The Hostos Community College men’s basketball team is excited to be headed to the NJCAA D-III Tournament after winning Region XV on March 1. The Caimans are now only three wins away from their second national title since 2005.
The Caimans open the national tournament against Herkimer County Community College on March 12 (noon) at Sullivan County Community College in the opening round. Hostos Community College hosted a pep rally for the team in the gymnasium on March 11 from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Marquee Poole, Hostos head coach, said he is proud of all of the hard work his players have put into this championship run.
“I am humble to have the opportunity to lead this special group of young men this far,” Poole said. “They have triumph through adversity and have represented themselves and Hostos well.”
In the Region XV Tournament, the Caimans beat Sullivan County Community College, 83-74, on February 27; Suffolk County Community College, 73-65, on February 28; and reached nationals with a thrilling 69-62 victory over Borough of Manhattan Community College.
“Winning the Region XV Championship is a tremendous feat, and we look forward to elevating our level of play at the NJCAA National Tournament,” said Hostos Athletic Director Krishna Dass. “We are proud that our coaches and student-athletes are committed to excellence and have elevated the college’s athletics to prominence again. The nurturing environment created by our coaches and administrative staff have truly been the catalyst for change.”
The No. 6 Caimans were underdogs entering regionals, and had lost to the No. 1 BMCC Panthers in their previous three games. But the Caimans attacked the Panthers and set the tone by jumping out to a 12-2 lead in the opening minutes. They played pressure defense, and moved as a unit well—trapping, doubling and forcing turnovers. The Caimans capitalized on every early turnover and executed their offensive sets. In an efficient first half, the team took a commanding 16-point lead.
For their tremendous play, Caiman players Jevanne Dawson was named tournament MVP, and Myron Hickman and Robert Soriano were named to the Region XV All-Tournament Team.
By winning Region XV, the Caimans joined seven other teams in the NJCAA D-III Championship Tournament. The Caimans won their only national title 10 years ago.
“The Athletic Department is extremely appreciative of all the support and school spirit that the campus community has displayed. The fans played an important role in our regional victories and have been loyal throughout the season,” Dass said.
About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. It serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College's unique "Student Success Coaching Unit" provides students with individualized guidance and exemplifies its emphasis on student support services.
Hostos offers 27 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to CUNY's four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of The City University of New York (CUNY), the nation's leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 24 colleges.