#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!

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!

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.

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!!!

Summer is here and a bright outlook on the 2010-2011 Merritt College Men's Basketball Season

Happy Summer everyone!

Kevin McCarthy the lead sports writer for Norcalpreps.rivals.com and norcalbasketball.blogspot.com has written a article on the promise of the Merritt College Men's Basketball Program.

Take a look http://norcalpreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1099475

SUMMER BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

(NCAA) NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SUMMER JC SHOWCASE@ SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY (July 6 and 7) 2games each day

Tuesday July 6
(Game 1) 2pm court 2 vs Napa Valley College
(Game 2) 5pm court 1 vs Skyline College

Wednesday July 7
(Game 3) 4pm court 1 vs Las Positas College
(Game 4) 7pm court 2 vs Ohlone College

(NCAA) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUMMER JC SHOWCASE@ AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (JULY 30 and 31st) 2 games each day

Friday July 30
(Game 1) 3pm court 1 vs Citrus College (Played in last season's state Final Four)
(Game 2) 5pm court 2 vs San Bernadino College (Played in last season's state Final Four)
Saturday July 31
(Game 3) 1pm court 1 vs Saddleback College (2010 STATE CHAMPION)
(Game 4) 3pm court 1 vs East LA College

GO THUNDERBIRDS!

2009-2010 Merritt College Men's Basketball Players moving on to 4year instuitions

Although a challenging year on the hardwood, Merritt College Men's basketball still celebrates the student athletes moving on to the 4year university level during the 2009-2010 school year.

Nikolas Hildalgo a 6"5 200lbs shooting guard from Carcas, Venezuela maintained a 3.8 grade point average and has been accepted and has decided to walk-on at NCAA Division I University of California at Berkeley in (Berkeley, California)

Andre Martin a 6"4 195lbs combo guard from Mt. Miguel High School San Diego, California has signed a national letter of intent to continue as a student athlete at NCAA Division II power house Colorado State University Pueblo in (Pueblo, Colorado)

Michael McElroy a 6"3 point guard from Central High School Fresno, California has signed a national letter of intent to continue as a student athlete at NAIA Div II Holy Names University in (Oakland, California)

We congratulate these young men and wish them the best in there futures.

GO THUNDERBIRDS!

2009/2010 Mens Basketball All Conference Players

Although the 2009/2010 Men's Basketball season wasn't as successful as planned, there are still players that need to be congradulated for there solid season.


Roman Robinson 6"3 180lbs freshman guard from Rodriguez High School in Fairfield, California recieved first team Bay Valley All Conference award. Roman was 7th in the conference in scoring and lead the team in scoring at 14.1 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Saajid Polite 6"3 185lbs freshman guard from Grant High School in Sacramento, California recieved Bay Valley Conference Honorable Mention award. Saajid was 10th in conference in scoring and the 2nd leading scorer on the team at 13.3 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game.


Roman Robinson and Saajid Polite both finished in the California State Junior College Top 50 Freshman Men's Basketball Players. Here is the link to the site: http://www.topgun-basketball.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=54

The Outlook for the 2009-2010 Merritt College Men's Basketball Season

The 2009/2010 Men's Basketball Season brings a fresh outlook and potential for a great basketball season for the Merritt College Men's Basketball Program. A total of 13 freshman and 2 sophomore students athletes from Central California, Northern California, across the US, and even internationally complete the roster. Although this year's team will lack California junior college game experience, 75% of the roster has experienced a winning tradition and accomplished many awards at the high school level. Here are some of the players to look forward too this season...

Roman Robinson(SG)- In 2009 earned Solano County League Most Valuable Player. Led Rodriguez High school to a 25-4 record and trip to the state final last year.

Briant Edwards(PG/SG)- In 2009 was voted defensive player of the year in the Chicago city league. Led North Lawndale College Preparatory High school to state championship in 2008 with a record of 28 -4 and state champion runner up in 2009 with a record of 30-6.

Isaiah Gossett(PG/SG)- In 2009 earned 1st team all city in Fresno and 2nd all state selection, California state semi final player of the game and team MVP. Led Edison High school in 2009 to a record of 24-7 .

Michael McElroy(PG)- In 2009 5th in the state at the point guard position in assists and scoring in junior college at Colombia College.

Isiah Robinson(PG)- In 2009 1st team all conference selection in basketball and football at Natomas High school in Sacramento county.

Carlton Castillo(F)- In 2008 attended Rise Academy and was ranked #12 in the top 15 in state of Delaware.

Marcus Moreland(F)- In 2009 was 2nd team all conference in the city of Las Vegas. and led Eldorado High school to a record of 24-7 and the semi finals in the Nevada state playoffs.

Ade Henderson(F)- In 2008 won the Paris, France Euro league under 18 championship.

Tyshaun Douglas(C)- In 2007 attended Rise Academy and was ranked #112 out of the top 150 players in the country.

Trent Archer(F)- In 2009 led Las Lomas High school to the Northern California Section Playoffs and a record of 18-10. In 2008 to a record of 18-12 and a birth to the Ncs finals.

These are just a few of the players to look forward to this season.The Tip off for the Men's Basketball Season is Friday November 13, 2009 at the Sanjose City Tip off Tournament. The 1st round matchup is vs. Skyline College from San Bruno at 8pm. We look forward to a great year and appreciate support for Merritt College Athletics.