GNAC Men's Basketball Report: Week 7

– FOR THE WEEK(S) OF DEC. 17 thru DEC. 31 –

PLAYER OF THE WEEK Jack Casale, Saint Joseph's (Maine) (So, G - Portland, Maine) Casale helped the Monks extend their winning streak to nine and pushed SJC over the 100-point mark in both of their wins this past weekend, averaging 25.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 55/41/75 shooting in wins over Rivier and Emmanuel. In a blowout victory over Rivier on Saturday, Casale netted 19 points (6-9 FG) with nine rebounds and five assists in just 19 minutes before pouring in 31 points (11-22 FG, 5-13 3PT) in a comeback win over Emmanuel on Sunday to go with eight boards.

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK Donovan Lewis Jr., Norwich (Fr., F - Northfield, Vt.) Lewis Jr. averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds over Norwich's 1-1 winter break, while shooting 55.6% (15-27 FG) overall in 30.5 minutes per contest. He started with 15 points and eight rebounds in a road loss at MCLA before collecting 18 points and 10 rebounds in an 88-65 win pver SUNY Delhi for his first career double-double, to go along with three blocks and four assists.

WEEK 7 HONOR ROLL
Mike Rapoza, Anna Maria (Jr., F - Charlton, Mass.) - In an AMCATS' split in the Utica Tournament, Rapoza averaged 17.5 points, 15.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 61.9% (13-21 FG) and 0-of-16 from the FT line. In a loss to Vassar, he finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, before messing around for 15 points, a season-high 19 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks in a victory over Fredonia.

Marcus Fox, Emmanuel (Mass.) (So, F - Danbury, Conn.) - In 27.5 minutes per game, Fox averaged 24.5 points on 63.3% shooting and 9.5 rebounds as the Saints split their Catholic Classic games at Saint Joseph's of Maine. He had 23 points (7-12 FG, 8-8 FT) and 10 boards in a win over Regis on Saturday before registering 26 points (12-18 FG) and nine caroms in a setback to the Monks. 

Brian Hogan-Gary, Johnson & Wales (RI) (Jr., G - Staten Island, N.Y.) - In a 2-1 stretch dating back two weeks, the 2017-18 All-GNAC First Teamer averaged a double-double (21.3 PTS, 11.7 REB) to go along with 3.7 assists and 3.0 steals while shooting 47/50/60. He was named to the Al Senavitis Memorial All-Tournament Team after posting a 29-point, 10-rebound game against DeSales in the title contest. Prior to that, he produced 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals in a Senavitis Tourney win over McDaniel and registered 19 points and a career-high 17 rebounds versus Fisher back on Dec. 18. 

Jesse Davis, Norwich (So., G/F - Woodinville, Wash.) - Averaged 22.5 points on 38/40/100 shooting splits over Norwich's 1-1 winter break. Dropped 20 points along with 11 rebounds for a double-double against MCLA along with three assists and a steal. Followed up with a 25 point game the next day against SUNY-Delhi with three assists, two steals, and two rebounds. Shot a perfect 100% from the free throw line on the week (9-9). 

Marc Trinidad, Regis (Mass.) (So., F - Bronx, N.Y.) - In just 19.5 minutes off the bench, Trinidad averaged 12.5 points and 9.0 rebounds as the Pride went 1-1 at the Catholic Classic hosted by SJC. His two-day tourney performance was highlighted by an 18-point, 11-rebound effort in a 1-3-64 win over Rivier in which he was 6-of-7 from the floor and 6-of-10 from the FT line. 

Delshawn Jackson Jr., St. Joseph (Conn.) (Fr., G - Hartford, Conn.) - In USJ's 2-1 stretch dating back to Dec. 19, Jackson averaged 17.3 points (40/36/89), 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Blue Jays, who are now 8-4 overall after a setback to La Grange and two road wins over Rockford (Dec. 20) and Salve Regina (Dec. 29). In the pair of victories, Jackson Jr. had 14 points, three boards, three assists and three steals at Rockford (85-62) before registering 22 points, seven assists and three swipes versus Salve (92-68) this past Saturday. The rookie was 4-of-11 from three and an impressive 16-of-18 from the FT line despite shooting 40% (16-40 FG) overall.

Alex Jacovides, Suffolk (So., G - Tampa, Fla.) - Had back-to-back 20-plus point games at the Naples Shootout, with the first coming in his first collegiate start and writing new career-highs. He averaged 23.5 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 55/50/83 in a two-point setback to Luther before cruising to an 82-51 win against Wells. 

Triple slash shooting % = FG/3PT/FT 

GNAC MEN'S BASKETBALL WEEKLY ARCHIVE (2018-19)