Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez.

The #6 ranked South Suburban College Bulldogs (19-9; 14-3 NJCAA Region IV) celebrated their sophomores on Thursday night, February 13, as they hosted the College of DuPage Chaparrals (18-9; 11-9 NJCAA Region IV).

The honorees included sophomores Kuba Senczyszyn, Derome White, Taurean Mickens, Demetrius Moss, and James Morgan.

Two international sophomores—French center Pape Ndiaye and Brazilian forward Roberto Guida—were also celebrated, with both singing their national anthems to close the evening’s honors.

Additionally, Jovan Mooring, who played at SSC during the 2015-2016 season, was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame, with his mother accepting the award on his behalf.

Mooring was named the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Player of the Year on April 12, 2016.

He was also a first-round draft pick, selected 13th overall, in the 2018 NBA G-League Draft by the Grand Rapids Drive.

The first half saw both teams struggling to find their rhythm in what turned out to be a low-scoring affair, unusual for both squads.

South Suburban began the game with their sophomores, while DuPage had to adjust their lineup due to injuries and illness.

Six minutes into the first half, SSC returned to their regular starting five.

The game remained tight for much of the period, but South Suburban slowly pulled away, leading 35-25 at the half.

In the second half, the Bulldogs extended their lead to as much as 21 points, but DuPage slowly chipped away, aided by turnovers and line changes from South Suburban.

Ultimately, the Bulldogs held onto their lead, thanks to key performances from freshman Aj Abrams with 20 points, freshman Samar Bures with 16 points, and sophomore Taurean Mickens with 11 points.

FINAL: South Suburban 78, College of DuPage 69.

WCCN Player of the Game: Samar Bures, who scored 16 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists. Bures’ defensive contributions were instrumental in the Bulldogs’ victory.

Special thank you to head coach John Pigatti (SSC).

Watch the video recap on YouTube (linked below) or on Facebook or Instagram @ Will Cook County News.

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