Herkimer Men’s Basketball Team Finishes Fourth In Nationals; Ellis Named To All-Tournament Team

March 18, 2010

The Herkimer County Community College men’s basketball team placed fourth in the NJCAA Men’s Basketball National Tournament held at SUNY Delhi this past weekend.

The Herkimer Generals lost their first game on Thursday to Joliet Junior College (IL), the team that later won the tournament, by a score of 87-71. Herkimer defeated Davidson County Community College (NC) 91-87 on Friday.

On the final day of the tournament, the Generals took on Sullivan County Community College (NY). The game started with both teams having an even match up, trading baskets. The first half ended with the teams exchanging three-point goals to end with Herkimer ahead of Sullivan 39-35. In the second half, Akeem Ellis (Brooklyn, NY/John Jay) and Clifford Brown (Hempstead, NY/Uniondale) took control on the court for the Generals by hitting three-point shots and slam dunks to stretch their lead to 10 with six minutes remaining. Herkimer secured fourth place by beating Sullivan with a score of 83-76.

Herkimer senior Akeem Ellis was honored by being named to the All-Tournament Team for his exceptional play throughout the tournament. Ellis averaged over 25 points, 12 rebounds and three assists per game during the three-day tournament, and he combined for 81 points, 38 rebounds and 9 assists.

Herkimer finished the season with an impressive 33-3 overall record breaking the school record for number of wins in a season. The previous record was 32-4 set in 1986-87.