Atlantic Cape Buccaneers Men’s Basketball Team Looks to Build Off Last Season’s Success in 2024-25

MAYS LANDING — Fresh off of its first 20-win season in more than two decades and two playoff games, the 2024-25 Atlantic Cape Community College Buccaneers Men’s Basketball team looks to continue its positive momentum into this season with a balanced combination of talented returning starters and exciting newcomers.

The Buccaneers feature a roster that blends experience, athleticism and potential. With dynamic frontcourt depth and skill, Head Coach Allen Ragland is confident in his player’s ability to dominate on both ends of the court.

“Our success this season will depend on defense and rebounding,” said Ragland. “We’re ready to play an aggressive, high-tempo style that emphasizes these fundamentals. I’m excited about this team and confident in our ability to compete in our conference.”

Ragland’s squad finished last season 21-11 overall in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Region 19 Division III. The Buccaneers defeated Northampton Community College in the first round of the playoffs before ultimately falling to Montgomery County Community College in the second round.

Leading the way for the Buccaneers this season will be a starting five that brings size and defensive skill under the basket, a lethal outside scoring threat and a tenaciousness that will keep opponents on their toes.

Sophomore Christopher Parker, a 6 ‘6 forward from Columbia, South Carolina, has transformed his game and conditioning, thus positioning himself as a formidable presence and leading force in Region 19 and the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC).

Sophomore Semajeh Echols, a 6 ‘7 forward also from Columbia, South Carolina, returns to the Buccaneers lineup after playing only 10 games last season. Echols is ready to elevate his performance and reach new heights.

Sophomore Jaylen Jenkins, a 6 ‘6 forward also from Cayce, South Carolina, showed considerable promise during his solid freshman season. Coming off surgery this past summer, Jenkins will be eased back into the rotation and will be expected to add depth once he returns.

Sophomore Jeremy Ellis, a 6 ‘8 forward from Trenton, New Jersey, rejoins the Buccaneers after missing last season. Known for his high-flying dunks and defensive presence, Ellis is making a name for himself in the eyes of recruiters and has developed an improved offensive game.

Ragland is anxious for Ellis’ return. “Jeremy will be a difference-maker for us this season and he’s ready to step up in a big way.”

Freshman returnee Omero Chevere, a 6 ‘2 guard from Ocean City, New Jersey, adds a dynamic scoring threat to the roster. Chevere led the nation in three-point shooting last season with an impressive 55% accuracy. With an expanded shooting range and a newly-honed ability to drive to the basket, Chevere will be essential to keeping opponents aware, ensuring they can’t double-team those in the frontcourt.

The Buccaneers will depend on the depth, versatility and skill of several newcomers from off the bench this season as Ragland’s squad once again seeks to challenge for a national championship.

Freshman MeQuaje “Swipe” McDaniels, a 5 ‘9 point guard who transferred from Division I South Carolina State, brings an explosive playmaking ability to the backcourt.

“Swipe has player-of-the-year potential,” said Ragland, who added that they’re working to refine McDaniels’ point guard skills to prepare him for a return to the Division I level.

Meanwhile, freshman DeAndre Brown, a 6 ‘1 guard from Virginia Beach, Virginia; freshman Justin Moore, a 6 ‘3 guard from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; freshman Shamir Jones, a 6 ‘0 guard from Mays Landing, New Jersey; freshman Ramar Cook, a 6 ‘0 guard from Galloway, New Jersey; and freshman Jayden “Rico” Lopez, a 5 ‘9 guard from Mays Landing, New Jersey, bring youthful potential to the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers open the home portion of their 2024-25 schedule on Saturday, November 9, 2 p.m. on the Mays Landing campus at Jonathan Pitney Gymnasium against the Community College of Philadelphia.

Visit atlanticcape.edu/mensbasketball to view this season’s schedule, roster and coaches.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.