men's bASkEtBALL news

March 8, 2010
LOVE-ROBERTS, OGLESBY SELECTED TO ALL-REGION IV SQUAD
Post season accolades continue to pour in for Prairie State sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) and sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.).

After being selected to play in the Region IV All-Star Game on March 21 and earning All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference honors, March 4, the duo has now been named to the NJCAA All-Region IV team.

Love-Roberts, a native of Chicago Heights, was the region’s leading vote-getter and was a first-team selection. Because he led the region in total votes, the 6-foot-1 shooting guard earned an automatic All-America nomination.

Love-Roberts led the Pioneers with an 18.3 points per game scoring average this season.

Oglesby, who hails from South Holland, secured a spot on the second team and scored at a 13.9 clip during the campaign.

March 5, 2010
LOVE-ROBERTS, OGLESBY TO PLAY IN REGIONIV ALL-STAR GAME
Prairie State sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) and sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) will take part in the Region IV Sophomore All-Star Game, to be played Sunday, March 21 at North Park University in Chicago.

Love-Roberts and Oglesby will play for the East squad under head coach Frank Lolino of Morton.

Love–Roberts led the Pioneers in scoring during the 2009-10 campaign, averaging 18.3 points per game, while Oglesby was second on the team, scoring at a 13.9 clip.

March 4, 2010
PIONEERS LAND FOUR ON ALL-SKYWAY TEAM
Four Prairie State College men’s basketball players were recently selected to the All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Team.

Sophomore shooting guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) and sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) were named to the first team, while sophomore point guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) and sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) made the second team.

Love-Roberts, who garnered NJCAA Region IV Player of the Week honors on three separate occasions this year, led the Pioneers in scoring during conference games. The 6-foot-1 Love-Roberts averaged 21.1 points per contest in league play, with a season-high 29 coming against the College of Lake County in a 74-73 win, Jan. 14.

Love-Roberts also averaged 6.13 rebounds per game and was a 45-percent three-point shooter (14-of-31). He also shot 75 percent from the free throw line (39-of-52).

Oglesby averaged 15.8 points per game and seven rebounds per game in conference action, with a high-water scoring mark of 24 points coming in a 92-76 win over Moraine Valley, Jan. 16.

Merke dished out 73 assists during the conference slate (5.6 per game) and recorded 28 steals. He turned in a season-high 13 points in a 71-66 win over McHenry, Jan. 21. The 6-foot-1 native of Thornton, IL chipped in a season-best 10 assists in a 58-56 win over McHenry, Feb. 16.

Fair posted an 11.4 points-per-game scoring average. He also averaged 7.29 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-2 Fair tallied a season-high 25 points in a 90-75 triumph over Oakton, Jan. 5.

Feburary 28, 2010
PIONEERS BOW OUT IN REGION IV SEMIFINALS

Despite a valiant 40-minute effort, the Prairie State College men's basketball team saw its season come to an end Sunday, falling to Waubonsee Community College, 62-55 in an NJCAA Region IV Tournament semifinal at Illinois Valley in Oglesby.

The Pioneers closed out their campaign with a 16-15 overall record.

Prairie State was led by 17 points from sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.). The 6-foot-1 Love-Roberts went 5-of-12 from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe.

Love Roberts, who led PSC this year with an 18.3 points per game scoring average, got off to a fast start, tallying 12 of the Pioneers' first 14 points in the contest. His strong, driving layup early in the opening half knotted the game at 14.

Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) made his presence felt as well, adding nine points, three rebounds and four steals.

Prairie State also received a strong eight-point, two-assist, two-steal performance from freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.). Freshman forward Percy Brewer (Bloom Trail) finished with six points and four rebounds.

Prairie State went into the intermission trailing 31-29.

Both teams exchanged leads throughout the second half before an 8-0 run by the Chiefs (23-8) gave them a 56-49 advantage with 4:43 to go.

A long three-pointer from sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) cut Waubonsee's lead to 58-55 with 2:02 left, but the Pioneers were unable to pull any closer.

Waubonsee was paced by Danny Fernandez's 13 points.

February 25, 2010
PRAIRIE STATE MEN RALLY PAST OAKTON
Fueled by a determined 27 points from sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.), Prairie State rallied past Oakton Community College, 66-63 in an NJCAA Region IV Tournament quarterfinal Thursday night in Chicago Heights.

With the win, the Pioneers (16-14) will now take on Waubonsee Community College, a 75-64 quarterfinal winner over College of Lake County, in semifinal action Sunday at Illinois Valley in Oglesby.

Love-Roberts’ game-high performance came courtesy of an 8-of-15 showing from the field and 9-of-10 effort from the free-throw line. He also secured six rebounds and recorded both a pair of steals and assists.

Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) aided the Pioneers’ cause as well, turning in a 16-point, 6-rebound contest. Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) chipped in 10 points.

The Raiders (10-21) were paced by Lyvonte Eskridge’s 21 points.

Prairie State trailed 36-26 at halftime.

A three-pointer from Oglesby cut the Oakton lead to 40-39 with 15:12 to go before sophomore guard Joe Graham (Thornridge H.S.) connected on a short jumper, giving PSC a 41-40 edge with 12:08 remaining.

Up 65-63 with nine seconds left, Oglesby pulled down a tough rebound off a D.J. Jones free-throw attempt and was fouled. His ensuing free-throw sealed the win.

February 21, 2010
PSC CONCLUDES REGULAR SEASON; HOSTS OAKTON IN REGION TOURNEY
Outscored 17-4 in the final 8:26 of the game, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team lost 62-48 to Kishwaukee College in the regular-season finale Saturday in Chicago Heights.

Despite the setback, PSC will host Oakton Community College in the opening round of the NJCAA Region IV Tournament on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Pioneers, seeded third among eight teams, defeated No. 6 Oakton twice during the season, winning 90-75 and 59-54.

In Saturday’s contest, Prairie State (15-14) was behind 45-44 when the Kougars’ run commenced. The 14-point differential at the conclusion of the game was the largest of the afternoon.

Early on, PSC found itself down 21-8 but rallied to pull to within 31-26 at the half. The Pioneers then overcame a 36-26 deficit to go ahead 42-41 with 10:33 remaining. That, however, was their last lead of the game.

Freshmen guards Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) and Percy Brewer (Bloom Trail H.S.) paced Prairie State’s offense with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Sophomore forwards Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) and Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) both recorded seven rebounds, and sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) dished off six assists.

February 18, 2010
PRAIRIE STATE COMES UP SHORT IN BID FOR SECOND PLACE
Not surprisingly, another Prairie State College men’s basketball Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference game went down to the wire Thursday night.

PSC lost a 58-55 decision to Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, marking the 10th time in 14 league contests that the outcome was decided by seven points or less. Included in those 10 decisions were a pair of two-point games as well as one that was determined by a single point.

With the setback, the Pioneers closed out the conference campaign with an 8-6 record and the No. 3 slot in the eight-team standings. A win, however, would have given them second-place status.

Prairie State (15-13) overcame a 49-40 deficit, which equaled the largest of the night for either team, with 7:36 to play, deadlocking the score at 55-55 at the 1:12 mark. But Waubonsee tallied the final three points of the game at the free-throw line to seal the win.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) scored a game-high 25 points and hauled in a team-best seven rebounds.

February 16, 2010
GRAHAM’S FREE THROWS ENABLE PIONEERS TO WIN IN OT
Clutch free-throw shooting by sophomore guard Joe Graham (Thornridge H.S.) in the final seconds of regulation enabled the Prairie State College men’s basketball team to defeat McHenry County College 58-56 in overtime Tuesday evening in Chicago Heights.

With the Pioneers down 50-46, Graham was fouled with 10 seconds to play. He converted both free throws, and, after McHenry turned the ball over on the inbound pass, he was fouled with two seconds on the clock. Graham swished his two attempts to even the game at 50-50 and force overtime.

In the extra session, the Scots led 54-52 when sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) connected on two free throws as well as a short jumper to put the hosts ahead 56-54. Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) capped off the 6-0 run when he made good on a pair of throws, making it 58-54.

PSC, which was 13-of-16 at the free-throw line for the game, made its last 11 attempts at the charity stripe.

In a promising start, Prairie State led 25-18 with 7:19 remaining in the first half. The Pioneers held a 30-29 advantage at the half, but McHenry opened the second-half scoring with a three-pointer to go ahead 32-30. The Scots would remain in front until Graham’s game-tying free throws.

Oglesby scored a game-high 20 points, while sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) had 14 and Grant 12. Love-Roberts also recorded four steals.

Sophomore Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) was effective at the point guard position, compiling 10 assists and just one turnover.

The win improved PSC to 15-12 overall and 8-5 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. The victory also allowed Prairie State to overtake McHenry for third-place status in the league standings.

February 13, 2010
PSC'S RALLY COMES UP SHORT AGAINST LAKE COUNTY
Dramatic finishes appear to be the norm when the Prairie State College men's basketball team and College of Lake County face off this season.

In the first meeting of the season, the Pioneers took their first and only lead of the game with 12 seconds remaining when freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) hit the game-winning shot in PSC’s 74-73 win. On Saturday, Prairie State overcame a 24-point second-half deficit only to fall 82-77 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference contest in Chicago Heights.

In the setback, the Pioneers trailed 62-38 with 11:31 to play when they rallied to even the score at 75-75 at the 1:04 mark. But the Lancers took the lead for good when they converted a pair of free throws with 31 seconds on the clock.

Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) and freshman guard Percy Brewer (Bloom Trail H.S.) each scored 18 points. Sophomore guard Tevin Thomas (Thornridge H.S.) chipped in 17 points and four steals, and Grant scored 11 points.

Sophomore forward James Jackson's (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) 15 rebounds and sophomore guard Brandon Merke's (Thornwood H.S.) six assists were both game-high totals.

February 11, 2010
PRAIRIE STATE FALLS TO LEAGUE LEADER
If the Prairie State College men’s basketball team was going to have any chance at all of claiming a share of the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference title, it had to defeat Morton College on Thursday in Cicero.

The Pioneers’ bid, however, was denied when they lost 77-70 to a Morton team that improved to 12-0 in the ISCC. PSC (14-11, 7-4) now has its sights set on finishing second in the standings with three games to play.

Prairie State led 38-35 at the half but was unable to sustain its advantage in the second stanza as it was outscored 42-32 in the final 20 minutes.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) scored a game-high 20 points, while sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) had 18 points along with 10 rebounds.

February 6, 2010
PIONEERS LOSE SECOND STRAIGHT GAME BY TWO
Following a script similar to Thursday’s, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team dropped a 62-60 decision to Olivet Nazarene University JV on Saturday morning in Bourbonnais, resulting in its second-consecutive two-point loss.

The Pioneers overcame a 10-point second-half deficit and nearly pulled out a victory over ONU but missed a game-winning three-point shot at the buzzer. In a 69-67 loss to Elgin Community College on Thursday, PSC, which trailed by as many as 19 points in the second stanza, was unable to connect on a game-tying basket as time expired.

In Saturday’s contest, Prairie State (14-10) was behind 55-45 with just 4:42 to play when it scored 10 unanswered points in a span of 1:40 to deadlock the game at 55-55. The game also was knotted at 57-57 and 60-60, but the hosts scored the game-winner on a putback with 3.1 seconds left. The Pioneers’ bid to pull out a victory was denied when their three-point hit the front of the rim.

Sophomore forward James Jackson (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) reached double figures in rebounding for the fifth consecutive game as he matched his season high with 12 boards. Sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.), meanwhile, distributed 10 assists to equal his career best.

Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) scored a game-high 19 points, while sophomore guard Joe Graham (Thornridge H.S.) had 12 points.

February 4, 2010
PSC OVERCOMES DEFICIT BUT CAN’T CLAIM VICTORY
After eliminating a 19-point second-half deficit and building a five-point lead in the final minutes, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team looked to be on course for a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Elgin Community College on Tuesday in Chicago Heights. But ECC rallied, closing out the game on a 7-0 run to win 69-67.

The Spartans looked to have a victory locked up at the start of the second half as they opened the period by scoring 14 of the first 16 points to construct a 53-34 cushion with 16:37 to play. PSC, however, began to chip away and eventually went ahead 61-59 at the 5:28 mark courtesy of a 27-6 spurt.

The Pioneers increased their lead to 67-62 with 1:56 on the clock, but they would not score the remainder of the game. Down 68-67, Prairie State missed a game-winning attempt in the closing seconds. Elgin then converted 1-of-2 free throws to win by a pair.

Sophomore forwards Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) and James Jackson (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) both recorded double-doubles. Oglesby scored a game-high 19 points and led the team with 13 rebounds, while Jackson had 12 points and 10 boards.

Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) reached double figures in scoring as well, tallying 16 points. Sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) distributed eight assists and registered a game-high four steals.

February 2, 2010
PRAIRIE STATE CAN’T GET OFFENSE ON TRACK IN LOSS
Unlike the first meeting of the year, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team couldn’t find its shooting touch against Moraine Valley Community College on Tuesday in Palos Hills. The end result was a 72-58 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference loss that dropped PSC to 14-8 overall and 7-2 in the league.

When the teams met Jan. 16, the Pioneers shot a season-high 54.3 percent from the field and connected on their first six field goals, including three treys, to help build a 15-2 advantage en route to a 92-76 victory. Prairie State, however, struggled with its accuracy in the re-match, making just 32.4 percent of its attempts, while the Cyclones tallied a 63.3 percent clip.

Despite its shooting woes, PSC was still within reach of a victory in the second half as it trailed 42-39 with 13:45 to play. But Moraine put the game out of reach when it scored 16 unanswered points to build a 58-39 lead with 8:10 on the clock. The Pioneers would not get within eight points the remainder of the game.

Sophomore James Jackson (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) published his first double-double of the year, totaling 15 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.), meanwhile, scored 14 points and led all players with four steals.

January 28, 2010
DEPLETED PIONEERS WIN AGAIN
Injuries continue to plague the Prairie State College men's basketball team, but the Pioneers have not let that affect their level of play.

PSC, playing without three starters Thursday night, defeated Oakton Community College 59-54 in an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference bout in Chicago Heights. The victory gives Prairie State its third win in four games and improves its record to 14-7 overall and 7-1 in the conference standings.

The Pioneers, who have not played with a full roster in the last five contests, trailed the first 17:15 of the game before going ahead 20-18 on sophomore guard Joe Graham's (Thornridge H.S.) field goal. PSC would retain the lead the remainder of the night.

Graham's basket was part of a 12-0 run that turned an 18-14 Prairie State deficit into a 26-18 advantage. Prairie State was up 29-20 at the half and increased the differential to 11, 33-22, with 18:34 to play in regulation.

Oakton pulled to within one, 37-36, but the Pioneers scored the next seven points to make it 44-36 at the 11:57 mark. The Raiders still had an opportunity to win it, closing to within two points twice in the final 25 seconds before PSC converted four of its last five free throws in the final half-minute.

Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) scored a game-high 19 points and was a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range. Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) also reached double figures, finishing with 10 points.

Sophomore forward James Jackson (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) and freshman guard Brandon Williams (Bloom Trail H.S.) made the most of their increased playing time. Both players recorded game- as well as season-high totals as Jackson gathered 12 rebounds, while Williams had six assists.

January 26, 2010
PSC CLOSES OUT FIRST HALF OF CONFERENCE SEASON WITH A VICTORY
Ahead from start to finish, the Prairie State College men's basketball team defeated Waubonsee Community College 56-47 Tuesday in Chicago Heights to improve to 13-7 overall and 6-1 at the mid-point of the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference season.

Neither team was able to generate much offense in the first half. The guests missed their first 17 shots and didn’t connect on a field goal until 3:38 remained in the opening period. Their scoring output to that point consisted of four free throws.

PSC used the opportunity to build a pair of 10-point leads (14-4, 16-6) before taking an 18-12 advantage at the half.

Although the Pioneers never surrendered their lead in the second stanza, the game was still within reach as the teams were never separated by more than nine points.

Prairie State, which outscored the Chiefs 38-35 in the final 20 minutes, received a game-high 21 points from sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) and 14 points from freshman guard Percy Brewer (Bloom Trail H.S.).

January 23, 2010
PRAIRIE STATE PUTS UP BETTER SHOWING AGAINST KANKAKEE
Nearly three months after the Prairie State College men’s basketball team opened its season with a 108-70 loss to Kankakee Community College, PSC played host to the Cavaliers in a rematch Saturday afternoon in Chicago Heights. This time around, the Pioneers put up a much better showing before bowing out 68-52.

Prairie State (12-7), which was without the services of two starters and a back-up due to injury, fell behind 2-0 to open the game but scored the next eight points to go ahead 8-2. Prairie State retained the lead until the 9:14 mark of the first half when the guests took a 15-14 advantage.

The Cavaliers, who would not relinquish the lead the rest of the game, were in front 28-23 at the half and owned a 40-29 scoring surplus in the second period. The 16-point differential at the conclusion of the contest was the largest of the afternoon.

Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) scored a game-high 22 points. Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) had 13 points and a team-best seven rebounds, while sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) totaled 10 points.

January 21, 2010
BREWER LEADS PRAIRIE STATE TO VICTORY OVER LEAGUE LEADER
Due to an injury, freshman reserve guard Percy Brewer (Bloom Trail H.S.) of the Prairie State College men’s basketball team saw his most significant playing time of the season Thursday against McHenry County College.

Brewer made the most of his opportunity, scoring a game-high 24 points to lift the Pioneers to a 71-66 overtime victory over McHenry, which entered the game tied for first in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference standings with a 4-0 record.

With the win, PSC owns second-place status in the eight-team conference as it improved to 5-1. Overall, Prairie State is 12-6.

Brewer was one of four double-digit scorers for the Pioneers, who also received 16 points from freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.), 14 from sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) and a career-best 13 from sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.).

Along with their scoring, Oglesby had a game-high 11 rebounds and Merke led all players with eight assists. Grant and Merke, meanwhile, topped the charts in steals with four apiece.

The Scots led 29-28 at the half, but PSC owned a 32-31 scoring advantage in the second period to tie the game at 60-60 and force overtime. In the five-minute extra session, Prairie State outscored the hosts 11-6 to claim the five-point victory.

January 19, 2010
PIONEERS SUFFER FIRST CONFERENCE LOSS
First-place status in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference standings was at stake when the Prairie State College men’s basketball team played host to Morton College on Tuesday in Chicago Heights.

Both teams entered the game undefeated in conference play, but PSC was unable to keep its unblemished league record intact as it lost 75-69 to move to 4-1 in the ISCC and 11-6 overall. The Panthers, meanwhile, improved to 4-0 in the conference.

Morton took a 9-8 lead with 16:10 to play in the first half and increased it to as many as 12, 35-23, before the Pioneers ended the period on an 11-2 run to slice the margin down to 37-34.

Prairie State eventually went ahead 48-46 at the 14:17 mark of the second half, giving it its first lead since going in front 8-7 3:28 into the game. The guests stormed back to go in front 62-53 with 6:14 to play, but PSC responded by scoring 13 of next 17 points to even the game at 66-66 with 1:51 on the clock.

The Panthers, however, went on top to stay after making a pair of free throws with 1:39 left. They sealed the victory by scoring the last three points of the game to win by six.

Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) scored 16 points, and sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) had nine assists. In addition, both players tied for game-high honors with four steals apiece.

Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals, while sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) finished with 12 points.

January 18, 2010
LOVE-ROBERTS NAMED NATIONAL AND REGION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) of the Prairie State College men’s basketball team collected a pair of awards Monday as he was named National Junior College Athletic Association Player of the Week as well as the Region IV Player of the Week for the seven-day period ending Jan. 17.

In three Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference victories during the week, Love-Roberts, who has received the Region IV Player of the Week three times this year, tallied 79 points (26.3 per game), 21 rebounds (7.0), seven assists and seven steals.

Love-Roberts produced 28 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals in a 69-64 win against Elgin Community College on Jan. 12. Two days later, he led the Pioneers to a 74-73 triumph over College of Lake County after recording 29 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.

In the finale, Love-Roberts had 22 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four steals in a 92-76 victory over Moraine Valley Community College.

Love-Roberts is the PSC leader this season in scoring (19.0 points per game), steals (46) and free throw percentage (.832). He ranks second on the team in assists (55).

Prairie State is 11-5 on the year, including 4-0 in the conference.

January 16, 2010
PSC REMAINS UNDEFEATED IN CONFERENCE AFTER DEFEATING MORAINE
Although the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference season is still in the early stages of its 14-game men’s basketball campaign, only three of the eight teams in the league are undefeated. Included in that group is Prairie State College, which improved to 4-0 in ISCC play after defeating Moraine Valley Community College 92-76 Saturday in Chicago Heights.

PSC, 11-5 overall, never trailed in the game, scoring the first eight points of the contest and 15 of the first 17. The Pioneers shot 20-of-33 (60.6 percent) from the field in the first half, including 7-of-8 (87.5 percent) from three-point range, to help them build a 50-44 lead after 20 minutes.

Prairie State pulled away by as many as 19 points, 81-62, before winning by 16.

Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) scored a game-high 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting. Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) contributed 22 points in addition to leading all players with 14 rebounds and four steals.

Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) and freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) had 16 and 14 points, respectively.

January 14, 2010
PRAIRIE STATE WINS IN DRAMATIC FASHION
Of the 40 minutes the Prairie State College men’s basketball team and College of Lake County played Thursday night in Grayslake, PSC led just once for a grand total of 12 seconds. But the Pioneers gave credence to the adage “quality over quantity” as their lead came in the final moments and gave them a 74-73 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference victory.

Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) hit the game-winning shot when his 15-foot jumper at the 12.1-second mark gave Prairie State its first and only lead of the game. CLC had an opportunity to win it but misfired on a three-point field goal and, after recovering the offensive rebound, had a shot blocked by sophomore forward James Jackson (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) to seal the victory for PSC, which remained undefeated in the conference (3-0, 10-5 overall).

The Pioneers were able to erase a 72-64 deficit with 1:25 to play by closing out the game on a 10-1 run. Defensively, Prairie State forced two turnovers during the final stretch, and, on the offensive end, it tacked on four second-chance points, made all three free throws and connected on its one shot from three-point range.

The Lancers opened the game by scoring 11 of the first 12 points and led by as many as 13 (16-3, 20-7, 30-17) before PSC cut it to 37-32 at the intermission. In the second half, CLC went in front 53-43 at the 12:32 mark; however, the Pioneers rallied to tie the game at 58-58 with 7:18 remaining. Lake County scored the next five points and appeared to have the game locked up when it took its 72-64 advantage.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.), who converted the three free throws with 41 seconds to play after getting fouled on his three-point attempt, scored a game-high 29 points.

Oglesby had his second double-double of the year, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) grabbed 10 rebounds as well, while Grant contributed 12 points.

January 12, 2010
PIONEERS OVERCOME DEFICIT TO IMPROVE TO 2-0 IN CONFERENCE
On paper, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team appeared to be the heavy favorite when it traveled to Elgin Community College on Tuesday for an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference match up.

The Pioneers entered the game ranked third among eight teams in the NJCAA Region IV poll, while ECC occupied the No. 8 slot. Despite the disparity in the ranking, PSC had all that it could handle before disposing the hosts 69-64 to improve to 9-5 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

The Spartans never trailed in the opening half and led by as many as 15 points, 23-8, with 8:17 on the clock. Prairie State rallied to close out the period, cutting its deficit to 31-30 at the break.

The Pioneers took their first lead of the contest when sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) scored on a putback 37 seconds into the second half, giving PSC a 32-31 advantage. There would be 11 lead changes and three ties over the next 9:18 before Love-Roberts put the guests ahead for good when his old-fashion three-point play (layup and free throw) gave Prairie State a 50-49 edge.

The Pioneers eventually pulled away 63-57, giving them their largest cushion of the night, with 2:59 remaining.

Love-Roberts scored a game-high 28 points, while sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) tallied 13 points and led all players with three steals.

Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) produced a double-double, finishing with 12 points - all of which came in the second half - and 11 boards. Sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) topped the game charts with eight assists.

January 11, 2009
LOVE-ROBERTS RECEIVES SECOND PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD
Less than one month after being chosen as the NJCAA Region IV Player of the Week, sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) of the Prairie State College men’s basketball team received the honor a second time as he claimed the award Jan. 11.

Love-Roberts’ two-game totals for the week included 51 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists, 12 steals, 12-of-24 shooting from the field and 22-of-24 accuracy at the free throw line.

In a 90-75 victory over Oakton Community College on Jan. 5, Love-Roberts finished with 26 points, eight rebounds, four assists and five steals. He followed that performance with 25 points, eight boards, eight assists and six steals in a 70-68 setback to Malcolm X College on Jan. 9.

Love-Roberts converted the second-most free throws ever by a PSC player for a game after going a perfect 18-for-18 at the charity stripe against Malcolm X. Overall, Love-Roberts has made 19 consecutive free throws and is three shy of tying the team record of 22 straight.

January 9, 2010
PRAIRIE STATE DEFEATED ON LAST-SECOND BASKET
Deadlocked at 68-68 with 4.1 seconds remaining, it appeared as if the Prairie State College men’s basketball team and Malcolm X college were heading to overtime Saturday in Chicago Heights. But Malcolm X claimed a 70-68 victory in regulation after driving the length of the court and connecting on a 16-foot jump shot as the horn sounded.

PSC (8-5) used a 7-0 run to take a 52-44 lead, matching the largest advantage of the game (also led 10-2) with 9:37 to play. The Hawks came back and went in front 60-59 at the 5:26 mark, and neither team would lead by more than three the remainder of the contest.

With the Pioneers down 68-67, sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) converted a free throw with 4.1 seconds left to produce the ninth tie of the game. There were also 12 lead changes throughout the afternoon.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Morgan Park H.S.) scored a game-high 25 points. He did the bulk of his scoring at the free throw line, where he was a perfect 18-for-18. The 18 made free throws are the second most in a game by a Prairie State player. Love-Roberts has made 19 consecutive free throws and is three away from tying the team record of 22.

In addition to his scoring, Love-Roberts contributed eight assists, eight rebounds and six steals.

Fair tallied 20 points and seven boards, and sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) had seven steals and five assists.

January 5, 2010
PSC WINS CONFERENCE OPENER BY 15
Held to a season-low 50 points Saturday, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team erupted for 53 first-half markers Tuesday en route to a 90-75 victory over Oakton Community College in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference opener in Des Plaines.

PSC (8-4, 1-0) never trailed in the game and extended its lead to double figures for good when it went ahead 35-24 with 8:51 to play in the opening half. The Pioneers upped their advantage to 17 points on three occasions in the opening half (46-29, 51-34, 53-36) before settling for a 53-39 lead after 20 minutes. They then led by as many as 21 (84-63, 86-65) in the second period.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) had one of his best all-around performances of the year, scoring 26 points, pulling down eight rebounds and recording five steals.

Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) produced his first double-double of the campaign as he tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) added 25 points and seven rebounds, while freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) netted 12 points.

Sophomore guard Tevin Thomas (Thornridge H.S.) distributed six assists.

January 2, 2010
PIONEERS OPEN NEW YEAR WITH SETBACK TO DUPAGE
A solid defensive effort by the Prairie State College men’s basketball team wasn’t enough to lead the Pioneers to a victory as they were defeated by College of DuPage 57-50 Saturday in Glen Ellyn.

Unable to solve DuPage’s 1-3-1 zone, PSC (7-4) was held to its lowest point total of the campaign.

Prairie State opened the scoring when freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) connected on a three-pointer 1:01 into the game. The Chaparrals scored the next five points and, after ties at 5-5 and 7-7, went ahead for good whey they jumped in front 9-7.

The Pioneers trailed by as many as eight points, 17-9, in the first half before cutting it to 26-21 at the intermission. A Grant free throw with 17:05 remaining in the game cut the deficit to 28-27, but COD went on a 10-0 run to build a 38-27 lead at the 12:53 mark. PSC would not get within six points the rest of the game.

Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) led all players with 17 points and nine rebounds. His two steals tied him for game-high honors.

Grant had 15 points, and sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) registered 14 points and two steals.

December 30, 2009
PRAIRIE STATE NEVER TRAILS IN VICTORY OVER ANCILLA
Four double-figure scorers helped pave the way to the Prairie State College men’s basketball team’s 85-78 victory over Ancilla College on Wednesday in Plymouth, Ind.

Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) led the PSC offense with 24 points, while sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) poured in 21 on 10-of-16 shooting from the field.

Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) and sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) totaled 17 and 12 points, respectively.

In addition to their scoring, Fair hauled in 10 rebounds and Love-Roberts distributed 10 assists as they each recorded a double-double. Grant, meanwhile, also had three steals.

Sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) contributed seven assists to the win, which improved the Pioneers’ record to 7-3.

With the exception of three ties in the first period (30-30, 31-31, 33-33), Prairie State led the entire game, including 35-33 at the half.

PSC took its largest lead of the night - 50-36 - with 15:28 remaining. The Chargers stormed back to cut the difference to 57-51 at the 10:42 mark and 63-59 with 7:46 on the clock. The Pioneers, however, never let their surplus get less than four in the final stretch as they used a 13-4 run to pull away 76-63.

December 21, 2009
PSC SNAPS TWO-GAME SKID
Bouncing back from back-to-back losses, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team defeated Elmhurst College JV 70-52 on Monday in Elmhurst to improve to 6-3 for the season.

PSC, which trailed just once all game (2-0), pulled away by as many as 13 points (33-20, 35-22) in the first period before taking a 35-26 advantage at the half. Elmhurst closed to within 39-33 with 16:18 to play, but the Pioneers answered with a 9-2 run to make it 45-38 at the 12:24 mark.

In the final 9:16 of the game, Prairie State had its lead in double figures, including in the final two minutes when it held its largest surplus of the night, 70-48.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) topped all players with 24 points and seven steals. He also had four assists and four rebounds.

Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) tallied 16 points, while freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) scored 11.

December 14, 2009
LOVE-ROBERTS CHOSEN AS REGION IV PLAYER OF THE WEEK
NJCAA Preseason All-American Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) was chosen as the Region IV Player of the Week for the seven-day period ending Dec. 13.

In PSC’s lone game for the week, Love-Roberts, a sophomore guard, scored 23 points on 11-of-16 shooting in an 84-69 setback to Illinois Wesleyan JV on Saturday. Love-Roberts also had three rebounds, two steals and one assist in the contest.

For the season, Love-Roberts leads the Pioneers in scoring (15.5 points per game), steals (2.3 per game) and free throw percentage (.844), while ranking second on the team in field goal percentage (.485) and rebounding (6.0 per game).

Prairie State is 5-3 for the season.

December 12, 2009
BACKCOURT PLAYS WELL BUT PIONEERS LOSE
The backcourt tandem of sophomore Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) and freshman Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) combined for 40 points on 18-of-24 shooting, but that wasn’t enough to carry the Prairie State College men’s basketball team to a win as the Pioneers were defeated 84-69 by Illinois Wesleyan University JV on Saturday afternoon in Bloomington.

Love-Roberts scored a game-high 23 points after connecting on 11-of-16 shots from the field. Grant, meanwhile, had 17 points on a 7-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-3 accuracy from three-point range.

Sophomore guards Tevin Thomas (Thornridge H.S.) and Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) also made key contributions. Thomas tallied six assists, and Merke had four assists and a game-high four steals.

After PSC took 2-0 and 4-2 leads in the opening minute, Illinois Wesleyan went ahead for good with a three-pointer, which gave it a 5-4 advantage at the 18:52 mark. That was part of a 12-0 run that pushed the Titans’ lead to 14-4 with 15:49 on the clock. Over the next 1:20, Grant hit a pair of three-pointers sandwiched around a field goal from sophomore forward Kourtney Jenkins (Tinley Park H.S.), making it 14-12.

Prairie State would get within two points three additional times (28-26, 30-28, 32-30), but a 12-2 spurt by the hosts increased the margin to 44-32 with 4:04 to play in the half. The Pioneers were down by as many as 16 points, 50-34, in the opening stanza before cutting it to 51-40 at the break.

Love-Roberts scored the first basket in the second half to trim the deficit to single digits, 51-42, but that was as close as PSC would get. In the final 18:50 of the game, Illinois Wesleyan’s cushion was anywhere between 11 and 20 points.

December 1, 2009
PRAIRIE STATE’S WINNING STREAK COMES TO AN END
Despite a strong second-half performance, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team saw its five-game winning streak come to an end Tuesday when it dropped a 79-69 decision to South Suburban College in South Holland.

In the final 20 minutes, PSC (5-2) outscored the Bulldogs 39-32, held a 29-24 rebounding advantage and forced 12 turnovers. That, however, wasn’t enough as the Pioneers were unable to overcome their 47-30 halftime deficit.

South Suburban, which led the entire game, scored the first seven points of the contest and had three 23-point advantages in the second half before the Pioneers rallied to cut the difference to nine, 74-65, with 3:03 to play. But that was as close as Prairie State would get.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) published a double-double after scoring 15 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. He also had three assists and three steals.

Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) and sophomore guard Tevin Thomas (Thornridge H.S.) chipped in 13 points apiece, while sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) had 10 points and nine rebounds.

November 30, 2009
GRANT CHOSEN AS NJCAA REGION IV PLAYER OF THE WEEK
In a three-game stretch between Nov. 24-29, freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) of the Prairie State College men’s basketball team totaled 54 points, 19 rebounds, eight steals and six assists en route to a 3-0 showing for the Pioneers.

Grant, who converted 20-of-41 field goals, including 8-of-15 from three-point range, was recognized for his achievements by being selected as the NJCAA Region IV Player of the Week on Monday.

Grant had 15 points, six rebounds, two steals and three assists in a 91-52 victory over Wright College on Nov. 24. He compiled 18 points, six rebounds, one steal and one assist to lead PSC to a 76-60 win against Ellsworth Community College (Iowa) on Nov. 28. In a Nov. 29 game against Clinton Community College (Iowa), which the Pioneers won 94-51, Grant finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, five steals and two assists.

Prairie State is 5-1 on the season.

November 28-29, 2009
PSC WINS BOTH GAMES AT BLACK HAWK EAST TOURNAMENT
The winning ways continued for the Prairie State College men's basketball team, which posted a 76-60 victory over Ellsworth Community College (Iowa) on Saturday and a 94-51 triumph against Clinton Community College (Iowa) on Sunday at the Black Hawk East College Thanksgiving Tournament in Kewanee.

With the two wins, the Pioneers extended their winning streak to five games and improved their season mark to 5-1, which is the best start in head coach Mike Manderino’s six-year tenure.

PSC trailed just once against Ellsworth, falling behind 9-8 with 11:49 remaining in the first half. With the score deadlocked at 11-11, Prairie State went ahead for good courtesy of sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Robert's (Rich East H.S.) field goal and free throw.

In front 44-33 with 9:49 to play in the contest, the Pioneers put the game out of reach when they scored nine unanswered points to make it 53-33 at the 7:35 mark. Ellsworth tried to rally but would get no closer than 11 points, 64-53.

Love-Roberts had the best all-around performance by a PSC player this season in Saturday's win, compiling 27 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) scored 18 points, and sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) added 16 points. Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) reached double figures as well as he totaled 11 points.

As was the case Saturday, Prairie State fell behind on just one occasion in the Clinton game - 2-0. The Pioneers answered with a 15-1 run to go ahead 15-3 with 13:22 on the clock. PSC was never threatened after that, leading by as many as 29 points, 49-20, in the first half and 46 points, 92-46, in the second period.

The 43-point victory margin at the end of regulation was Prairie State’s largest of the year, surpassing its 39-point win (91-52) over Wright College on Nov. 24.

Grant led all players with 21 points and five steals. All but one of his points came in the first 20 minutes.

Oglesby and freshman guard Percy Brewer (Bloom Trail H.S.) both scored 16 points. Oglesby also had a game-high eight rebounds, while Brewer contributed four steals. Sophomore guard Tevin Thomas (Thornridge H.S.) topped all players with six assists to go along with his eight points and six rebounds.

November 24, 2009
PIONEERS COAST TO 39-POINT WIN
By virtue of its 91-52 victory over Wright College on Tuesday in Chicago, the Prairie State College men's basketball team has won three straight game, during which time it has not trailed.  The Pioneers also have increased their margin of victory in each outing as they won by 14 (99-85) and 31 (88-57) prior to the 39-point triumph.

Five PSC (3-1) players reached double figures in scoring Tuesday, including freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.), who led the way with 15 points.  Sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) added 14 points, sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) 12, freshman forward Percy Brewer (Bloom Trail H.S.) 12 and sophomore forward Kourtney Jenkins (Tinley Park H.S.) 10.
 
Jenkins led all players with eight rebounds, which helped Prairie State claim a 61-26 advantage on the boards.  Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) contributed a game-high six assists.

The Pioneers raced out to a 15-2 lead and increased it to 43-21 at the half.  PSC went ahead by as many as 47 points, 80-33, before winning by 39.

November 23, 2009
OGLESBY SELECTED AS NJCAA REGION IV PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) of the Prairie State College men’s basketball team was chosen as the NJCAA Region IV Player of the Week on Monday.

In a pair of PSC victories during the week, Oglesby scored 36 points, pulled down 16 rebounds and recorded four assists. He shot 14-of-30 from the field and 7-of-10 at the free throw line.

For the season, Oglesby is tied for the team lead in scoring with a 15.3 points-per-game average. He also is the Pioneers’ top rebounder, averaging 7.0 boards per game.

Prairie State, which defeated East-West University JV 99-85 Nov. 17 and Black Hawk East College 88-57 on Saturday, owns a 2-1 record this season.

November 21, 2009
PRAIRIE STATE WINS BY 31; IMPROVES TO 2-1
After opening the season with a loss, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team has strung together back-to-back wins to improve to 2-1 on the year.

Following a 99-85 win over East-West University JV on Tuesday, the Pioneers defeated Black Hawk-East College 88-57 Saturday afternoon in Chicago Heights.

PSC led from start to finish Saturday, scoring the first eight points of the game before extending the margin to 14-3 with 15:24 to play in the opening half. The difference would remain in double figures the remainder of the contest.

Prairie State’s 50-26 advantage at halftime was the largest lead in the first 20 minutes. The Pioneers, who had four runs of 8-0 or more, extended their surplus to as many as 34 points, 71-37, before winning by 31.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) scored a game-high 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field. He also converted all three of his free throws to up his accuracy rate to 14-of-15 (93.3 percent) from the charity stripe for the year.

Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while sophomore forward James Jackson (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) led all players with nine rebounds.

Other key contributors included freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) (13 points), sophomore guard Tevin Thomas (Thornridge H.S.) (6 assists, 4 steals) and sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) (5 assists, 3 steals).

November 17, 2009
BALANCED SCORING ENABLES PSC TO RECORD FIRST WIN
All five starters on the Prairie State College men’s basketball team reached double figures in scoring Tuesday evening to pave the way to the Pioneers’ 99-85 victory over East-West University JV.

With the win in its home opener, PSC evened its record to 1-1.

Sophomore forwards Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) and Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) each scored 20 points, while freshman guard Anthony Grant (Thornridge H.S.) followed with 14. Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) and sophomore guard Tevin Thomas (Thornridge H.S.) totaled 12 and 11 points, respectively.

In addition, sophomore forward James Jackson (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) came off the bench to contribute 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting.

Along with tying for team-high scoring honors, Oglesby and Fair also led Prairie State with nine rebounds apiece, helping the hosts garner a 60-34 rebounding surplus for the game.

Sophomore guard Brandon Merke (Thornwood H.S.) had a game-high seven assists, and Grant distributed six assists to go along with eight rebounds. Love-Roberts topped the team with four steals.

The Pioneers never trailed in the game, scoring the first five points and constructing a pair of 18-point advantages (31-13, 34-16) in the first half. The Phantoms cut the deficit to 41-32 at the break, but PSC opened the second stanza on a 6-0 run to up the difference to 47-32. Prairie State’s lead would remain in double figures the remainder of the game.

November 7, 2009
PIONEERS DEFEATED BY KANKAKEE IN SEASON OPENER
With a roster consisting of three returning starters and seven letterwinners overall, the Prairie State College men’s basketball team has high expectations for the 2009-10 campaign. But the season got off to a rocky start as the Pioneers dropped the opener 108-70 to Kankakee Community College on Saturday in Kankakee.

The Cavaliers put the game out of reach early on as they used a 23-1 run to pull away 26-3 before taking a 53-23 advantage at the half.

Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.), an NJCAA first-team preseason All-American pick, and sophomore forward Danny Fair (Morgan Park H.S.) each scored 13 points. Love-Roberts also had five steals.

Sophomore forward Rapheal Oglesby (Thornwood H.S.) reached double figures in scoring as well, finishing with 10 points, while sophomore guard Tevin Thomas (Thornridge H.S.) recorded four steals.

PSC will take a 10-day layoff before resuming play against East-West University on Tuesday, Nov. 17 in Chicago Heights.

November 3, 2009
LOVE-ROBERTS VOTED TO PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM
Sophomore guard Jermaine Love-Roberts (Rich East H.S.) of the Prairie State College men’s basketball team was selected as a 2009-10 NJCAA preseason All-American.

Love-Roberts was one of 10 NJCAA Division II players named to the first team. He is PSC’s first preseason All-American since Johnathan Gray was a third-team pick in 2005-06.

As a freshman, Love-Roberts was chosen to the NJCAA All-Region IV first team as well as the All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference first team after leading the Pioneers in scoring (13.2 points per game), rebounding (6.7 rebounds per game) and free throw percentage (.792). In addition, he was second in assists (66) and steals (41).

Prairie State, which was 14-16 overall and 7-7 in conference play last year, opens the 2009-10 campaign at Kankakee Community College on Saturday at 3 p.m.