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Men's Basketball Team Has Solid Season

6/19/02

Head Coach Kelly Williams describes the Vikings' 77 – 76 loss to Morris Co. College in the semi-final round of the Region 19 tournament on March 1 as the most difficult defeat the Vikings have faced in his three season at Mercer.  "The bigger the game, the more the little things are important," said Williams.  "We missed some foul shots and a few lay-ups, and those came back to haunt us."  Mercer had lost to Morris twice during the regular season.

Still, Williams has plenty of positive reflections on the 2001 – 2002 basketball season.  "Each year the program improves," he said.  The team’s record was a solid 17 – 10.  Highlights included a five-game winning streak in January and a 7 – 2 record during February.

In Williams' hands-on approach to coaching, he has two very distinct goals. "At our level, education comes first, then basketball," he explained.  "The most successful community college teams have a high retention rate – from semester to semester and from freshman year to sophomore year.  This season's squad had a high level of commitment in both areas."

Williams praised sophomore guard Joel D'Antignac and new recruit Knibye Tsombawi.  "These kids enjoyed practicing and playing, and were very mature in their approach to classes and to basketball."  He also singled out high scorer Stephen Butler, who practiced hard, played hard and "really made a commitment to the program."

Butler was named a third team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association.  He and sophomore forward Gabe Marshall were both named to the first team of the All-Garden State Athletic Conference and Region 19. D'Antignac was a second team Region 19 selection.  Assistant coaches were Gary Williams and Tony Aviles.

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