MEDIA, PA — As the echoes of past victories still resonate within the halls of Delaware County Community College, the Phantoms men’s basketball team stands on the cusp of a new chapter, brimming with promise and potential. Under the seasoned guidance of head coach Dwayne Saunders, the 2024-2025 squad embarks on a challenging journey through the fiercely competitive Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (EPAC) Region 19.
Coach Saunders, a Delaware County native, returns for his second consecutive year at the helm, bringing a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree. His previous tenure from 2010-2013 saw the Phantoms achieve a remarkable 55-22 record, highlighted by a stellar 24-2 season that clinched the 2011-2012 Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (EPCC) Championship. Saunders’ leadership earned him the EPCC Coach of the Year accolade, and his return kindles hopes of rekindling that championship glory.
The current roster is a tapestry of talent and grit, featuring standout high school stars ready to make their mark on the collegiate stage. Among them is Darrius Best, a dynamic player hailing from Eastern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, N.C., known for his lightning speed. Complementing him is Jabree Martin, a savvy guard from Wilmington, Del.’s Great Oaks Charter School, whose court vision and strategy are expected to steer the team’s offense. Philadelphia’s Overbrook High School has contributed two “tough as nails” players, Omar Davis and Tahmier Manning, who bring a robust physicality to the Phantoms’ lineup. Anjillo Alicea returns as a key figure, poised to leverage his experience and influence on the court.
“Our goal is to get better one practice at a time and allow the chips to fall where they may,” Saunders remarked, highlighting his faith in this dedicated group of student-athletes. Their commitment both on and off the court reflects the college’s tradition of nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel academically and athletically.
The competition will be intense, as Region 19 is renowned for its rigorous play within the NJCAA Division III framework. Spanning 26 teams across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, this region is a crucible of talent and determination, testing even the most seasoned athletes.
Home games will be staged at the historic FiDonce Gymnasium in Chester, PA, a venue steeped in local sports lore and a mere 20-minute drive from the college’s Marple Campus in Media. Saunders and the Phantoms invite fans to rally behind the team as they tip off the season on November 4 against Lehigh Carbon Community College, followed by a much-anticipated home opener on November 14 against Williamson College of the Trades.
Delaware County Community College continues to be a beacon for aspiring athletes, offering a robust intercollegiate program that fosters both academic and athletic excellence. The success of past seasons, including last spring’s participation in the NJCAA DIII Outdoor National Track and Field Championships by six student-athletes, underscores the college’s commitment to developing premier talent.
As the Phantoms prepare to take the court, the community’s support will be pivotal in driving them toward success. With a rich history and a promising future, the 2024-2025 season is set to capture the hearts of basketball fans, rekindling the spirit and excitement that makes college basketball an enduring passion.
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