MC Falls to Cecil on Sophomore Night Home Finale
Rockville, MD: In an eight point upset, the #16 Montogmery College Raptors were taken down by #24 Cecil College Seahawks.
The Raptors Sophomore night game was a neck and neck battle. The Seahawks started off the game strong, leading by 4 in the first 2 minutes. Sophomore Mati Szpin started strong for the Raptors, knocking down a 3 off an assist. Mati also made crucial free throws, to help cut down the deficit. Sophomore Ibrahim Abdulmateen-Robinson got in some action, making a layup and a block. Back and forth point exchange between the Seahawks and the Raptors from Seahawks #2 Jaiden Guy, #3 Amir Hite , and #40 Darrien Berrios Rivera. And Raptors #21 Franklin Ayissi Etoh, and #14 Jordan Alphonso, and #0 Cortez Whitney just to name a few. The Raptors went into the half trailing 39-44.
Starting off in the second half the Raptors had a good start with the assist from Ibrahim Abdulmateen to Franklin Ayissi Etoh to cut the trail to three. Javon Jenkins for the Seahawks made an impact adding to the lead the Seahawks regained. Raptors did not give up without a fight, and sophomore Thomas Loughry knocked down a 3 to tie the game once again. Free throws for the Seahawks eventually helped them gain momentum. Additional free throws in the fourth gave the Seahawks a lead that the Raptors could not recover from. The #16 Raptors fell to the #24 Seahawks in a final score of 94-86.
The Raptors finish off the regular season only taking 1 lost at home, and have one more regular season game on Saturday, March 1st when they travel to Monroe University.
Sophomore Recognition
Bennie Cala, #3, is a tough, combo guard who is a returner from last season. Bennie has been a great contributor in his 2 years at MC. He plays with a lot of energy and passion. Bennie has played in 26 games this year and scored a season-high 11 points in an 82-51 win vs. Washington Adventist JV on November 2nd.
Bennie is averaging: 2.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg.
Bennie's career totals in his 2 seasons at MC are: 165 points, 68 rebounds, 51 assists, 34 steals, and 6 blocks.
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Thomas Loughry, #20, is a knockdown, shooting guard who is a returner from last season. Thomas plays with as much effort and energy as anyone on the team. His will to win is always on display and he plays with a lot of heart and passion. Thomas is known to dive on the floor and do anything it takes for his team to win. He can really heat up from 3. Thomas has played in 27 games this year and scored a season-high 21 points (including 7-12 from 3) in an 86-66 win vs. Frederick CC on January 11th.
Thomas is averaging: 7.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.2 apg.
Thomas' career totals in his 2 seasons at MC are: 331 points, 119 rebounds, 69 assists, 32 steals, 9 blocks and 71 made 3's.
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Sebastian Dokum, #32, is a returner that has been improving since he arrived at MC. At 6'11, Sebastian is one of the biggest players in the conference and has shown his dominance in the middle on numerous occasions. Sebastian has worked hard to improve his overall skills and has contributed to the success of the program in his 2 years. Sebastian has played in 22 games this year and had his best game of the season in an 85-84 win vs. PG CC on December 11th, when he recorded one of his two double-doubles on the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Sebastian is averaging: 5.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg
Sebastian's career totals in his 2 seasons at MC are: 361 points, 414 rebounds, 19 assists, 27 steals and 27 blocks _____________________________________________________________________
Mati Szpin, #11, is a two-year player for MC. Mati played his first year during the 2022-23 season. Mati redshirted during the 2023-24 season so he could work on his skills and get stronger. Mati used the redshirt year to his advantage. Mati has played and started in all 28 games this season at forward. Mati is the only player in all of Region XX across any division to average a double-double this year. He's only 1 of 12 players nationally in all of NJCAA DII to average a double-double. Mati has worked really hard to put himself as one of the top players in DII Region XX. One of Mati's highlights this season is when he recorded 24 pts., 24 reb. and 6 blocks in a 95-83 win vs. Westchester CC on November 24th. Mati has also recorded 12 double doubles this season.
Mati is averaging: 10.9 ppg, 10.7 rpg (1st in Region 20), 1.6 apg and 1.6 bpg (4th in Region 20) while shooting 49.8% from the field (15th in Region 20)
Mati's career totals in his 2 seasons at MC are: 392 points, 347 rebounds, 56 assists, 52 blocks, and 29 steals, while shooting 49.1% from the field and 78.3% from the free throw line. _____________________________________________________________________
Ibrahim Abdulmateen-Robinson, #5, is a two-year starter and team captain. Ibrahim is a versatile 6'6 wing. Ibrahim has consistently been one of the best all-around players at MC over the last 2 seasons, often guarding the other team's top players while filling up the stat sheet in various categories. Ibrahim capped off his freshman year during the 2023-24 season earning All-Region honors. Ibrahim looks like he's headed for another All-Region selection this season as well. Ibrahim has played and started in 27 games. Ibrahim has scored double figures in 17 out of 27 games played highlighted by 28 pts., 10 reb. and 6 assists in a 95-83 win vs. Westchester CC on November 24th and 23 pts., 10 reb. and 4 assists in a 103-100 win at Garrett College on January 22nd. Ibrahim has also recorded 8 double doubles this season.
Ibrahim is averaging: 12.4 ppg (26th in Region 20), 7.2 rpg (10th in Region 20), 2.1 apg (30th in Region 20), 1.6 spg (15th in Region 20) and 1.6 bpg (3rd in Region 20)
Ibrahim's career totals in his 2 seasons at MC are: 735 points, 439 rebounds, 113 assists, 99 blocks, and 75 steals, while shooting 47.1% from the field and started 56 out of 57 games played in his 2 seasons at MC