Photo by Jenna Bengivenga
Ramapo is six games into the season, and if this is how the men’s basketball team continues to play on the court, it is going to be fun to watch.
Now 5-2 and 2-0 in the conference, this squad shows a lot of talent along with great chemistry that has proven to do damage on the court.
The return of sophomore captain Tom Bonacum revitalizes the post presence that was almost nonexistent in the first few games.
In his season debut on Sunday against Medgar Evers, Bonacum came to play, shooting 9-14 from the field for 22 points while collecting six boards and three steals.
He may have led his team in the point column, but the big man wasn’t satisfied with his performance in his first game back.
“Four turnovers is sloppy,” said Bonacum. “I only played 22 minutes because of foul trouble. It was my first game back, but I have to be better.”
A key injury sustained by fellow captain and starting point guard Jimbo Long hasn’t hurt the Roadrunners as much, with guard Josh Ford stepping up and producing in his spot.
Ford, who is a two-guard by trade, has settled into the point guard position comfortably, leading the team in assists with 19; he is the second highest in points per game, averaging 13.3.
However, Ford highlights teamwork, instead of his individual accomplishments, so far this season.
“Getting Tommy [Bonacum] back has helped us tremendously,” Ford said. “The more effort and energy we bring as a team, the better we are in giving us a chance to win each game.”
Veteran contribution in Frank Nock, Nick Stanek and Chris Moseley has been crucial for the Roadrunners to stay in games, as well.
Nock, the senior captain, leads the team in minutes played with 35 a game and 15.8 points per game, making him the true workhorse of the team.
Moseley and Stanek have also been vital on the offensive side of the ball, as they find ways to score at all facets.
Stanek has found his shot of late shooting 6-9 from three-point range this season, including a perfect 4-4 performance against Medgar Evers.
Moseley has found most of his buckets down low with his crafty moves through the lane, and we can’t forget about his crowd-pleasing alley-oop and put back dunks.
The Roadrunner squad has shown promise to make an NJAC run, and with their next three matchups in conference, the squad is ready for some hard battles on the court.
“These conference games coming up are important,” said Ford, “but, if we continue to work hard, we should be fine.”
After a 91-63 victory over Kean last night, where Moseley had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Nock dropped 19 points and dished out eight assists, the Roadrunners will look to keep up their momentum this Saturday, as they face off against Montclair State University at 3:00 p.m. in the Bradley Center.
sthomps4@ramapo.edu
