Team on the rise following abysmal season

American River College’s men’s basketball team is up on its feet and playing well, only a season removed from finishing 3-23 overall and going winless in conference play, the second worst season ever under 16 year Head Coach Mark Giorgi.

The team currently stands with an overall record of 13-8 and has gone 5-5 in conference play in the Big Eight.

Watkins leads team in scoring, one of three averaging double figures

Sophomore guard Jarvis Watkins leads the team offensively, averaging 12.1 points per game. Fellow guards Keishaun Sinclair and Marcelas Perry follow Watkins, averaging 10.8 and 10 ppg, respectively.

Size now an advantage after being a hurdle last season

ARC struggled to match up against bigger teams last season, but now boasts three players who stand 6’8 or above. Centers Chris Cavalin and Maalik Hazziez both stand at 6’8, while recent starting center Eugene Crockett is 6’9.

Crockett takes on multiple roles as member of team

Crockett hadn’t started all season, but has more recently, and is frequently seen on the bench taking an earful from Giorgi or giving one out to his teammates.

“I’m the oldest on team, I just take the lead,” Crockett said after a recent game. “Old man, but you got two jobs,” he said on being both a player and taking leadership.

Recent play

The team went into last night’s game against Modesto Junior College with a two game losing streak, taking losses in both games on the road last week at Cosumnes River College, 79-63 on Feb. 3 and falling short at Diablo Valley College on Feb. 6, 58-52.

The results from last night’s game against Modesto were not available as of press time. To read the game write up vs. Modesto, go to  ARCurrent.com.