Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
The 13th in the north ranked Thunderbirds will play in the Chevron Invitational Tournament at Diablo Valley College Tournament in Pleasant Hill, California the day after Thanksgiving. The first round game takes place on November 26, 2010 at 2pm.
On Friday November 26, 2010 the Thunderbirds faced the Sierra College Wolverines in the first round game at the Chevron Invitational Tournament at Diablo Valley College and the Wolverines jumped out early to a 7 point lead led primary by the Wolverines 6"10 center Casey Arent. The Thunderbirds stayed poised and were able to close the deficit at halftime 34 - 32. In the 2nd half the Thunderbirds took control of the game with hot 3pt shooting and stellar shooting from the field and were able to cruise to a 74 - 66 victory over the Wolverines.
Kareem Ransom led the Thunderbirds with 13 points and 8 rebounds.
Jisuan Randle had 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Nick Capiti had 11 points 6 assists and 5 rebounds.
Saajid Polite had 11 points 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
In the second round Saturday Novemeber 27, 2010 the Thunderbirds again took on San Jose City College Jaguars. From the tip the Jaguars came in motivated to win and displayed competitive fire, but from the start to the end the Thunderbirds controlled the game leading to the victory 74-66. The Thunderbirds had 5 players finishing in double figures in scoring.
Tyler Idowu finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Jisuan Randle had 15 points and 3 rebounds.
Saajid Polite had 12 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
Nick Capiti had 10 points 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
Richard Walker finished with a double double 10 points and 10 rebounds and 4 steals.
On November 29,2010 in the Championship game of the Chevron Invitational at Diablo Valley College the Thunderbirds again took on the #2 ranked in the state #1 in the north Diablo Valley College Vikings. The Thunderbirds executed their pre game plan to precision in the first half and went in to halftime up 33 - 29 over the Vikings. In the 2nd half the Thunderbirds lacked attention to there detailed game plan and failed once again to win the championship game of a tournament. Final score Thunderbirds 46 Vikings 58.
Saajid Polite led the Thunderbirds with 14 points 5 rebounds and 4 assists and 2 steals.
Richard Walker had 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Nick Capiti had 5 points and 10 assists.
The Thunderbirds are getting closer to accomplishing there goal of winning tournaments. The Thunderbirds must continue to preserver and develop mental toughness so that they are able to posses champion mentality in the future.
The Thunderbirds record stands at 6-3 and there play so far has earned them the #10 ranked team in north and the 18# ranked team in the state for the first time in over 10 years.
GO THUNDERBIRDS!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
#12 In The North Ranked Thunderbirds Head To Play At The Shasta College Invitational Tournament
11/19/2010-11/21/2010
The newly #12th ranked in the north Thunderbirds are again on the road this weekend heading up the road to Redding, California for the Shasta College Invitational Tournament. Every Tournament that the Thunderbirds have scheduled brings new challenges to the team's heart and character. The Thunderbirds look forward to redemption after losing in the Championship Game at the San Jose City College Tip Off Tournament. The Thunderbirds open up the 1st round against the host Shasta College Knights Friday November 19, 2010 at 6pm.
After a long exhausting 4 hour trip to Redding, California, the Thunderbirds took on the host of the tournament the Shasta College Knights. A slow start to game 1 had the Thunderbirds down at halftime by 8 points. At the beggining of the 2nd half the Thunderbirds energy level rose as well as defensive intensity. The Thunderbirds held the Knights to 50 points total and were able to out score the Knights 35- 27 in the second half. The final score Thunderbirds 58 the Shasta Knights 50.
Saajid Polite led all scores with 17 points he also added 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Karreem Ransom had a clutch 12 points 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
Tyler Idowu had 12 points and 10 rebounds
In the second round contest Saturday November 20, 2010 the Thunderbirds took on the #8 in the state and #4 in the north ranked Ohlone Renegades. The Thunderbirds up to the challenge played a solid first half and went to half time up 29-26. In the 2nd half the Thunderbirds turned up the defensive pressure and at one point extended there lead to 17 points. Ohlone fought back down the stretch but the Thunderbirds were able to close the game out defeating the Renegades 72 -66.
Saajid Polite led all scores with 17 points 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.
Roman Robinson had 12 points 6 rebounds and 2 steals
Nick Capiti had 11 points 6 rebounds and 3 assists
Richard Walker had 11 points and 8 rebounds
Tyler Idowu had 8 points and 10 rebounds
Once again the Thunderbirds had earned a spot in the championship game of a tournament. This opponent was the 12# in the state and 5# in the north ranked Diablo Valley College Vikings. At the start of the contest the Thunderbirds showed promise with a early 4-0 lead. After a early Viking time out the last lead the Thunderbirds had was 6-3. Lack luster energy, hustle and poor shot selection created a Diablo Valley College Viking rout of the Merritt College Thunderbirds. Final Score Diablo Valley Vikings over the Thunderbirds 69 - 45.
Roman Robinson led the Thunderbirds with 11 points, 3 rebounds 2 assists and 2 steals
After 2 blunders in two championship games the Thunderbirds must still continue to develop there mental toughness and desire to close out big games. Once again the Thunderbirds display the potential to compete vs any team in California Junior College but a championship team will find a way to get it done in the win column.
GO THUNDERBIRDS!
The newly #12th ranked in the north Thunderbirds are again on the road this weekend heading up the road to Redding, California for the Shasta College Invitational Tournament. Every Tournament that the Thunderbirds have scheduled brings new challenges to the team's heart and character. The Thunderbirds look forward to redemption after losing in the Championship Game at the San Jose City College Tip Off Tournament. The Thunderbirds open up the 1st round against the host Shasta College Knights Friday November 19, 2010 at 6pm.
After a long exhausting 4 hour trip to Redding, California, the Thunderbirds took on the host of the tournament the Shasta College Knights. A slow start to game 1 had the Thunderbirds down at halftime by 8 points. At the beggining of the 2nd half the Thunderbirds energy level rose as well as defensive intensity. The Thunderbirds held the Knights to 50 points total and were able to out score the Knights 35- 27 in the second half. The final score Thunderbirds 58 the Shasta Knights 50.
Saajid Polite led all scores with 17 points he also added 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Karreem Ransom had a clutch 12 points 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
Tyler Idowu had 12 points and 10 rebounds
In the second round contest Saturday November 20, 2010 the Thunderbirds took on the #8 in the state and #4 in the north ranked Ohlone Renegades. The Thunderbirds up to the challenge played a solid first half and went to half time up 29-26. In the 2nd half the Thunderbirds turned up the defensive pressure and at one point extended there lead to 17 points. Ohlone fought back down the stretch but the Thunderbirds were able to close the game out defeating the Renegades 72 -66.
Saajid Polite led all scores with 17 points 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.
Roman Robinson had 12 points 6 rebounds and 2 steals
Nick Capiti had 11 points 6 rebounds and 3 assists
Richard Walker had 11 points and 8 rebounds
Tyler Idowu had 8 points and 10 rebounds
Once again the Thunderbirds had earned a spot in the championship game of a tournament. This opponent was the 12# in the state and 5# in the north ranked Diablo Valley College Vikings. At the start of the contest the Thunderbirds showed promise with a early 4-0 lead. After a early Viking time out the last lead the Thunderbirds had was 6-3. Lack luster energy, hustle and poor shot selection created a Diablo Valley College Viking rout of the Merritt College Thunderbirds. Final Score Diablo Valley Vikings over the Thunderbirds 69 - 45.
Roman Robinson led the Thunderbirds with 11 points, 3 rebounds 2 assists and 2 steals
After 2 blunders in two championship games the Thunderbirds must still continue to develop there mental toughness and desire to close out big games. Once again the Thunderbirds display the potential to compete vs any team in California Junior College but a championship team will find a way to get it done in the win column.
GO THUNDERBIRDS!
A Good Start To The Season with More Work To Be Done!
11/12/2010-11/14/2010
Last weekend the Thunderbirds opened the season at the San Jose City Tip off Tournament. In the first round game the Thunderbirds had there hands full with the #6th ranked in the north #10th ranked in the state Foothill College Owls. The Thunderbirds started the season with a bang defeating the Owls 70-62.
#32 Tyler Idowu stood out with 20 points and 10 rebounds,
#3 Gurpreet Sandher had 12 points,
#5 Nick Capiti had 10 points and handed out 5 assists
#42Elliott Herald chiped in 9 points
In the second round contest once again the Thunderbirds had there hands full with the host and #12 ranked in the north San Jose City College Jaguars. The Thunderbirds displayed tenacious physical defense and solid rebounding on there way to a 74-67 victory over the Jaguars.
#32 Tyler Idowu led the way with a monster 26 points and 15 rebounds.
#23 Saajid Polite awakened with 18 points 8 assists 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
#3 Gurpreet Sandher had 10 points with 2 crucial 3pt daggers in the 2nd half.
#24 Richard Walker had 8 points and tied Tyler Idowu with 15 crucial rebounds.
#42 Elliott Herald chipped in 7 points and 5 rebounds.
In the Championship Game Sunday November 14, 2010 the Thunderbirds took on the Monterey College Lobos. The Thunderbirds high off there win against San Jose City College Jaguars came out lethargic and flat. The Thunderbirds never got into a flow the entire game and lost the Championship game 84-73 to the Lobos.
#21 Roman Robinson led the Thunderbirds with 21 points and 6 rebounds on 7-11 shooting and 100% from the ft line.
#23 Saajid Polite had 14 points 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
#32 Tyler Idowu had 11 points and 8 rebounds.
#24 Richard Walker had 6 points and 8 rebounds.
The Thunderbirds earned a 2nd place trophy and #32 Tyler Idowu and #23 Saajid Polite were awarded All Tournament awards.
What is clear is when the Thunderbirds play hard and focus they can defeat anyone. They must make this adjustment for the rest of the season.
Go Thunderbirds!
Last weekend the Thunderbirds opened the season at the San Jose City Tip off Tournament. In the first round game the Thunderbirds had there hands full with the #6th ranked in the north #10th ranked in the state Foothill College Owls. The Thunderbirds started the season with a bang defeating the Owls 70-62.
#32 Tyler Idowu stood out with 20 points and 10 rebounds,
#3 Gurpreet Sandher had 12 points,
#5 Nick Capiti had 10 points and handed out 5 assists
#42Elliott Herald chiped in 9 points
In the second round contest once again the Thunderbirds had there hands full with the host and #12 ranked in the north San Jose City College Jaguars. The Thunderbirds displayed tenacious physical defense and solid rebounding on there way to a 74-67 victory over the Jaguars.
#32 Tyler Idowu led the way with a monster 26 points and 15 rebounds.
#23 Saajid Polite awakened with 18 points 8 assists 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
#3 Gurpreet Sandher had 10 points with 2 crucial 3pt daggers in the 2nd half.
#24 Richard Walker had 8 points and tied Tyler Idowu with 15 crucial rebounds.
#42 Elliott Herald chipped in 7 points and 5 rebounds.
In the Championship Game Sunday November 14, 2010 the Thunderbirds took on the Monterey College Lobos. The Thunderbirds high off there win against San Jose City College Jaguars came out lethargic and flat. The Thunderbirds never got into a flow the entire game and lost the Championship game 84-73 to the Lobos.
#21 Roman Robinson led the Thunderbirds with 21 points and 6 rebounds on 7-11 shooting and 100% from the ft line.
#23 Saajid Polite had 14 points 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
#32 Tyler Idowu had 11 points and 8 rebounds.
#24 Richard Walker had 6 points and 8 rebounds.
The Thunderbirds earned a 2nd place trophy and #32 Tyler Idowu and #23 Saajid Polite were awarded All Tournament awards.
What is clear is when the Thunderbirds play hard and focus they can defeat anyone. They must make this adjustment for the rest of the season.
Go Thunderbirds!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A New Chapter For The 2010-2011 Men's Basketball Program
The Merritt College Men's Basketball team is a couple days away from the beginning of the 2010-2011 basketball season and there is huge promise and potential for a great year of basketball. Not only is there a new season upon us but for the men's and women's basketball teams at the start of January 2011 the Merritt College gymnasium will reopen totally renovated and rejuvinated. A brand new basketball floor, bleachers and professional quality basketball goals have all been placed within the facility and look to see major use from the Thunderbirds as soon as construction is completed and the teams return.
The Thunderbirds are well prepared for success with a team full of players ready to put in the work to get to the post season and further. Coming into this season the Thunderbirds have adopted physical play and a defensive first mentality that will translate in significant success. Not only have the Thunderbirds changed there mentality but they also have compiled a team roster full of talented players that can match any team's talent level in California junior college basketball.
The Thunderbirds open up the season at the San Jose City College Tip Off Tournament Friday November 12, 2010 vs Foothill College at 4pm. We appreciate any and all support for Merritt College Athletics and look forward to seeing you all soon!
GO THUNDERBIRDS!!!
The Thunderbirds are well prepared for success with a team full of players ready to put in the work to get to the post season and further. Coming into this season the Thunderbirds have adopted physical play and a defensive first mentality that will translate in significant success. Not only have the Thunderbirds changed there mentality but they also have compiled a team roster full of talented players that can match any team's talent level in California junior college basketball.
Here is a look at the 2010-2011 Merritt College Thunderbirds Men's Basketball Roster
| TEAM ROSTER FOR MERRITT | |||||||
| # | Name | Pos | Yr | Ht | Wt | School | |
| Home | Road | ||||||
| 0 | 0 | Michael Mack | F | Fr | 6' 5'' | 205 | Dunbar HS/ Chicago, IL |
| 1 | 1 | Kareem Ransom | G | Fr | 6' 3'' | 185 | Inderkum HS/ Vallejo, CA |
| 3 | 3 | Gurpreet Sandher | G | Fr | 6' 3'' | 170 | San Lorenzo HS/ San Lorenzo, CA |
| 4 | 4 | Erik Fearn | C | Fr | 6' 7'' | 205 | Gaffney HS/ Gaffney, SC |
| 5 | 5 | Nick Capiti | G | Fr | 6' 2'' | 195 | Bishop O'dowd HS/ Oakland, CA |
| 10 | 10 | William Tolfree | F | So | 6' 7'' | 195 | Stephenson HS/ Atlanta, GA |
| 11 | 11 | Contrail Dixon | G | Fr | 5' 9'' | 165 | Bencia HS/ Bencia, CA |
| 21 | 21 | Roman Robinson | G | So | 6' 3'' | 175 | Rodriguez HS/ Fairfield, CA |
| 22 | 22 | Jis'aun Randle | G | Fr | 6' 2'' | 185 | Newark Memorial HS/ Newark, CA |
| 23 | 23 | Saajid Polite | G | So | 6' 3'' | 190 | Grant HS/ Sacramento, CA |
| 24 | 24 | Richard Walker | F | So | 6' 7'' | 195 | Berkmar HS/ Atlanta, GA |
| 32 | 32 | Tyler Idowu | F | Fr | 6' 4'' | 205 | Rodriguez HS/ Vallejo, CA |
| 34 | 34 | Maurice Anderson | C | Fr | 6' 7'' | 210 | Stephenson HS/ Atlanta, GA |
| 42 | 42 | Elliott Herald | G | Fr | 6' 3'' | 170 | Center HS/ Sacramento, CA |
| 44 | 44 | Joshua Hatcher | F | So | 6' 5'' | 205 | Berkeley HS/ Oakland, CA |
The Thunderbirds open up the season at the San Jose City College Tip Off Tournament Friday November 12, 2010 vs Foothill College at 4pm. We appreciate any and all support for Merritt College Athletics and look forward to seeing you all soon!
GO THUNDERBIRDS!!!
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