Men’s Basketball Wins Opener

From the perspective of men's basketball coach Chris Moore, Virginia Peninsula Community College's season-opener against Chowan University's junior varsity team couldn't have gone any better.

In addition to a resounding 96-57 victory, the Gators played in their new home gym at SafeHaven Empowerment Center in the Denbigh section of Newport News, drawing a crowd of close to 200.

"I thought it was a great day," Moore said.

Creating a culture, especially at home, of camaraderie and community is important to Moore and his program.

"I think we were able to show the community we do have a good brand of basketball here," he said. "A great way to start the season."

The Gators hadn't even practiced in the new facility before game day, so the players had to adjust to their new surroundings. SafeHaven is run by the Bethea Family Foundation, led by former NFL standout and Denbigh High School graduate Antoine Bethea.

He was on hand, as were VPCC President Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, Newport News Councilman Marcellus Harris, Newport News Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany, and many other community and college representatives.

"I do appreciate … all the people who worked hard to get us this," Moore said. "For us to be in here and have a home and be able to win the first game was huge."

D'Cameron Haynes' 3-pointer from the right win just 38 seconds into the game was the first basket in the Gators' new home and set them on the way to an easy win. The Gators led 22-10 at the 11:36 mark and expanded it from there. They were ahead 62-32 at the break.

Three players scored in double figures for the Gators: Emmanuel Angila (15), Keshaun Johnson (12) and Jayden Sepulveda (11). All 14 players who got in the game scored. Josh Branche led the Hawks with 22 points and former VPCC player Tekomin Williams added 12.

"It was a big a moment, but we still have to get better," Moore said of the game.

He noted the team just started working on its zone offense, which he expects to see a lot of because his team is so deep.

"We had a chance to see (a zone defense) all game," he said. "It gave us an opportunity to see how we look. These guys are so unselfish."

The Gators returned to action three days later, Saturday, Nov. 9, and posted a 101-92 victory at Southwest Virginia Community College in Cedar Bluff. Daytwan Johnson led the Gators with 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Keshaun Johnson had 23 points, eight rebounds and three blocks; Jakobe Reed added 13 points, four assists and two steals; and Sincere Moore contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, five steals and three blocks. VPCC led 46-44 at the half and outscored the hosts 55-48 in the second half.

For more information on VPCC, visit www.vpcc.edu.