Catawba Valley Community College

Men's Basketball
Team Highlights

Coach's Corner

3/7/09 CVCC Gets Edged Out In Final Seconds

In Pittsburg, PA, on Saturday, CVCC dropped a heartbreaker in their District playoff game to narrowly miss a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament. The game was tight from start to finish against the Community College of Allegheny County with the score tied at halftime, 45-45. In the second the Bucs were strong as they took advantage of CCAC's turnovers and led by as many as 8 points at one point. Allegheny County fought back to tie the score with 1.5 minutes remaining, then took the lead on point guard Valrviano's 15-foot jumper. The Bucs called a quick time out to set up a final play, but the shot missed its mark as the game 65-67. CCAC goes on to the Elite Eight National Tournament in Ithaca, New York, as CVCC prepares for next season.

The leading scorer for the game was CCAC's Hatten with 22. Bucs in double figures were Ben Poole with 13 and Brian Franklin and Alex Wilson with 11 apiece.

2/27-28/09 Region Tournament Winners

Catawba Valley Community College Buccaneers defended their 2007-2008 Region X Championship title with wins against Caldwell and Davidson Community Colleges. The CVCC Buccaneers defeated Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute with a final score of 75-73. The Buccaneers then went on to beat Davidson County Community College with a final score of 93-92 with Alex Wilson scoring the winning basket in the final seconds of both games.

Team standouts in the Davidson game were Alex Wilson with 29 points, 7 assists and 7 steals, and Anthony Barringer and Brian Franklin with 17 and 16 points respectively.

As 2008-2009 Region X Champions, the team will travel to Pittsburgh, PA to play in the NJCAA III District Championship game on March 7, 2009.

2-21-09 CVCC Beats Davidson County Community College 82-69

In what turned out to be a hotly-contested battle between two conference rivals, CVCC took the lead early in the game and never looked back. The win produces a three-way tie for Tarheel Conference champion (Caldwell CC&TI, Davidson CCC and Catawba Valley CC), all three teams with 6-2 conference records.

Catawba Valley pounded the ball inside where they had the height advantage, while Davidson connected from beyond the three point line. At the end of the first half CVCC had a 42-37 lead. CVCC capitalized on a hard full-court press in the first half and converted many DCCC Storm turnovers into easy baskets. CVCC's defense was crucial in the first half, but the use of multiple zone defenses in the second gave Davidson even more difficulty.

Buccaneer Brian Franklin led all scorers with 23 points while Anthony Barringer added 14. Storm players in double figures were Geter with 20 and Cowan with 10.

CVCC will host the Region X Tournament starting Thursday at 6 pm but CVCC will not play until Friday night against, of all teams....CALDWELL!

2/16/09 CVCC vs Clinton Junior College

Our Buccaneers stepped it up a notch Monday night as they defeated Division 1 Clinton Junior College in a non-conference thriller. The Bucs led for the entire first half and were up 46-28 at the buzzer. The second half found more of the same as the stingy CVCC zone defense rejected the Clinton Bears' attempts to get back into the game. Finally when CVCC was up by 26 points the Bears came charging back with deep three point shots and an aggressive full court press that produced CVCC turnovers. But the Bucs were able to outlast the Bears' attempts to win by a score of 77 to 72. Leading scorers for the game were CVCC's Alex Wilson and Clinton's CJ Wilkerson, both with 16 points. The win puts CVCC at 14-9 overall and 5-2 in conference play. The game against Rockingham Community College scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled due to Rockingham inadequate number of players. CVCC will play at home on Saturday at 2:00 against Davidson County Community College in a match-up to determine the conference title.

2/13/09 CVCC Buccaneers Outlast the Cougars of Central Carolina CC

The Buccaneers used a strong inside game and were able to force multiple turnovers with their full court press to overcome Central Carolina's phenomenal outside shooting, coming up with the win at Central Carolina Friday night, 108-98. CVCC fought back from an early 15 point deficit to reach a slim halftime lead of 59-57. Center Samson Cleare for the Bucs led all scorers with 40 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Danny Wallace had 25 and Brian Franklin had 15 points and 10 assists. CVCC's record now stands at 13-9 overall and 5-2 in conference. Their next game will be a non-conference matchup against Clinton Jr. College at home on Monday night.

2/8/09 CVCC Men's Basketball vs Central Carolina Community College

The CVCC Buccaneers shut down the Central Carolina Cougars 90-79 on Sunday afternoon at the Bucs arena in a Tarheel Conference match-up.

CVCC came out hot and jumped to at 16-2 lead in the first three minutes and led the remainder of the game. By half, CVCC was up 44 to 33 with both teams getting key players in foul trouble. In the second half the Bucs exploited their height advantage and dominated inside while the Cougars found pay dirt behind the arc. Central Carolina came within 4 points with 5 minutes remaining but CVCC regrouped to regain the spread and win by 11 points.

Central Carolina's Adrian Jones led all scorers with 24 points while McCarthy and Harrington had 15 each. CVCC's Marcus Shaw led the Buc's scoring with 22 followed by Anthony Barringer and Samson Cleare with 15 each and Brian Franklin with 12.

The win puts the Bucs at 4-2 for conference play and 12-9 overall. CVCC will travel to Central Carolina for another conference game on Friday.

2/5/9 CVCC FALLS TO CALDWELL 73-78

The Bucs took one on the chin as they faced off against Caldwell up in the Cobra's den last night. Our Bucs were out rebounded in the first half but managed to hold a slim lead 29 to 27. In the second half the Cobras capitalized on holes they found in CVCC's zone defense and with some sharp shooting took a 10 point lead with 5 minutes remaining. CVCC responded with an aggressive press and managed to tie the game with 2 minutes left. As it often does, the game came down to free throws and turnovers. CVCC had 11 turnovers and hit 50% from the line in the second half.

Top CVCC scorers were Brian Franklin and Danny Wallace with 20 points each.

With the loss, both CVCC and Caldwell are even at 3-2 in conference play and 11-9 overall. Our Bucs take on Central Carolina here on Sunday at 3:00.

2/3/9 CVCC Overpowers Limestone JV in a Non-Conference Matchup

The CVCC Buccaneers started the game against the Saints (JV) of Limestone College with a 26-4 scoring run in Gaffney, SC, Tuesday night. CVCC never looked back, leading at halftime by 55-29 and finishing the night with a 116-89 win. Every Buc scored and six were in double figures. Anthony Barringer led the charge with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Brian Franklin scored 23. Samson Cleare tallied a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while other CVCC players in double figures were Marcus Shaw with 11, Macon Monroe with 15 and James McRavion with 10.

Thursday night the Buccaneers travel to Caldwell Community College for a game that promises to be a thrilling Tarheel conference battle.

1/27/09 CVCC Grounds the Sandhills CC Flyers

Catawba Valley Community College Buccaneers traveled to Pinehurst Tuesday night to pick up a victory over Sandhills CC, cruising to win with a final score of 101-84. The Bucs used a half court press to start the game strong, then continued with a running game and high-pressure defense to increase their momentum. Most of CVCC's points came off their transition offense, putting six Bucs into double figures. Brian Franklin led the charge with 27 points, followed by Samson Cleare with 16 points and 20 rebounds, Marcus Shaw with 13 points, and 10 apiece for guards Alex Wilson, Prentice England and Danny Wallace. The first half score was CVCC, 47-41.

CVCC is now 3-1 in conference play and 10-8 overall. Their next game will be at Limestone College next Tuesday evening.

1/24/09 CVCC Loses a Heartbreaker

A three-pointer at the final buzzer put Oxford College of Emory University up by one to defeat the Buccaneers of CVCC Saturday afternoon in Atlanta in a non-conference match. CVCC held what was mostly a slim lead throughout the low-scoring game, closing the first half in front by 30-29. They were up by 15 points with three minutes remaining but a few key turnovers and missed free throws allowed Oxford back into contention during the closing moments, setting the stage for the final basket to slide them past the Bucs for a 66-65 finish. The Buccaneers' Anthony Barringer chalked up another double-double with 13 rebounds and 14 points, while Alex Wilson scored 14 and Prentice England had 6 assists for CVCC. Ricks, with 30 points, was the only Oxford player in double figures. CVCC's record now stands at 9-8. They will travel to Pinehurst for a Tarheels conference game against Sandhills Community College on Tuesday evening.

1-21-09 CVCC 95, Caldwell CC 85.

Tonight in a Tarheel conference matchup the CVCC men's basketball team hosted Caldwell Community College in an action packed game. Going into the game Caldwell was ranked 7th in the NJCAA national polls, while CVCC was inconspicuously unranked. The Caldwell Cobras had the inside height advantage, so the CVCC Buccaneers leaned more heavily on their guards to produce. CVCC took the early lead on Danny Wallace and Anthony Barringer's midrange jumpers, and maintained it throughout the first half which ended at 52-47 Bucs. The second half looked like a carbon copy of the first, but this time with Brian Franklin dropping in 15 points. With the 95-85 win, CVCC now is 2-1 in conference play and 9-7 overall. Players in double figures were Caldwell's Smith with 31, Swaba with 15, and Lail with 11, while CVCC's Danny Wallace had 28, Anthony Barringer had 18 points and 10 rebounds (double double), Brian Franklin had 17 points and Prentice England finished with 10. CVCC next travels to Oxford College of Emory University on Saturday for a nonconference match.

1/17/09 CVCC 94, Sandhills Community College 72

Catawba Valley Community College Buccaneers hosted the Sandhills Community College Flyers Saturday afternoon in a Men's Tarheel Conference basketball game. The Bucs came out colder than ice hitting only 1 for 13 from deep and 11 for 33 from the field while the Flyers found success grinding it out on an inside game. At the half, both teams were even with 30 points each. After some friendly halftime persuasion the Bucs came out roaring, scoring 64 points in the second half alone producing their 94 to 72 victory. Sandhills had difficulty staying up with the pace but still had three players in double figures, Miller with 14, Moultrie with 26 and Thomas with 20. The Buccaneers' Anthony Barringer had a triple double with 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 points, and sparked the second half surge with his intensity. Samson Cleare also came alive in the second half and totaled a double double with 13 rebounds and 18 points. Other Bucs in double figures were Turk England with 15 and Macon Monroe with 11. The win puts CVCC at 8-7 for the season and 1-1 in conference play.

CVCC will host rival Caldwell Community College on Tuesday night at 7:00. This promises to be an one of the most exciting games of the season. Both teams are evenly matched and Coach Tim Cline of Caldwell was an assistant coach at CVCC last season and is anxious to impress the Bucs.

1/15/09 CVCC vs Davidson County Community College at DCCC, Final Score: CVCC 86, Davidson 94.

Tonight last season's region champions, the CVCC Buccaneers, faced off against last season's conference champions Davidson County Community College Storm at their house. Going into the game CVCC was 7-6 for the season and unranked whereas Davidson was 14-2 and ranked #5 in the NJCAA national polls. The determined CVCC squad started the game strong and maintained a small but consistent lead throughout the first half, going into the break ahead at 47-42. They maintained control well into the second half, but in the final three minutes the Storm were able to edge ahead by finding holes in the Buc's defense and capitalizing on several key turnovers. Davidson County won with a final score of 94 to 86. Leading scorers for the Davidson County Storm were Geter with 32 points, Jones 22, PJ Hamright 12 and Potts 11. Buccaneers in double figures were Alex Wilson with 18, Brian Franklin 16, Danny Wallace with 13 and Macon Monroe, 11. Samson Cleare was the leading rebounder with 9.

Buc's record now stands at 7-7.

1/10/09 CVCC vs Oxford College of Emory

Saturday the Catawba Valley Community College Buccaneers hosted a non-conference men's basketball game against the Oxford College of Emory Eagles. The Bucs came out playing aggressive defense and took a 10 point lead early in the game. After the Eagles settled down they chipped away at CVCC's lead until at half it was CVCC by only one, 40 to 39. The second half was a different story. CVCC played phenomenal defense shutting the Eagles down on a 27 to 2 run. The Buccaneers emptied their bench and everyone on the team scored in the 95 to 66 rout.

Oxford had three players in double figures, Ricks with 17, Kitchen with 14 and Milner with 10. The game's leading scorer was Anthony Barringer who had 21 points and 7 assists. Samson Cleare had a double double, 16 points and 13 rebounds. Other CVCC players in double figures were Danny Wallace with 16 and Brian Franklin who had 10 points, 5 steals and 6 rebounds.

This game put the Bucs at 7-6 for the season.

1/8/09 CVCC vs Spartanburg Methodist College

The Catawba Valley Community College Buccaneers faced off against the Division I Spartanburg Methodist Pioneers in a men's non-conference duel at home Thursday night. Having lost by 18 points in their last encounter, the Bucs seemed to have a bone to pick with the Pioneers. CVCC played a swarming defense which forced multiple Pioneer turnovers and a fast action motion offense which left Spartanburg well behind 48-37 at the half. In the second half Spartanburg pressured CVCC's offense enough to diminish the Buc's lead to only 4 with less than four minutes remaining, but CVCC dug deeper and finished the game up by 10 point, 92-82. Spartanburg had four players in double figures -Taylor, Canty, Crawford, and Greer. The leading scorer overall was CVCC's Brian Franklin, who had 26 points and 5 steals. Anthony Barringer followed with 19 points, and Danny Wallace put in 11. The win evens CVCC's record at 6-6.

1/6/09 CVCC vs Patrick Henry Community College

Catawba Valley Community College hosted a non conference men's basketball game tonight against Virginia's Patrick Henry Community College. The CVCC Bucs struggled to connect on shooting in the first half and found themselves down 20 to 46 at the half. In the second half the Bucs turned up the defensive pressure resulting in a faster-paced game which favored the Bucs but was not enough to turn the game around. CVCC lost by a final score of 60 to 83. According to Coach Jeff Moore, "We may have out scored Patrick Henry in the second half but what matters is the final score. We have been in a shooting slump for several games now and we just need to work through it."

Patrick Henry had four players in double figures while Brian Franklin led the Bucs with 16, Marcus Shaw 12 and Danny Wallace 11.

The Buccaneers are now 5-6 on the season.

12/5/08 CVCC vs Spartanburg Methodist College
In Spartanburg, the CVCC Buccaneers could not produce the offense needed against the Pioneers of Spartanburg Methodist College, losing a non-conference game Friday night by 52-70. The Bucs were outmanned by the size and aggression of the Pioneer's inside players, but could not build an outside game, connecting on only 6 of 29 from beyond the three-point line. At the half the Pioneers led 25-37. Macon Monroe with 10 points led the Bucs' scoring effort. CVCC's record now stands at 5-5.

Next Wednesday at 7 pm, CVCC will host Crossfire in an exhibition match before going on Christmas break. Crossfire, a Christian exhibition team from Asheville, is composed of former college and professional basketball players and plays against ACC all-star teams every spring. All are encouraged to attend this exciting free event!

Jeff Moore

12/03/08
CVCC Men's Basketball vs Limestone College Trojans

The Catawba Valley Buccaneers hosted Limestone College Wednesday night in a non conference basketball game. CVCC came out playing solid fundamental basketball but Limestone's Thurmond set the Bucs back by shooting 4 for 5 on 3's in the first 5 minutes of the game. Once CVCC's Alex Wilson covered Thurmond up the Bucs were able to go ahead 36-32 at half. CVCC led most of the second half, but with under 30 seconds remaining Limestone went up by 2 on a three point foul play. CVCC's Macon Monroe answered with a three pointer from downtown to give the Bucs a 1 point lead. With 4 seconds remaining Limestone's Griffin drove hard to the goal and was fouled. Griffin Scored both free throws, giving Limestone a one point lead and the win, 77-78.
CVCC standouts were Marcus Shaw and Macon Monroe with 19 points apiece, Desman Graham with 11, Alex Wilson with 10 while Samson Cleare brought down 16 rebounds for the Bucs.

This loss gives the Buccaneers a 5-4 overall record. CVCC will travel to Spartanburg Methodist Friday evening for another non-conference game.

Jeff Moore
CVCC

11/25/08 CVCC vs Guilford Tech Community College (men’s basketball)

Catawba Valley Community College traveled to Guilford Tech Community College Tuesday night for a non-conference men’s basketball game. The first half the teams stayed close with CVCC’s Alex Wilson scoring 13 points and Guilford’s Rayshawn Poke 18. At the half CVCC trailed 36 to 39. In spite of CVCC not having an answer for Poke’s second half 22 additional points, the Bucs found the score even with 8 minutes remaining. However, CVCC turnovers and going dry from the field allowed Guilford Tech to finish the contest with at 89-78 victory. CVCC players in double figures were Alex Wilson with 24 and Samson Cleare with 22. Players in double figures for Guilford Tech were Polk with 40, Streater with 19 and Taylor with 11.

Coach Moore from CVCC says that “Although we detest losing, this was a very good D-I ball team that we out-played… now we just have to outscore our opponents.”

CVCC is now 5-3 for the season and will travel to Limestone College on Wednesday of next week to take on their JV team.

Coach Jeff Moore

11/20/08 CVCC vs Anderson University JV

The CVCC Buccaneers traveled to Anderson University Thursday night where they cruised to an easy victory against the Trojan JV squad. CVCC led the entire game, jumping to an early 18 point lead and were up by 39-25 at the half. James McRavion's three consecutive 3-pointers to start the second half sparked CVCC to extend their lead to as many as 30 points at times. Every Buc enjoyed playing time on their way to a final score of 78-61.

McRavion led CVCC's scoring effort with 21 points, while Samson Cleare had a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Jason Gilbert scored 10 points and Alex Wilson contributed 14 points, 6 assists and 2 steals for the night.

The CVCC Buccaneer's record stands at 5-2. They will travel to Guilford Tech for another non-conference game next Tuesday night.

Jeff Moore

11/18/08 CVCC vs Surry Community College (men’s basketball)
Catawba Valley Community College hosted Surry Community College Tuesday night in a non-conference battle. The CVCC Bucs were looking to avenge last week’s loss to the Surry Knights and came out with aggressive full court defense. The Knights, however found holes that allowed them to outscore CVCC at the half 35-38. In the second half, CVCC’s relentless defensive press forced multiple Surry turnovers on which the Bucs were able to capitalize. With one minute remaining the Bucs were up by 7 points and were able to withstand the Knights’ futile run on the scoreboard, winning with a final score of 80 to 78.
Overall leading scorers of the game were Surry’s Boyce with 23 point, and Frederick with 21. Standouts for CVCC were James McRavion with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, Alex Wilson with 11 points and 7 assists, and Samson Cleare with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.
Coach Moore said “I’m very pleased the way our team is working together as a unit and playing aggressive defense. I believe we got better as a team tonight.”
The 4-2 Bucs travel to Anderson College on Thursday to play a non-conference game against their JV squad.

Jeff Moore

11/12/08 CVCC vs Montreat

The CVCC Buccaneers traveled to Montreat College to win a close game over the JV Cavaliers, 91-89. The Bucs came out strong in the first half, connecting on 8 of 13 three-pointers and led by 18 early in the game. The Cavaliers fought back to only a three point deficit, though, by the end of the first half. For most of the second half the Bucs held a narrow lead, but were down by five with three minutes left. CVCC's "speed team" used a stingy defense and forced crucial Cavalier turnovers to even the score at 89. Buccaneer Alex Wilson drove hard to the rack to score with no time remaining for the win. James McRavion led CVCC's scoring attack with 20 points, with Wilson adding 12 points and Matt Wright with 10.

CVCC's record now stands at 3-2. Their next game is at home against Surry Community College next Tuesday at 7 pm.

Thanks,

Jeff Moore

11/8/08 at Rockingham Tourn.

Saturday afternoon the CVCC mens' basketball team finished up competition at Rockingham Community College's Hampton Inn Tip-off Tournament by soundly defeating The Community College of Baltimore County from Catonsville, MD. The CVCC Buccaneers' pressure defense overpowered Catonsville, forcing multiple turnovers which the Bucs cashed in for easy points in the first half. CVCC had a comfortable 50-30 lead at the half but refused to coast through the rest of the game, finishing at 92-59. The Bucs had a well-spread point distribution with Macon Monroe and Samson Cleare leading the victory with 13 points each.

The 2-2 Buccaneers will travel to Montreat College on Wednesday for another non-conference game
at 7:00 pm.

Jeff Moore

11/6/08 CVCC vs Surry

Thursday night the CVCC men's basketball team traveled to Surry Community College and dropped a close game to the Surry Community College Knights, 60-64. The CVCC Buccaneers led early with a strong inside game and were up 30-27 at the half. Once the Knights tightened up on the inside, however, CVCC was plagued by outside shooting problems, hitting only 2 for 15 from beyond the three-point line. Three Buccaneers wound up in double figures - Marcus Shaw with 13 and Ben Poole and Matt Wright with 10 points apiece.

On Friday CVCC will travel to Rockingham Community College to play Guilford Tech Community College in the tournament opener at 6 pm.

Thanks,
Jeff Moore

11/3/08 CVCC vs Montreat College

Catawba Valley Community College opened their men's basketball season with a victory over Montreat College JV Monday night at the CVCC arena. The CVCC Buccaneers starts the season with 15 new faces on the squad and the unfamiliarity of one another seemed to plague their first half performance as they found themselves trailing by 10 early in the game. Montreat's sharp shooting guards would not be denied as they increased the first half lead to as many as 16 point.. At the intermission the Bucs found themselves down 30 to 44.

Catawba Valley began the second half by working the ball to the inside players on offense and tightening up the defense on the Montreat guards. The strategy worked as Montreat's lead began to crumble. With 4 minutes left in the game the Bucs evened the score at 66. In the end CVCC outlasted Montreat 75 to 72.

CVCC had four players in double figures, Marcus Shaw with 15, Matt Wright and Jason Gilbert with 12 and Alex Wilson with 11.

Catawba Valley will play at Surry Community College for another non-conference game at 7:00 PM this Thursday.

Coach Moore