Men's Basketball to Honor Seven Sophomores Feb 17th

2/13/24

 

Mercer men’s basketball final home game on Saturday, February 17^th will be “Sophomore Night”, a day to recognize the commitment and dedication of two year players.  The Vikings have five two year players who will be honored along with two one year transfers playing in their second and final season of junior college basketball.

 

Izaiah Johnson (Burlington, NJ/Burlington City) was a First Team All-Region 19 and GSAC (Garden State Athletic Conference) Player for the 2022-2023 season.  Over the summer, Johnson was one of just 60 NJCAA returning men’s basketball players invited to participate in the NJCAA Rising All-Stars Game in Iowa and was the only player from the Northeast to attend.

 

Johnson has 802 points over the past two seasons, averaging 18.9 points per game in 2022-2023 and 14.0 points per game in the 2023-2024 season.  Johnson is averaging 4.9 rebounds per game and 3.8 assists per game and has 30 steals through 21 games for the Vikings.  The point guard continues to be a solid, all-around player and is helping the Vikings make a push to qualify for the Region 19 Playoffs.  Johnson is studying Cybersecurity.

 

Forward Jason Mark (Broward, FL/Blanche Ely HS) has been a strong frontcourt presence for the Vikings this season, averaging 10.8 points per game along with 6.8 rebounds per game.  Mark has six double doubles on the season and 17 blocks.  Mark, who is known for his humor off the court, has brought strong play for the Vikings inside the post and helped the Vikings to an 11-10 record this season.  Mark is a Liberal Arts major.

 

Isham McClain (Pemberton, NJ/Pemberton HS) has been a quiet, but veteran leader for the Vikings the past two seasons.  McClain is averaging 5.8 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game and 1.5 assists per game in the 2023-2024 season.  McClain is shooting 47% from the field this season and 44% from three point range.  McClain’s hard work and leadership continue to be an example as the Vikings make a push for the playoffs.  Last season, McClain averaged 8.3 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and had 68 assists in 27 games.  McClain had 14 points and was a perfect three for three from three point range in the Vikings 85-58 win over County College of Morris in December.  Coach Levy credits McClain for his “versatility and willingness to do whatever is asked of him.  Isham has played guard, forward and center.”  McClain is an Engineering Science major.

 

Kristian Smith (Hamilton, NJ/Nottingham) has been veteran leader for the Vikings this season.  Smith is shooting 51.5% from the field and 50% from three point range.  Smith has worked his way into the Vikings starting rotation and helped the Vikings to eleven wins this season.  Smith had 11 points in s 65-84 loss vs Cecil in December. In 2022-2023, Smith averaged 3.8 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game, and 1.5 assists per game.  Coach Levy has seen how hard Smith has worked over the past year to improve his game and give the Vikings valuable minutes.  Smith is also an Engineering Science major.

 

Anthony Rhodes (Hamilton, NJ/Nottingham) has been a spark off the bench for the Vikings this season, averaging 2.3 points per game and 1.6 rebounds per game.  Thoughtful and engaging off the court, Rhodes brings the energy on the court when he steps on the floor. Rhodes had 11 points off the bench in a 97-93 triple overtime loss at Essex in December. Last season, Rhodes hit a buzzer beater to give the Vikings a thrilling 56-54 win vs County College of Morris.  In addition to all the work, Rhodes puts in on the court, he also works with autistic children at the Eden Institute.  Rhodes is a Communications major.

 

Transfer Justin Carbone (Monmouth Junction, NJ/South Brunswick) has transitioned well to MCCC following a season at TCNJ.  Carbone has led the Vikings with 13.8 points per game and is shooting 53.4% from the field.  Carbone was recently named the GSAC Division II Player of the Week following a 27 point performance vs Harcum College.  Carbone’s hot touch has helped the Vikings rally for some key wins as they look to qualify for the Region 19 Playoffs.  Carbone is a Criminal Justice major.

 

Transfer Quincey Manning (Blackwood, NJ/Winslow Township) has provided the Vikings with valuable minutes off the bench and in the starting lineup.  Manning is averaging 3.1 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game and 1.1 assists per game.  Manning transferred from Harcum College and is a Small Business Management major.

 

Vikings men’s basketball has had a strong 2023-2024 season thanks to the contributions and leadership of these seven two year players.  Coach Howard Levy will look for the continued veteran play of his sophomores as the Vikings enter their final regular season games and look to qualify for the Region 19 Division II Playoffs. 

 

The seven second year players for the Vikings have been critical to the success of the men’s basketball team this season and Coach Levy is very grateful for the opportunity to coach such a dedicated and solid group.  “All of the sophomores love to play basketball and have been committed to the team.  They rarely miss practice and have been solid students as well.”

 

For the latest on men’s basketball season and schedule, visit: https://www.mccc.edu/athletics_men_basketball.shtml