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/.
