MCC men eager to resume season tonight

Thursday, January 10, 2019
McCook Community College men’s basketball coach Brandon Lenhart instructs sophomore Ron Rice during last week’s scrimmage against Colby. The Indians return to the court Thursday at Seward before taking on the Concordia JVs. MCC’s
Courtesy Photo

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Community College men’s basketball team aim to improve on a pre-holiday record of 6-7 as they chase the other six teams in the Region IX South Division.

At the break, North Platte is 9-1, Otero Junior College 11-2, Trinidad is 12-2, Western Nebraska is 12-4, Lamar Community College 10-6 and Northeastern Junior College is 8-7.

The Indians will start division play with four games on the road this month – a month with only two home games on the slate.

“I am super excited to see how we respond to the second semester schedule,” MCC coach Brandon Lenhart said. “We have had a solid first few days back from Christmas Break, and we seem hungry!”

The Indians begin official play Thursday at Seward taking on the Concordia JV team then return of the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center Jan. 15 for a 5 p.m. contest with Air Force Prep.

MCC’s only home game in the region comes Jan 29 when the Indians host North Platte.

The good news is a home-heavy February schedule with six straight games at home between Feb. 5 -- when Western Nebraska comes to town – and Feb. 16 when Otero Junior College makes a visit.

The final home game is Feb. 23 against Lamar in McCook.

Statistically, the MCC men have the third best offense among Region IX South teams averaging 89.8 points per game

Through 13 games,the Indians are shooting 45.9 percent from the field, lowest among the seven teams in the South division.

From the 3-point line, MCC has made 37.3 percent of 330 shots taken – third in the division and is shooting 72.1 percent from the free-throw line, also third best in the division.

At 43.2 rebounds per game MCC ranks second, and the 14 offensive boards per game ties the Indians for the division lead with Lamar Community College.

On the defensive side, the Indians are yielding 81.9 points per game which is fifth most among the seven division teams.

Individually, sophomore Peanut Cunningham (Louisville, Kent.) leads the Indians in scoring averaging 13.8 points per game, 10th best among players in the division.

Freshman Mardrez McBride (Augusta, Ga.) is averaging 12.7 points per game.

Freshman Tyrek Battle-Holley (Jersey City, N.J.) is the only other player averaging double-figures at 10 points per game.

Cunningham also leads the Indians in rebounding with 6.1 per game – ninth best in the division.

Freshman Kailee White Jr. (Henrietta, N.Y.) is second on the team with 5.1 rebounds per game

Redshirt freshman Avanthony Banks ranks sixth in the division in 3-point shooting. He’s made 48.3 percent of his 60 attempts.

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