By Alex Philippsen

The DCCC Phantoms ended January with an 8986 overtime victory over the Mustangs at Montgomery County Community College Jan. 31.

Their victory was led by forward guard Ketquan Gatewood with a team-leading 26 points, shooting 10-18 from this field, including 4-9 for three. Gatewood also finished with eight rebounds, three steals, and zero turnovers.

Gatewood credited the team’s defensive efforts and their ability to stop the Mustang’s centers. “We stayed and played hard… executed playing on offense,” Gatewood said.

Gatewood was one of three players that were able to score in double figures, with guards Justin Gans (22 points) and Mike Mallon (21 points) also being key contributors.

All three players were important from beyond the arc by making a combined 11 out of the team’s 12 made three-pointers.

The Phantoms also took advantage of their offensive rebounds, grabbing nine boards and scoring 13 secondchance points, six of which came during the overtime period.

Head Coach Larry Yarbray Sr. enters in his second season at the helm of DCCC men’s basketball program. Prior to Delaware County, Yarbray spent  nine seasons as head coach of the Boys Basketball program at Chester High School.

After the game, Yarbray explained how the team’s mental focus played a key factor in how they were able to make all the key stops they needed to make late in the game.

“We paid attention to the details on defense,” Yarbray said. “We didn’t let their
shooters get open too easily… and when they put the ball on the floor, they made contested twos without fouling. So, the guys stayed to the script and that’s how we came out with a hard-fought victory.”

The DCCC Phantoms finished the 2018-19 season with a record of 11-13, and they managed to win four out of their last five games to complete the season.

That’s how we came out with a hard fought victory Overall, the team improved their record from last season with four more wins than their previous record.

Contact Alex Philippsen at communitarian@mail.dccc.edu