Nelson Warriors Men's Basketball Nationally Ranked
The Nelson Warriors men's basketball team has been ranked top-ten the first time in program-history, currently situated at #5 in the National Christian College Athletic Association's (NCCAA) latest rankings. Sitting at 18-5 and riding a five-game win streak, in which they have broken the 100-point plateau in each of their previous four, the Warriors are 14-2 in their previous 16 games dating back to December 14. "Having such a high ranking is an honor and a testament to the hard work that both the players and coaching staff has put in this season," gushed head coach Kole Ebert who unexpectedly took over the position just two games into the season. "This is a very special team. They never quit; they play hard on both ends of the court; they hold each other up and accountable, and they give glory to God for their accomplishments."
The program has been around for many years, but has never achieved this lofty of a national recognition in the past. Led by senior Harley Upton and junior Rob Jenkins, each averaging just under 20 points per game, the squad has gelled around their two most prominent upper classmen from the beginning, overcoming the tumultuous start to the season. Numerous players have stepped up at times and handled the load both offensively and defensively when the game plan, and opponent, has required it of them. Zaveion Bineyard, a defensive stalwart, is third on the team in both scoring and rebounding, and second in steals per game and first in blocked shots. Terrin Ross and Larry Holmes, the team's dynamic duo, who despite not regularly starting, Ross leads the team in rebounds per game while Holmes is the best rock-handler on the team, not only leading the team with the fewest turnovers of any rotational player, but leads the team with the best assist to turnover ratio, nearly two-times better than second-best on the team..
"Of course this kind of recognition is nice and I could not be more proud of Coach Ebert for earning this spot," noted Kevin Miller, Vice President for Student Development and notable superfan of the team." But I do not think it is their end-goal. I know that coach Ebert is proud of his guys, but he's not going to let them settle as if this was their goal all-along. He's shooting for something much higher and by gosh, I can't wait to see them try and get there."
The team is rounded out by numerous integral contributors like junior Orlando Gonzales who's offensive acumen and steady demeanor often settles the team when things feel like they might be getting out of hand, and freshman Tommy Randolph who's energy on both ends of the floor is more contagious than the common cold. Elliot Offner, Petar Lazic, Calvin Windley, and Alijah Marsh regularly supply important minutes helping the team in critical situations on both ends of the floor.
The Warriors finish up the regular season with two home games at the Scott Activity Center beginning with Stanton University on February 20, at 7pm, and the finale on the 22nd at 3pm against Bethesda University. Be sure to attend and cheer on your Warriors!
Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.