Photo Courtesy: Bill Dilillo (www.billdilillo.com)
BENNINGTON, Vt. - When the NECC announced the Conference Basketball Awards Thursday it was no surprise to see SVC student-athletes throughout the list as the Mountaineers keep making their imprint on the Conference. Three student-athletes were voted to All-Conference teams and the men's team garnered the NECC Men's Basketball Team Sportsmanship Award.
The Mountaineers led by Head Coach Michael McDonough (34-88 all-time) finished 7-18 overall and 4-10 in the NECC facing tough competition along the way.
"Sportsmanship can mean many things," said Coach McDonough. "In this case, I think it says that we came to play, were never out of a game, and won and lost with class. Our guys respected their opponents."
"This year continued to take this program in a very positive direction," said captain Joe Karnik. "It was great for me, as a leader and someone my teammates hopefully look up to, to watch them progress and mature throughout the season."
Karnik played a positive role the whole season for the Mountaineers on and off the court. When a mid-season injury sidelined him for four games he was still a presence at the SVC Field House cheering his team on from the bench.
"I personally take pride in helping and trying to make these guys better and watching the way every one of them made the most of our situation and handled our ups and downs as a team,' added Karnik. "Because of all my teammates I was lucky enough to succeed and have a good year but the most satisfaction comes from watching them succeed and knowing how I have helped, not from my individual success."
NECC awards recipients are decided through a Conference wide vote amongst the coaches so the Mountaineer squad seems to be turning heads and making positive relationships.
"They made friends in the conference. All this and young too! Coaches and fans see these things. That's a pretty good identity to have. We're very proud of the way our young men have represented SVC."
"We are very proud of our Men's Basketball program for garnering the first NECC sportsmanship award," said Interim Director of Athletics Don Schaffer. "This is a great testament to the values and hard work that Coach McDonough and his guys have exhibited all year, and it is a well deserved honor."
Individuals who were voted onto Conference teams were Joe Karnik, Brendan Kordana, and Joa Claircius of the women's squad.
Junior forward Joe Karnik of Castleton, N.Y. was voted the highest honor among SVC players making the 2009 All-NECC Men's Basketball First-Team.
"Joe put up player of the year numbers in his junior season, with a target on his back because everybody knew. His selection by the conference coaches is affirmation of his value," said Coach McDonough.
With stats that only deserve first-team status Karnik, one of two captains, finished second in the NECC in scoring (21.6 points per game) and rebounds (12.4 rebounds per game).
"The all conference first team award just gives me a stepping stone to set my own goals even higher for next year," said Karnik.
The Business major scored a team high 405 total points overall averaging 19.3 ppg in 21 games. Karnik is on pace to be a 1,000 point scorer with a total of 817 points after this breakout year. Nationwide Karnik is ranked 57th (out of 500) in points per game and 19th in the country in rebounds per game with his 10.4 (rpg) in 21 games.
"Best part, Joe isn't about his stats," added Coach McDonough. "He's all about team. He does what he can to help us succeed. And there's more to come."
"I know every one of us hates the way this year came to an end but I also know every one around this institution is already looking forward to winter next year and our future year," added Karnik. "Its great to see the conference recognize us as a team and the sportsmanship award is a huge achievement for all of us. There is no where but up to look when it comes to this basketball team, we are very young and motivated and now there's nothing else to do but work for next season."
Sophomore guard Brendan Kordana of Adams, Mass. passed the 500 point mark averaging 14.8 (ppg) in the NECC and 12.4 (ppg) overall as he was voted 2009 All-NECC Men's Basketball Honorable Mention.
"In only his second year, the conference has learned that Brendan is an intense competitor," said Coach McDonough. "He can score in bunches in multiple ways. He's a deadly shooter who can take you to the basket. He was asked to do a lot this year - score, handle, and defend."
Kordana led the team with 33.9 minutes a game with Karnik a close second with 33.1.
"He never got a breather, and always battled to the end," added Coach McDonough.
On the women's team it was no surprise that freshman guard Joa Claircius of Clermont, Fla. received Conference recognition being voted to the 2009 All-NECC Women's Basketball Second-Team.
"Joa is well-deserving of this award," said Head Women's Basketball Coach Ben Kozik (8-28 all-time).
Claircius had a breakout year finishing 34th in the country in scoring in Division III with 18.6 (ppg). In the NECC she was third in scoring, assists (4.3 per game), second in steals (3.3 per game ranking her 56th in the country), and led the league with 38.7 minutes per game.
"When I recruited her, I told her she could be one of the top players in the NECC and that she would get plenty of playing time," added Coach Kozik. "It's no wonder she led the league in minutes played and was third in Conference scoring. The funny thing is, she hasn't even come close to reaching her potential. I'm excited to see what she does next season."
The women's basketball team finished the season 6-19 overall and 4-12 in the NECC.
In the inaugural year of the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Southern Vermont College has been awarded numerous awards and acknowledgements for its programs from soccer to cross country.