by: Kerry Lippold Jr.
Despite the cancellation and suspension of athletics this season, four Cobras from the men’s basketball team have received recognition for their efforts as student-athletes at Parkland College. Carter Jeffries, Bruno Williams Jr., Charles Campbell Jr., and Joey Saracco contributed to a program first of having four players named to the All-Region 24 Team. This distinction is awarded by the choice of the region’s coaches.
Of these individuals, Jeffries and Williams Jr. have also been awarded All-Conference honors by the coaches of the Mid-West Athletic Conference (MWAC) in which they were selected as First Team recipients. Additionally, Carter Jeffries has also been selected as MWAC Player of the Year.
Jeffries, a native of Niles, Michigan, established himself in the conference at both ends of the court. According to Joey Gruner from Parkland Athletics, the sophomore guard “… was second in the conference in both points per game (17.2) and 3-point baskets (72). He was third in blocks (16), fifth in 3-point percentage (36.9%), and seventh in overall shooting percentage (46.8%).” Jeffries also managed to add to his MWAC Player of the Year selection a top 15 conference ranking in both steals and assists
Williams Jr., a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, consistently set the Cobras up for success in transitional play. The sophomore guard and forward “… was fourth in the conference in both rebounds per game (6.8) and assists per game (3.1). He was sixth in two categories as well, points per game (13.3) and steals (33),” Gruner said. As of March 6, Williams Jr. also managed 148 defensive rebounds for the most current season which would put him nationally ranked at 89. Additionally, he has managed seven double-doubles in regular-season play and 11 rebounds in four conference games.
Campbell Jr., a native of Chicago, Illinois, set his sights high this season after a successful freshman year starting in all 27 games he appeared and scoring double figures 11 times. Gruner said the sophomore guard “… is averaging 10.4 points per game this season, shooting 48.9% from the field, including 40% from 3-point range.” Campbell Jr. has also managed averages of 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game and a season-high of 24 points against Rend Lake.
Saracco, a native of Bolingbrook, Illinois, proved his ability to create scoring opportunities and to protect the rim. The sophomore center “… is shooting 54.2% from the field this season, which places him 86 in the nation. He has 35 blocks, which comes in at 63 in the nation,” Gruner said. Saracco has also averaged 12.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game which included season-highs of 24 points and 11 rebounds against Kennedy-King and Land Lake respectively and five double-doubles.
The efforts of these players helped lead the Cobras through a tough postseason including two major upsets, landing them a spot in the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship. Unfortunately, the NJCAA competition which was initially postponed has since suspended all activities.
The Parkland Director of Athletics, Brenden McHale said, “Parkland College encourages everyone to follow all safety precautions recommended by our health experts. During these challenging times, our Cobras Athletics community will seek to be thoughtful and encouraging to all those around us.”
For more information about Parkland Athletics and the success this past season, click here.
