Roadrunners to host Stone Laser Imaging Classic Nov. 16-17

SFCC will play the Independence Community College Pirates from Independence, Kansas, Friday night. The Roadrunners will close out the classic hosting Harcum College from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Saturday night.

Patrick Nee, in his fourth season as head coach at Independence, leads the Pirates. This is the sixth meeting between the schools in men’s basketball. Independence leads the all-time series 3-2. The teams split the series in 2002-2003 with each team winning on its home floor. SFCC claimed a 77-72 victory and the Pirates won a 66-55 decision later in the season.

"The Pirates are a scrappy team," said Roadrunners Head Coach Kevin Thomas. "They get after it defensively. I expect their guards to be strong and to pressure us on the defensive end. It should be a close, hard-fought game."

Thomas sees three keys to winning for the Roadrunners.

"We need to come out and be the aggressors," said Thomas. "We have to defend and rebound like we have been and continue to share the ball offensively."

Saturday will be the first meeting between the Roadrunners and Harcum College. Drew Kelly, in his eighth season as head coach at Harcum, leads the Bears.

"Their best player, Jordan Goodman, is very athletic," said Thomas. "He had 25 points and 12 rebounds in his first collegiate game. He can score around the basket. Ayo (Ojo) and Mookie (Beard) will have their hands full guarding him. They’ll have to do a good job of defending him, boxing him out and keeping him off the glass."

The Bears have five players averaging 12 or more points per contest. Freshman forward Jordan Goodman leads the team in scoring, averaging 21 points per contest.  Freshman guard Brandon Hashim contributes 16.5 points a game. Freshman center Ivan Uceda and freshman guard Quindell Brice add 16 points each. Sophomore forward Darian Barnes pitches in with 12 points a game.

Uceda is the team’s leading rebounder, pulling down 12 rebounds per contest. Sophomore guard Tyree Johnson dishes out a team-leading 12 assists per game.

"Overall, we need to work on boxing out and rebounding," said Thomas. "With our quickness, we should be able to get out and run and get out in transition as much as possible."

SFCC will return to action Nov. 20 when the Roadrunners take on Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Ill. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.