Jersey Blues Men’s Basketball Team Secures Third Place in National Tournament

In a triumphant conclusion to an exceptional season, the Brookdale Community College men’s basketball team has clinched the third-place title in the national tournament. This marks a significant achievement for the program and solidifies its status as one of the country’s elite college basketball teams.

After an early setback in the regional championship against Montgomery County, which had handed them their only loss of the season, Brookdale set out to assert their dominance and vie for a repeat national championship.

The quest for redemption for the Jersey Blues began with a decisive 93-76 victory over the #12-seed Hostos Community College Caymans in the first round. In this match, three Jersey Blues players notched double-doubles, laying the foundation for their journey. The team’s triumph continued as they once again faced Montgomery County, this time in the National Championship quarterfinals. Brookdale swiftly turned the tables on their rivals with a dominating performance, signaling their intent to reclaim their top status. Savon Myers led the charge with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Darnell Askew added 20 points and Regan Burke contributing key stats in his time with 11 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. The team jumped out to a 20-6 lead early and never looked back, cruising to a victory with the widest margin of the day, led by 21 points at halftime. This win set the stage for a showdown with the No. 1 seed, Dallas College-North Lake, in the semifinals.

The semifinal match against Dallas College-North Lake was a testament to the competitive spirit of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III tournament. Despite leading by as much as 18 points, Brookdale faced a relentless comeback from Dallas College-North Lake, who erased the deficit to win 79-72, advancing to the championship game and leaving Brookdale to contend for third place.

Undeterred, Brookdale showcased their championship pedigree in the battle for third place against Riverland Community College. With an 86-67 victory, Brookdale’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, with players stepping up across the board to ensure the win. Manny Bell led the scoring with 20 points and four assists, followed closely by Jack Zink, who scored his season-high of 17 points, including an impressive 5-8 from the three-point line. Phillip Byrd also made a significant impact with 16 points and 13 rebounds, contributing to the team’s overall dominance on the court.

The game against Riverland highlighted Brookdale’s offensive efficiency, with a 54% field goal percentage and a remarkable 52.6% from the three-point line. Their defensive prowess was equally on display, setting the tone early and maintaining a commanding lead throughout the game. Despite Riverland’s efforts to bridge the gap, Brookdale’s defense kept them at bay, underscoring the depth and quality of the Brookdale squad.

Head Coach Paul Cisek, reflecting on the season’s success, stated, “This team has shown incredible heart and dedication throughout the season. Finishing third in the nation is a testament to their hard work and talent. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and look forward to continuing this success in the future.”

Finishing with a 29-2 record, the Jersey Blues have demonstrated time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. As they celebrate this significant achievement, Brookdale looks ahead to maintain its winning culture and continue its legacy as a powerhouse in the sport.

For more information on Brookdale Community College’s athletic programs and achievements, please visit Brookdale’s Athletics Website.