The IRSC Men’s Basketball Compete In 4th Annual Veterans Classic

Fort Pierce, FL - The Indian River State College (IRSC) Men's Basketball Team had two tough contests this weekend at the 4^th Annual IRSC Men's Basketball Veterans Classic which was sponsored by The Van Duzer Foundation. The classic was established as an opportunity to recognize local Veterans for their service.  "We feel it is important to take time to recognize Veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our country," stated Coach Charlie Wilson.  "Each year the tournament has grown and we had some excellent teams in this year's tournament".  It was definitely a tough field of basketball in the tournament this year with Daytona State, #12 in the NJCAA National Poll, USC Salkehatchie, #18 in the NJCAA National Poll, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, who is an up and coming program with a 1^st team all-American, and IRSC who has produced back to back 20 win seasons and appearances in the state play-offs.

The first action on Friday night saw USC Salkehatchie defeat Daytona State 103-81.  IRSC and Manatee-Sarasota squared off in the night cap, which turned into the best game of the evening.  The game was tight in the early going with the Pioneers taking the slight lead 17-11 over Manatee-Sarasota when Tadre Morse drove to the basket and scored a tough lay-up. Tanahj Pettway hit a deep three-point basket to move the lead to 32-17 and IRSC took a 52-43 advantage into the half.

Manatee-Sarasota cut the advantage to 4, 64-60 but Drew LaMont connect on a three-point shot to increase the score to 67-60 with 13:30 remaining in the game. Manatee-Sarasota would not quit and took the lead 76-71 with 9 minutes to play.  The Pioneers had some fight left in them and took back the advantage on a Jai Clark three-pointer 77-76.  The game saw several more lead changes before IRSC took control and won 111-98.  Pettway led all scores for the Pioneers with 26 points, Drew LaMont added 25, Miles Coleman 22, and DeJuan Lockett tossed in 13.

On Saturday afternoon IRSC took on #18 USC Salkehatchie.  USC took an early 6-0 lead in the ballgame and increased the margin to 20-8 before the Pioneers came storming back with a 16-4 run taking a 24-22 advantage.  IRSC could not keep the lead as USC had a 50-39 advantage at halftime.  The Pioneers cut the margin to single digits in the second half, but were unable to ever take back the lead.  USC went on to a 96-84 win, giving the Pioneers their first loss of the season.  Miles Coleman led IRSC with 25 points, Tanahj Pettway was on target for 22, and DeJuan Lockett added 14.

The Pioneers will be in action at IRSC on Tuesday, November 12 against College of Central Florida for a 5:30 pm tip-off.