The IRSC Men’s Basketball Split At The Veterans Classic

Fort Pierce, FL - The Indian River State College (IRSC) Men's Basketball Team won one and lost one at the 5th Annual IRSC Men's Basketball Veterans Classic which was sponsored by The Van Duzer Foundation.  The IRSC Men's Basketball Veterans Classic was established as an opportunity to recognize local Veterans for their service, "We thought this would be a great way to recognize Veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our country," stated Coach Charlie Wilson.  Veterans who were in attendance Friday evening were recognized for their service between games.  The IRSC Men's Team took time to shake each Veterans' hand before their game, "I was very proud of our guys stepping up and going to center court to personally thank each Veteran for their service," commented Coach Wilson. "We appreciate all Veterans who attended the games this weekend."  All proceeds collected over the two-day tournament will be donated to House of Vets and Honor Flight.      

The Pioneers lost on Friday night to a tough Tallahassee College team, 89-82.  IRSC jumped out to a 9-4 lead on a deep three-point basket made by sophomore Kyle Feit.  Tallahassee went on a 9-0 run and held a 26-17 advantage.  The Pioneers battled back and were only down two at halftime, 41-39.

The second half saw seven lead changes before Tallahassee increased the margin to four points with six minutes remaining in the contest.  IRSC continued to battle but could not close the gap, losing 89-82.  Leading scorers for the Pioneers were A.J. Cajuste 21 points, Jonathan Cisse 14, Bendji Pierre 12, Tyeree Bryan 12, and Feit tossed in 11. 

IRSC bounced back in a big way on Saturday afternoon as they took on Daytona State College.  The Pioneers went on a 13-point run and pushed the score to 23-10.  They kept up the defensive pressure and closed out the half, 49-31.  The second half was not much different for IRSC as they increased the lead to 30 points, 93-63 on a baseline three-point basket by freshmen Doug Young.  The Pioneers went on to a comfortable victory 109-72. 

Seven members of IRSC scored in double figures led by Tyeree Bryan with 16, Kyle Feit 16, J.C. Cisse 15, Bendji Pierre 14, Amir Brikat 14, Ocypher Owens 11, and A.J. Cajuste added 10. Cajuste led the team in assists with 8 and Bryan pulled in a team high 8 rebounds.

Coach Charlie Wilson thought the tournament was a success "the competition at this years Veterans Classic was the best we have had in existence of the tournament," stated IRSC Head Coach Charlie Wilson.  "I want to personally thank the Van Duzer Foundation for sponsoring the tournament and taking care of the teams, it made for a special weekend." 

The Pioneers will be in action at Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday November 9^th for a 7 p.m. start as they take on Florida State College-Jacksonville.