3/5/14

Eight Berkeley College basketball standouts recognized at 2014 USCAA National Basketball Tournament Banquet on Tuesday evening



The USCAA announced its Division II men’s and women’s basketball All-American and Academic All-American lists Tuesday evening at the 2014 USCAA Basketball National Tournament Banquet at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA, and Berkeley College’s three basketball teams were well represented. A total of eight Berkeley student-athletes were recognized on the evening, including five Second Team selections, and one Honorable Mention.

Berkeley’s Lady Knights had two Second Team All-American selections, including senior guard Aiyesha Brown and junior forward Milan Germany. Brown’s 16.5 points per game ties her for the team lead in that category, and she also averages five rebounds per contest as well. The 5’7, Jamaica, NY native has also collected 24 steals on the season, an average of two per game. Germany – like Brown – currently averages 16.5 points per game (she’s logged 15 games this season), and boasts a team-high nine rebounds per game. Head Coach Sharod Tomlinson was extremely proud of his two standouts.

“Aiyesha and Milan have done a fantastic job of leading by example this season, and they are extremely deserving of the recognition that they’ve garnered by the USCAA,” Tomlinson said. “Seeing their diligent efforts pay off in this fashion is something that I am very proud of, and it’s something that they’ll take with them forever.”

The New York men’s basketball team had four players recognized, including senior guard Alex Loniakan who was named to the Academic All-American Team early in the evening. Senior guard Jovan Bovell – who has played in all 22 games for the Knights this season – was an Honorable Mention. The Jamaica High School product has put forth a versatile 2013-2014 campaign for his group, averaging 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Senior center Elijah Craig and sophomore guard Keenan Langston both earned status as Second Team All-Americans. Craig currently averages nine points and a team-high 10.1 caroms for the Knights, and his 50 blocks lead the team and the USCAA. Langston has dazzled all season, as he leads Berkeley with his 16.4 points per game average. His shooting percentages are especially impressive, as he has shot 76.3 percent from the line and 45.5 percent from the floor. Head Coach Chris Christian highly praised his four honorees.

“There were certainly was a fair amount of anxiety leading up to the announcements, but the ultimate reward was hearing the names of the student-athletes be announced and seeing the smiles on their faces,” Christiansen said. “Alex is an ace student in the classroom, and serves as a great teammate and influence. Jovan, Elijah, and Keenan have all been so pivotal for this team on the court this season, and their tireless efforts have culminated in them receiving All-American recognition. I’m very happy for them.

New Jersey’s men’s basketball team also had a pair of honorees. Junior guard Darryl Robinson was named to the Academic All-American team earlier in the evening, and sophomore guard Dukens Germain was tabbed as a Second Team All-American. In 20 games played this season, Germain has paced the Knights offensively, averaging 15.3 points per game. He also has snatched 7.1 rebounds per contest, and his shooting percentages have been on-point, as the Maplewood, NJ native has knocked-down 72.6 percent of his free throw attempts while also connecting on 43.8 percent of his shots from the field. Head Coach Anthony Calabrese was gratified by his student-athletes’ accomplishments.

“Darryl Robinson is an individual who has a tremendous future ahead of him,” Calabrese said. “He is very dedicated to his studies, and it’s a wonderful thing to see. As for Dukens – he has been a great leader this year. His versatility is a huge asset for our team, as he can score, grab rebounds, and play defense. He can do it all, and that is what makes him so dangerous. I’m very proud of Darryl and Dukens.”

Here is the recapped list of all Berkeley College award winners:

Women’s Basketball
Aiyesha Brown – Second Team All-American
Milan Germany – Second Team All-American

NY Men’s Basketball

Alexander Loniakan – Academic All-American
Elijah Craig – Second Team All-American
Keenan Langston – Second Team All-American
Jovan Bovell – Honorable Mention

NJ Men’s Basketball

Darryl Robinson – Academic All-American
Dukens Germain – Second Team All-American

Earlier in the day at the USCAA skills competition, Berkeley College (NY) freshman center Ahmed Dickerson won the dunk competition. Also qualifying for the top three in the contest was Dukens Germain from the New Jersey basketball team. Richard Rampersad competed in the three-point competition and advanced to the semifinals.

To follow the Knights and Lady Knights in their quest for a National Championship, visit the USCAA website – www.theUSCAA.com. Live statistics and live video streaming will be available for select games. Recaps of all Berkeley College contests will be available by the Knights’ athletics website at http://berkeleycollege.edu/athletics/.