Pictured are the members of the 2024-25 Jamestown Community College men’s basketball team.
Photo courtesy of JCC Athletics
The 2024-25 Jamestown Community College men’s basketball team’s dream ending is to hang a banner in the Physical Education Complex rafters, but the Jayhawks know the foundation is poured by working together every day in practice since the roster arrived on campus in August.
“You need to come to work hard every day,” sophomore guard Xavier Dockery said. “Not be lazy and do the things that you need to do every day to get better. Everyone is looking at you when you’re a leader. Lead by example.
“Be number one in sprints; be number one in classes; sit in the front in class. Do what you need to do.”
Added sophomore guard Ilyass Kaichi, “I feel like working together and chemistry will lead us the whole way. If we can rely on each other instead of thinking we can do it all, we can put a banner up. We have to use each other’s pieces. Each piece has its own function. If we use them the right way, we can go a long way.”.
The Jayhawks saw their season end in the Region 3 semifinals a year ago. Despite finishing with a 9-18 record, they saw what it takes to get to the top by ending the regular season with upset wins over ranked opponents Erie CC and Monroe CC. Those wins are fuel for the lofty expectations.
“Expectations are always to win a championship. We had an opportunity last year, but we fell short. We have the talent this year to make it happen,” said sophomore Joey Valerio.
Dockery echoed that idea: “The goal is to get to the regionals. Be able to put up a banner; it is my second year at JCC, so I want a banner in my second year.”
The Jayhawks know that if that dream is going to become a reality, a good starting point is for all players and coaches to pull in the same direction.
“It starts with teamwork,” head coach Xavier Churnac said. “Once we realize we can’t do it on our own, we have to utilize each other to get it done. Our conference is tough, so you have to show up as a whole every night. We will hopefully learn that earlier than later. Last year, I think we picked up on that a little late. So, hopefully, we can pick up on that a little earlier and get us some more wins to put us in a better position for the playoffs.”
Added Dockery: “We need to stay together and be one. We need everybody, the whole 15. It doesn’t matter if you’re the last guy on the bench. We need everybody.”
The Jayhawks open the regular season by visiting Herkimer CC on Saturday. Their first home date isn’t until Saturday, Nov. 23 when they host Garrett College at 3 p.m.