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Date Posted: 15:53:03 03/15/06 Wed
Author: J.J.
Subject: MBB end of season stories

Here's 2 articles that nicely wrapped up the season:
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Bounced From Rebound Season
But Dickenman Sees Promise For Future

By TOM YANTZ
Courant Staff Writer

March 7 2006

NEW BRITAIN -- The Blue Devils' season of achievements came to an abrupt end in their 62-48 Northeast Conference tournament semifinal loss to Monmouth Sunday.

"We wanted so much to get to the finals, to play for an NCAA berth," Central Connecticut guard Lenny Jefferson said. "We're extremely disappointed we fell short."

But in the overall view, this season was marked by vast gains.

Coach Howie Dickenman was named coach of year for an NEC record third time as the Blue Devils (18-11) finished in second place in the regular season (13-5). This came after they had gone 12-16, 8-10 last season.

Justin Chiera, Central's season (97) and career (274) three-point field goal leader, was named first-team All-NEC last week. He raised his scoring average from 7.0 last season to 14.2.

His improvement was symbolic of the team's.

"Every player improved," Dickenman said.

Guard Tristan Blackwood went from a 5.2-point a game scorer to the team leader (14.3) and turned into a three-point threat who could drive to the basket. Forward Jason Hickenbottom (4.4 to 8.1) stepped up as a confident, inside scorer. Obie Nwadike (11.2 to 12.3 and 7.5 to 10.3 in rebounds) solidified his presence as a rebounding rock at 6 feet 4, 224 pounds.

And sometimes the improvement wasn't seen in numbers.

Javier Mojica's scoring average dipped from 9.9 to 8.9, but he was more selective in his shooting and a stingier defender.

"We overachieved," Dickenman said. "If people had told me before the season we'd win 18 games, I'm not so sure I would have believed them. Not that I would tell the players before the season that. But when all is said and done, a tip of the hat to the players."

Dickeman, his assistants Steve Curran, Chris Sparks and Kevin Papacs, and senior staff supervisor Victor Payne merit praise, too.

Central, a preseason NEC pick to finish in a tie for fifth place, was the No.2 seed in the conference tournament. And it accomplished that despite being undersized.

"I didn't see a lack of height as a weakness," Dickenman said. "It was what we had. I worried more about interior defense."

Most of the season the team's three-point accuracy (38.5 percent) and speed camouflaged this shortcoming. But against Monmouth and its 7-2 center John Bunch (10 points, eight rebounds, five blocks), it was evident.

"We could have used an inside presence, someone that could finish and draw some attention," Dickenman said.

Jeremy Myers, who signed an early letter of intent, should help next season in the backcourt, which will lose seniors Chiera and Jefferson.

Central's wish list for the offseason should include getting another shooting guard and some taller, better-scoring inside players.

The continued development of Ingo Beaudet, a 6-11 center, and 6-7 Jemino Sobers could address the inside issues, as would Nwadike improving his post offense. And if Jermaine Middleton, a 7-3 center, emerges, watch out.

Despite the early tournament exit, Dickenman sees progress.

"I'm certainly encouraged," he said. "We're going to be OK. The future is going to be all right here."
Copyright 2006, Hartford Courant

-------------
03/06/2006
Despite its loss, CCSU fans stay true to blue
By JASON VALLEE

NEW BRITAIN -- Despite the fact that Central Connecticut State University never led in the game, there was nothing that would prevent the school’s fans from supporting their beloved team right down to the final seconds of the season.

Fans in the jam-packed student section of Detrick Gymnasium remained in their seats through the final horn of the Blue Devils’ 62-to-48 season-ending loss to Monmouth on Sunday afternoon. While the fans will tell you they were there to support their team, the history and the magnitude of a Northeast Conference semifinal game certainly didn’t hurt matters.

"The fan support for these guys has doubled as the season has gone on," said Chuck Alicandro, season ticket holder and resident of New Britain. "The student section has been so impressive and so loud for these guys, and they deserve it after the performances they’ve had for this school the last few weeks."

When you win six games in a row to end the season and nine in a row at home as the Blue Devils had entering the day, it doesn’t hurt your fan base. When you enter the game having won 12 of your last 15, it doesn’t hurt matters either, but when you put in the same heart and effort these players did all season long, those same fans won’t walk away when that loss eventually comes.

To the players and fans of CCSU, who ended the season at 18-11, the loss is disappointing, but the season as a whole was anything but a failure. Head coach Howie Dickenman said that his team has played the role of overachievers this season and has exceeded most expectations.

"If you told me before the season we would win 18 games this year, I’m not sure I would have believed you," Dickenman said.

This was the very reason that the crowd erupted on the team’s first basket, despite trailing at that point 10 to 2. This was the reason why the bleachers shook on every three pointer, despite Central shooting only 23.1 percent. This was also the reason fans cheered as Lenny Jefferson hit his final shot as a Blue Devil with three seconds remaining.

For many of the fans and students at Sunday’s game, watching the team through their highs and lows is one thing, but being a part of the team is another.

Season-long followers, such as junior Steve Schumacher, have not only made the effort to attend as many games as possible, they have also made it their job to let the team know support is there.

"We try and bring a certain energy to the game," said Schumacher, "The players love it, the other fans love it and that’s a part of the reason they have been so successful. We don’t care what anyone thinks; we are going to do what it takes to get our team going."

The fans would have loved a victory Sunday, but with the loss the CCSU basketball faithful will have to wait another year for that shot at an NEC championship.

Jason Vallee can be reached at jvallee@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 236.

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