Men’s Basketball Team Finishes Best Season in College’s History

Men's Basketball Team Finishes Best Season
in SUNY Rockland's History

Suffern, NY - The SUNY Rockland Community College men’s basketball team, the Hawks, finished its best season in school history with a 22-13 overall record.

The Hawks pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in Region XV Basketball Tournament history on March 1. Down by as much as 22 points with just under 10 minutes left, the Hawks stormed back to defeat Sullivan Community College 81-77 in the championship game. The team defeated Suffolk-Selden Community College, 94-82, in the semi-final (Feb. 28). They also sank Suffolk-Grant Community College, 90-75, in the quarterfinals. Angel Gonzalez was named Tournament MVP, and teammate Matt Rose was selected to the All-Tournament team.

After defeating Sullivan Community College in the Region XV Championship, the Hawks traveled to SUNY Delhi for the NJCAA National Tournament on March 12-14. The Hawks took eighth place in the tournament and fell to rival Bergen Community College in the opening round, 78-64. Allegheny Community College (PA) and the College of DuPage (IL) also dealt the Hawks a pair of losses during the tournament. Spring Valley High graduate Matt Rose was selected to the All-Tournament team.

The Lady Hawks finished third in the Mid-Hudson Conference Tournament. The 2009 edition of tournament was held at Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York from February 19-21. Rockland defeated Dutchess Community College, 65-42, in the consolation game on Saturday, February 21. Prior to that game, the third seeded Lady Hawks fell to second seeded Orange Community College, 61-46 in the semi-final on Thursday, February 19. The Mid-Hudson Conference announced the 2009 All Conference Women's Basketball team at the tournament. Freshman Alyssa Guido was named the MVP and Sophomore Liridona Gjonbalaj and Nakiah Zamor were named to the second team. Guido was also named to the All-Tournament team.

The men's basketball is led by Head Coach Bill Kurisko. As a Nanuet High graduate, Kurisko held the Rockland County scholastic scoring title for more than 15 years. Kurisko just completed his fifth season as head coach. Assisting Kurisko this season were his father, Lenny, and John Yannaco' 06. Rookie Head Coach, Ty Della Monica '05 guided the Lady Hawks.

More Info: Kevin Hanlon ‘98, Assistant Athletic Director and Sports Information Director, at 845-574-4512, khanlon@sunyrockland.edu

Stay informed: sign up for RCC's free monthly e-newsletter of events by visiting www.sunyrockland.edu and clicking into the "Sign up for events newsletter" button on the lower right. Suffern campus map: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/about/campus-guide/map

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Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.