Written by Ryan Denholm
This past weekend, the Roanoke College Men’s Basketball Team turned heads by taking home some hardware from the Dick Leftwich Tip-Off Tournament. The tournament is hosted annually at the Cregger Center, and gives teams a chance to face top competition to prepare for the upcoming season.
The Maroons topped York College in the championship by a final score of 74-59. Roanoke guard Efosa Edosomwan led the team in scoring with 19 points. The team also benefited from strong performances by Caleb Jordan and Dillon Thomas, who were both named to the All-Tournament team in recognition for their play. Jordan was also awarded as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. The tournament win is sure to give a confidence boost to the Maroons as they start off their season with some top competition.
The Brackety-Ack caught up with sophomore guard Brayden Gault who transferred this year from Belmont Abbey College in order to hear more about what the tournament result meant to the team. “This past weekend is a preview for what is to come! This is the most unselfish team that I have ever been a part of. It is a great feeling knowing that each of the guys are always looking to better the guy right beside them,” Gault said.
The team’s emphasis on unselfishness showed, as starters Tripp Greene, Caleb Jordan, and Dillion Thomas picked up two assists apiece. Big man Ethan Rohan also showed a willingness to do the dirty work, picking up a team high 15 rebounds in the championship.
“We still have an extensive amount of work to put in. There is a lot of room for improvement, but I have no doubt with this group of guys that the team will accomplish that,” Gault added. The team’s chemistry was evident as they hoisted the tournament trophy Saturday; smiles abounded and the guys were genuinely happy for what they accomplished. However, as Gault alluded to, more work is yet to be done as the Maroons head to Juniata College this Friday for the Juniata Tip-Off Classic Tournament. The team is matched up against St. Elizabeth College on Friday and Wilson College on Saturday. The games will prove to be a test for the Maroons coming off their big tournament win. However, Gault concludes that “if we consistently give our all and use the talent and work ethic that God has blessed us with,” then the team will be successful.
