By Brandon Vasquez | Talon Staff
After being denied an opportunity to compete in the NCJAA tournament last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tallahassee Community College’s men’s basketball team has some extra motivation to complete last season’s unfinished business with another trip to the tournament. Already 8-0 on the season, the No. 2 team in the NCJAA has begun the condensed 2020-21 season on the right note.
“Even though there’s only one returner [on this year’s roster], they’re all very much aware of the success the team had last year and understand that we didn’t get to play it out until the end,” Chaney said. “These guys feel like they’re finishing what last year’s team started.”
The Eagles were ranked No. 1 in the NCJAA Region 8 Preseason Coaches Poll, and ranked No. 2 nationally in a preseason poll from Basketball Times Magazine. Despite the premature praise TCC has received, the team is aware that their performance on the court is what truly matters.
So far, the Eagles’ praise appears to be worthy. TCC controlled the first three teams they faced with ease, outscoring opponents such as South Georgia Technical College, Hillsborough Community College, and Andrew College by a combined 59 points.
TCC’s first taste of adversity came during their fourth game of the season against St. Petersburg. Through the first 20 minutes, the Eagles found themselves trailing 37-36 at halftime.
Despite the first half struggles, TCC managed to strike back in the second period, outscoring St. Petersburg 49-29. The Eagles completed the 85-66 victory with help from sophomore guard El Ellis, who scored 22 of his 34 points in the second half.
“I feel like we responded the right way,” Ellis said. “We knew that St. Petersburg would make a run and hit shots, but we just had to stay together, composed, and continue to compete at a high level defensively.”
The season was delayed and later condensed due to COVID-19, so the Eagles have been given only five games to prepare for Panhandle Conference play. This is far less than their usual 18-game preparation.
However, despite their limited preparation, the unbeaten Eagles have yet to miss a step and are well-positioned to continue their success on the road as they face Northwest Florida State College on Feb. 11.
“This year’s group is really together. We play for each other and when we’re doing things right, we are the best defensive team in the country,” Ellis said. “We just have to continue to listen to our coaching staff and come ready to play every game.”
