The Virginia Peninsula Community College men’s basketball program is coming to SKY4 television at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. That is the tape-delayed air date of the Gators’ game against the College of Southern Maryland, which was played Nov. 7 at SafeHaven Empowerment Center in Newport News.
“This is a historic moment for Virginia Peninsula Community College and our community,” said Chris Moore, VPCC’s Athletics director and men’s basketball coach. “Having our first televised basketball game showcases the incredible growth of our athletics program and shines a spotlight on the talent, hard work, and dedication of our student-athletes. We’re proud to share this milestone with our community and excited for the opportunity to represent VPCC on a larger stage.”
On the call for the game, which VPCC lost 86-80, were Jeff Owens, an electrician at Newport News Shipbuilding and a VPCC student, and Bob Flynn of the College’s Marketing team.
The Gators rebounded from the loss to Southern Maryland with three consecutive victories, starting with a 95-54 home win over Chowan University’s junior varsity team Nov. 11. Cameron Taylor (Phoebus High School) led the Gators with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Jordan Watlington (Menchville) added 10 points and six assists, and Jayden Sepulveda (Landstown) had 11 points.
Next up was a 79-47 victory over Methodist College’s JV team Nov. 14.
The Gators then opened Region 10 play the following day with a 100-74 victory over Oxford College of Emory University. The game was played at Sandhills Community College (N.C.). Sepulveda had 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Chris Cyrus (Hampton Christian Academy) added 11 points and three steals, Emmanuel Angila (Kempsville) had nine points and six assists, and Isaiah Thomas (Manchester) contributed five points, five steals and four rebounds.
The Gators will receive some northern exposure this week as they embark on a three-game trip to Massachusetts. They play at Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester) on Nov. 20, Northern Essex Community College (Haverville) on Nov. 21, and Bunker Hill Community College (Boston) on Nov. 22. Northern Essex is fourth in the latest NJCAA Division III national rankings, and Bunker Hill was among schools receiving votes.
Their trip also includes a stop at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.
For more information on athletics as the College, visit www.vpccgators.com.