Both Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams Battling for Region XIX Supremacy

The pairings for the National Junior College Athletic Association Region XIX Men’s and Women’s Basketball playoffs have been announced and both ECC teams will take to the road this Thursday, February 23.

The Wolverines Men’s team, with a Region XIX 3 seed, will visit second seeded Lackawanna (Scranton, PA) with tipoff at 7 p.m. The 13-13 team is coached by Bobbie Morgan.

The 17-8 Women’s team earned a 4 seed and will travel to Harcum College (Bryn Mawr, PA) for a 6 p.m. start time. The Lady Wolverines are coached by Anthony Green.

“I’m glad to see our student-athletes continue to perform at a high level, both on and off the court,” said Dr. Keith Kirkland, Dean of Student Affairs.  

“We are extremely proud of our student-athletes for their dedication on the court and in the classroom. Their successes this season continue to build on the proud traditions of both programs here at Essex County College. We wish both teams the best of luck heading into the Region 19 Tournament,” said Athletic Director Michael Doughtie.

Fresh off a 103-78 win over Delaware Tech on Saturday, the Men are riding a three game winning streak. They are led in scoring by sophomores Jaheim Lewis (18.3 points a game) and Pascal Dodard (15.8 points). Freshman Koi Kirk, Jr. leads the team with nearly 10 rebounds a game. 

The Women have won their last two games, including a 69-56 triumph at Chesapeake CC last Friday. 

The team has received balanced scoring this year with four players in double figures. Freshman Naomi Lucca leads the way with an 11.6 points per average. Sophomore Mia Martinez is next with 11.4 points, followed by her twin sister Ania Martinez, who chips in with 10.3 points a game. Freshman Ja’Laiyah Smith scores at a 10.2 points a game clip. Naomi and Ja’Laiyah both average nine rebounds a game.  

The Region XIX championship games will be played on Saturday, February 25 at the home of the higher seeded team.