senior captain Joe Faragher. The North Ridgeville native is averaging 12.7 points a game and had 6 points and 10 rebounds last night against Lancaster.

Sophomore Aaron Johnson comes in as the Lions leading scorer, at a tune of 15.5 a game.

The consolation game is all but over. With a bit over 2 minutes in the game Lancaster Bible has a commanding 81-59 lead.

We have a final in the consolation game between Lancaster Bible and Mitchell College. The Chargers of Lancaster defeated Mitchell 85-61. ENC vs. NEC up next. 4:10 tip.

Starting lineups for the ENC game will be coming soon.

ENC is out and warming up:

ENC vs. Mitchell Game Story

The Eastern Nazarene men’s basketball team took control early in the opening game of the ENC Classic and never looked back as they registered a 73-57 victory.

ENC came out with an 8-0 run, after Mitchell sunk the first two shots of the game. The Lions were able to obtain a double-digit lead with 4:27 left in the first half and kept the lead throughout the rest of the half as the Lions head into the locker room with a 40-27 advantage.

A string of plays broke the game open in the second half as freshman forward Johnny Flakes was able to dunk the ball in transition after a pass from Chima Ezeigbo. Ezeigbo was able to block a shot that created a transition three pointer by Aaron Johnson. Another Mitchell turnover turned into a John Cramer lay up and a commanding 58-39 lead for ENC.

Ezeigbo was able to attain his fifth double-double of the season, collecting 19 points, on 8 for 12 shooting, and 10 rebounds. Johnson tacked in a game high 20 points, and Flakes contributed to the winning effort with 14 points.

Mitchell College had four players in double figures. Leading the way was Julio Contreras with 12, scoring 11 was Tim Quinn and Alex Del Rio, and while Patrick Nielson had 10.

Eastern Nazarene will play the winner of New England College and Lancaster Bible, in the championship game, at 4 p.m.

Running Diary: ENC vs. Mitchell

(4:23 P.M.) Welcome to tonight's running diary updating you scores and highlights from the annual ENC Men's Basketball Tournament. ENC will face off against Mitchell at 6, followed by TCCC foe New England College versus Lancaster Bible.

Few thoughts before the day gets under way. ENC is trying to rebound after a disastrous defensive game against Drew. The Lions gave up 94 points to Drew, a season high. Look for them to come out much stronger on the defensive side of the ball.

DeAngelo Alston will suite up tonight after missing Tuesday night's game against Drew. Alston suffered a minor ankle injury against St. Joe's (NY) last Saturday and didn't play Tuesday for precautionary reasons.

Alston shot around earlier in the day, around 4:00 P.M., and looked focused and ready to go.

(5:20 P.M.) A friendly game a horse before pregame lines.

(5:30 P.M.) A little bit of news tonight. Making his debut as Assistant Coach for the Lions is former Crusader basketball player (05-07) Ricardo Jean-Noel.

(5:45 P.M.) It doesn't look like we're starting at 6. Mitchell has yet to arrive to ENC. After a 30 minute shoot around the Lions have gone to the locker room.

(5:52 P.M.) An update on tip-off. Mitchell just arrive on campus and are currently in the visitor's locker room. A NEW START TIME OF 6:20.

(6:05 P.M.) ENC Starter's for tonight:
1- DeAngelo Alston
2- Aaron Johnson
3- Johnny Atwater
4- John Flakes
5- Chima Ezeigbo

Note: Coach Jim Aller is sporting a phenomenal Bruce Pearl like suit jacket. It's not orange, obviously, but red. For those of you who don't know Pearl he is the head coach of the Tennessee University Vols, here's a pic. Imagine this jacket but red:

Mitchell Starters:
Mercury Fiske
Julio Contreras
Tim Quinn
Tre Brooks
Tyler Blier

Mitchell let back 5 players due to injuries and other undisclosed reasons. The Mariners come into tonight's contest sporting a 1-5 record. The Lions are 3-3 on the year.

(6:25) And away we go. Game time. After a 4-0 run for Mitchell to start the game ENC has responded with a 8-0 run of their own. Mitchell has taken a full time out with 16:19 in the 1st half.

A monster dunk, and one, by Chima. Made layup. DeAngelo stole the ball and proceeded to take it himself for the layup. 17-10 ENC.

Good stretch for ENC on both ends of the courts, highlighted by an Aaron Johnson steal and one layup in transition. 36-23 ENC,  4:27 left in the half.

We're at the half 40-27 ENC.  Efficient offense by the Lions, they are looking good in both the half court and transition. Good half overall, could have been better. Both Aaron Johnson and John Flakes have 10 points to lead the Lions at the half.

(7:15) The second half is underway as ENC posses the ball. ENC starts off the half with 6 to Mitchell's 3. Mitchell takes a timeout as the 6 ENC points are from layups.

A string of highlight plays. Flakes showed good hands deflecting a pass, which Chima ended up with. Chima with a great outlet to Flakes to start a transition that ended with a Flakes dunk. Mitchell's next possession was halted by a vicious swat by Chima. A Johnson 3 followed by another Mitchell turnover, which lead to a layup opportunity for John Cramer, and we have a full timeout by Mitchell. 58-39 ENC, 12:24 left in the game.

Mitchell is on a 7-0 run, which should be 9-0 but Alex Del Rio, a Mitchell guard, missed a breakaway lay up. 58-46 ENC, 9:43 in the half.

The scoring drought, and Mitchell run is over, Aaron Johnson with yet another ENC layup.

Minor fright, DeAngelo took was up and took a spill around half court. He retained possession and called a timeout, and walk off the court with no noticeable limp. Alston has had foot troubles before. 64- 50 ENC, 5:38 left in regulation.

ENC is in the midst of a 12-4 run, putting an end to a comeback. 70-50 ENC, 2:15 left in the game. Should be able to ride this game out. As I'm typing the 5 bench players enter the game for ENC. Looks like Coach Aller is comfortable with this lead. 1:30 to go.

Corban Clinkscale enters the game with 47 seconds left to a standing ovation from the crowd. It was a Scal like moment.

It's all over here at ENC, 73-57 final ENC. Post game notes to come.

Chima collected his 5th double-double of the season, 19 points and 10 boards.
Aaron Johnson had a game high 20 points.
Johnny Flakes contributed with 14 points.

Good performance by ENC, still plenty to work on. I'm sure coach Aller will find enough material in the game tape. ENC is 4-3 on the year, their best start in quite some time. In the end a win, is a win, is a win, and you can't complain about that.

Imbeaux Out

By: Juan Rivera

(Quincy, Mass.) J.J Imbeaux had quite a short stint, six games, as the assistant coach of the Lions. After being hired days before the season opener Imbeaux resigned from his position on Wednesday. The reasoning of his parting is unknown for right now.


The players were informed of his departure just before practice time Wednesday.


Maybe coaching basketball wasn't Imbeaux's calling. From what I know of J.J. it very well may be soccer. For those of you who didn't know he was quite the soccer player. Imbeaux played basketball and soccer in high school at Fort Zumwalt North in St. Louis, Mo, but excelled at soccer. 

He continued his soccer playing career at St. Louis University, where he received his bachelor's degree in 2003 in international business/marketing. While at St. Louis, his team won Conference USA titles in all 4 years of his career. He also garnered first team all conference and all region honors his sophomore and junior years.[ENC Athletic Site]

Imbeaux then went on to play professional soccer on three continents, including Malmo, Sweden, where his team finished second in the league; Australia, where he captained the Brisbane Strikers and won the country's championship at the highest level; and South Korea, where he played for the Pusan I'con's and was the league's fourth-leading scorer while winning a championship there as well. He finished his playing career in Moscow, Russia, where he played in several European Cup matches and was a part of two championship squads there.[ENC Athletic Site]

I'll make sure to post if I hear of any confirmed reason of why Imbeaux left. If your at all interested hear is his twitter page: J.J. Imbeaux

Off on the Right Foot

Weeks before the men’s basketball season tipped off head coach Jim Aller was asked about the direction of the program. Aller’s response was, “Our overall competitive level is much higher in practices than last year. To be where we want to be as a program we must start with being competitive and good things will happen.”

Through the first six games of the 2010-2011 campaign ENC basketball has been just that, competitive. Their compete level has been high thus far, resulting in a three game winning streak, the program‘s first such streak since 2004, and a 3-3 overall record.

The formula to their early season success has been simple. If each individual player brings a game like climate to practice, and accepts their role, the hard work and team play will translate on game days.

Coach Aller still has a young team on his hands. Of the 16 players on the roster, 10 are underclassmen, which makes it hard on the coaching staff to get through to every player. Hence, why teams regularly have captains at the college level.

There are times where a peer can get through, or set an example, better than a coach. Johnny Atwater and DeAngelo Alston are both taking the responsibility in stride and more importantly are well respected within the locker room.

Atwater, known as Aquaman by his teammates, is the type of player every coach clamors for. For one, he’s talented, he’s coachable, which is a tremendous asset nowadays, a hard worker, a diligent student of the game, and his aura commands respect.

“Johnny is who he is,” say Aller, “He leads by example. He provides so much for us on the court.”

Alston is the vocal one of the two. Even when he was sidelined Alston would attentively watch practices and shout out instruction, especially to the guards, and even pull players aside, no matter the position, to let him know right from wrong.

ENC fell 94-80 against Drew University on November 30th, a game where Alston was sidelined due to a minor ankle injury (to the opposite foot from the stress fracture that forced him to miss all of 2009-2010...ENC, you may now exhale) suffered at St. Joe’s (NY) three days prior.

80 points is 80 points and many may look at the score and say “we gave up 94, we just didn’t show up on defense”, which is true, but the lack of a true point guard on the court miffed our chances of a second half comeback.

Don’t underestimate the duties of a point guard. A PG directs traffic, puts his teammates in positions to succeed, reads defenses, and much more. Alston is a gifted offensive mind that was sorely missed against Drew.

Two weeks into the season and the team is off on the right foot. Six games, six competitive games, which puts the program on track. ENC will host their Annual Men’s Basketball Tournament this coming Friday and Saturday, then it's off to southern California.

Rangers Pull Away Late to Come Out With Road Win

ENC Athletic Site: Published: 2010-11-30

Drew University and Eastern Nazarene College exchanged blows throughout Tuesday night’s non-conference men’s basketball game but in the final eight minutes, Drew was able to pull away and leave ENC’s Lahue PE Center with the 94-80 victory.

After being ahead just three at halftime, Drew was overcome by a stretch of impressive play by the hosting Lions that tied the game at 57 apiece midway through the second period. Ranger freshman Luke Glass stepped up and hit two three pointers that gave his team a six point lead that they would stretch out to their eventually winning margin of 14 points.

Drew was led by junior guard Asmar Capers who scored a game high 28 points. Capers also dished out 8 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds. Sophomore Terrell Brown tied for the game lead in rebounds with nine while also chipping in 15 points of his own. Glass and senior Kyle Joyce contributed to the offense with 14 and 13 points respectively.

For the Lions, post players Chima Ezeigbo and John Flakes continued their dominating inside play scoring 17 points each to lead the offense and Ezeigbo pulled in 8 rebounds while Flakes gathered 6. Sophomore Aaron Johnson grabbed 9 rebounds to go with his 11 points while teammate C.J. Gonzales scored 10 points.

The Lions will look to get their winning streak re-started this weekend as they host a tournament at ENC involving New England College, Lancaster Bible College and Mitchell College. The Lions will play their first game of the two-day event on Friday at 6pm against Mitchell College.