Ohlone Men's Basketball Players Win Four Conference Awards
After a phenomenal turnaround season, Ohlone College Men's Basketball players have been voted in for some very elusive conference awards. The Coast-North Conference is touted as the toughest junior college conference in California, having the best record in non-conference competition and having the most teams qualified in the State Tournament. The All-Conference awards for the Coast-North are awarded not only to the top players in the conference, but the top players in the entire state.
Josh Niusulu, a sophomore out of Alameda High School, has been awarded First Team All Conference as well as First Team All Defense. Niusulu lead the team with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He lead the team in both 2-point and 3-point field goal percentage, and he is nominated for All-State awards to be determined at the State Championships. Josh's versatility and diverse skillset have made him a tough matchup and he was critical in Ohlone's successes. On Sophomore Night, Head Coach Jordan Lee, said "Josh is always asking how he can be better for his teammates. He cares more about team success than his own personal success and that's why he is such a great player and a great person. He is the heart and soul of our team."
Jayelen Jones, a sophomore point guard out of St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, has been awarded First Team All Conference. Jones was one of the elite defenders in the State and is nicknamed "Off-Night" by his teammates – for the off night that his opponents experience when he defends them. Jayelen is also the epitome of a good teammate – being 6th in the entire state in Assists. He averaged 9 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. Head Coach Jordan Lee said on Sophomore Night, "Jayelen has been so steady and reliable for us. In critical moments the team trusts Jayelen with the ball because of his skill and unselfishness. His team-first mindset has been infectious with the team. He is everything I could ask for from a point guard."
Matt Villanueva, a freshman out of Moreau Catholic High School, has been awarded All Conference Honorable Mention. Villanueva averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game and was one of the best freshman in the entire state. He has been praised by coaches for his shooting ability and his ability to rebound at the guard position. Head Coach Jordan Lee, says "Matt is extremely hard working on top of being extremely coachable - a combination that makes a heck of a player."
Coast-North awards are voted on by rival coaches within the Coast-North conference at the end of the regular season. Coaches cannot vote for players on their own teams. Ohlone College concluded their season with a 18-11 record after a home playoff loss in the State Tournament.