WILMINGTON, NC--- The Sea Devils Men's Basketball program will come into the season ranked in two polls, the Sporting News Division I junior college poll, and the NJCAA Division I poll; Cape Fear was ranked #7 in the Sporting News poll, and ranked #18 in the NJCAA Division I poll.
"It's great to be recognized now but we must prove we are as good as others think. I'm excited to start this journey with this group," said Sea Devil Men's Basketball head coach Ryan Mantlo, prior to Saturday afternoon's season opener versus Johnston Community College.
While the Sea Devils will only return one of their top 5 scorers from last season, Cape Fear will rely on several returning sophomores, experienced transfers, and freshmen signees to lead the team in production this season.
Alonzo Tyson, the team's lone returnee who was ranked in the top 5 of scoring last season at 12.9 points per game, will look to have another strong season with Cape Fear.
"We have a lot of new faces but the new guys came in hungry to win," commented Alonzo Tyson. "There is such a strong family atmosphere with this group and I am excited to be playing alongside them."
Sophomores DeVarte Watson, and Tai-He Jeter also look to have another strong season with Cape Fear in 2016-2017; Watson averaged 6.5 ppg, and 7.8 rpg, while shooting 46.2% from the floor and 47.2% from the free throw line in his 26 game appearances (18 starts). Jeter averaged 4.2ppg, and 1.3rpg, while shooting 42.5% from the floor, and 25.6% from behind the arc in his 19 game appearances.
Sophomore transfers Zaqwaun Matthews (UT-Chattanooga), Trae Bryant (UNC-Asheville), and Jacque Brown (University of Mount Olive), will each suit up in their first season with the Sea Devils. Each will bring valuable experiences from their previous four-year institution to the junior college ranks.
Matthews, the Charlotte native, made 10 game appearances for Chattanooga men's basketball head coach Matt McCall, a team that finished (29-5, (15-3 in the SOCON)) during the 2015-2016 season. That record earned the Mocs a spot in the 2016 NCAA Tournament versus Indiana in a first round match-up, where they would fall 74-99 to the Hoosiers.
Bryant, the Wilmington native, made 22 game appearances for Asheville men's basketball head coach Nick McDevitt, a team that finished (22-11, (12-6 in the Big South)) during the 2015-2016 season. That record earned the Bulldogs a spot in the 2016 NCAA Tournament as well, with a first round match-up versus national champion, Villanova, where they would fall 56-86.
Brown, the Beaufort native, made 25 game appearances for Mount Olive men's basketball head coach Joey Higgingbotham, a team that finished (17-13, (11-9 in the ConfCarolinas)) during the 2015-2016 season. The Spartans would fall in the ConfCarolinas Tournament semifinals to 69-77 to King University.
Freshmen signees of Alston Davis, Tre Armstead, Trevor Willis, and high school teammates Michael Taylor, and
Shaft Parker will look to make an immediate impact with the Sea Devils.
"Our freshman need to grow up in a hurry," said Mantlo. "Our goal is to shorten that learning curve as quickly as possible so they can loosen up and make plays."
Head Coach Ryan Mantlo welcomes back assistant coach Mark Lane, who was the Sea Devils' assistant coach from 2008-2013. "This is such a special place to work at. There have been great strides taken in the past three years and I can't wait to continue that growth," commented Lane.
Mantlo also welcomes volunteer assistant coach James Faison to the coaching staff. Faison, the former Methodist Monarch men's basketball player, as well as assistant coach, enters his first season with the Sea Devil Men's Basketball program.
The Sea Devils will hit the road versus Johnston Community College in their season opener on Saturday, November 5, at 3pm (EST); Cape Fear's home opener will be on Friday, November 11, versus Lenoir Community College at 7pm (EST) in the annual Cape Fear Classic.
For more information on the Cape Fear Classic schedule, and the Sea Devil Men's Basketball program, head over to http://goseadevils.com/sports/mbkb/index
Courtesy of Trent Brinkley
