Pre-Season Success

"The Delta Way" is a team motto that explains the conduct and execution on and off of the court.  The Preseason has gotten off to a productive start at Delta with the new regime lead by Head Coach Kyle Blackbourn.  During the preseason the Pioneers focused on three aspects of team development which are individual skill development, team accountability, and in game situations.  All three aspects have been a work in progress but one that is needed in the end to be successful. 

Delta scrimmaged three teams at Owens CC Jamboree on October 12^th, 2014. The three teams were Jackson CC, Northeast Mercyhurst, and Daley CC while at Owens.  Steven M of PrepBallReport wrote that "Delta played with a chip on their shoulder the whole day, playing stifling defense, getting on the floor for balls, and feeding off of each teammate's individual performances leading to a 3-0 performance at the Jamboree."  In their first, game against Jackson CC, Markel Bradshaw Freshman PG had a tremendous game ending with 14pts and 7ast.  In addition, Guards BJ Batts and Davian Phillips both turned out two great shooting performances from deep.  In their second game against Mercyhurst, Bradshaw continued his strong leadership against a tough and talented team.  Freshman Guard Justin Person, Sophomore Forwards Chris Chrzan and Julian Henderson stepped up big time in leading the team in scoring and executing in the half court game.  In the final game of the day against a fast and athletic Daley CC team it took the hustle and hard work of 6'5 Sophomore Forward Travon Cotton leading us on the defensive end of the court which lead to great offensive opportunities.  An evaluation of our team performance can be found by Steve M. at-http://theprepballreport.com/2014/10/13/owens-community-college-midwest-juco-jamboree-recap/

On October 18^th Delta held the first annual "Green & White" game at Delta College which was also, "Pioneer Recruit" day.  Delta held an open intrasquad scrimmage for the community, family, and friends to come and get an early look at the team.  In accordance with the game the coaching staff invited twelve recruits up to take a tour of our campus as well as an inside look at the program.  The day was a great success allowing recruits and family members as well as local community members to get an inside look at the Pioneers.  The "Green" team coached by Head Coach Kyle Blackbourn defeated The "White" team coached by Assistant Coach Carlos McMath by a score of 61 to 53.  The "Green" team was lead by Freshman Davian Phillips and Sophomore Julian Henderson.  The "White" team had balance scoring across the board with standout performances by Chris Chrzan and Dan Stenback.  On the day Delta had a great turn out with over 100 supporters in the gym to see our team play. One of the spectators was Finny Fuller of Prep Wars who tweeted his support of the game while also noting that "Delta College has a pair of hidden gems in its backcourt. Watch out for guards Markell Bradshaw and Davian Phillips #TheDeltaWay."  The ultimate goal of this event, according to Coach McMath, was to present the basketball and athletic program as well as Delta College was shown and toured to those that have not had a chance to experience the #TheDeltaWay. 

Delta College Men's Basketball team will have one more open scrimmage against Marygrove College JV team on Friday October 24^th at 7pm at Pioneer Gym.  Delta's first game will be on November 1^st on the road at Rock Valley CC, located in Rockford, IL. The Eagles return a loaded lineup including National Player of the Year Jared Mayes, and National Coach of the year Craig Doty. The Eagles finished off the season winning the 2013/14 NJCAA DIII National Championship. The game will provide a great early season test for the Pioneer's. #TheDeltaWay