Tarek Fattal
Contributing Writer
When thinking about team sports, basketball is a game that immediately comes to mind. It’s a “simple game” some coaches might say, a game of runs and angles, but most importantly—a team game. But even great teams have great players, and this year’s NCAA Tournament-bound Springfield College Pride have two players that have been recognized by the NEWMAC, Jordan Rote and Alex Berthiaume.
Berthiaume’s scoring has been unmatched throughout his two-year career at Springfield, claiming the NEWMAC scoring title in two consecutive seasons. His league leading 17.5 points per game this season has earned him First Team All-NEWMAC honors for the second year in a row. Although it is Berthiaume’s second First Team All-NEWMAC nod, he was last season’s NEWMAC League MVP after scoring 19.2 points per game.
“Being selected again is a big honor for me,” explained Berthiaume. “Even though it’s an individual honor, I know more than anybody that my teammates are to thank because I would not be in the position to succeed if it weren’t for them.”
Rote, on the other hand, had a terrific season, scoring 14.3 points per game and leading the team in steals with 50, earning him Second Team All-NEWMAC honors. Rote is a relentless worker on both sides of the ball, with a tenacious attitude that allows him to go off for high-scoring nights. Rote broke the 20-point barrier five times this season, including a career-high 30 point performance at Babson.
“I’m just glad I could contribute and be a part of something special,” Rote said. “Never really thought of myself as one of the premier players in any setting, so something like this on such a competitive level is a huge honor for me.”
The contributions from the pair of senior guards has been enough to give their team a first round home game bid to the NCAA National Tournament on Sat., March 2 against Ithaca College. Tickets will be available at a discounted rate of $2 for SC students from 12 to 2 p.m. each day downstairs in the Campus Union. Those with tickets will be able to enter directly into the arena on Saturday evening without waiting in line. Tickets will be available at the door. Prices are $6 for adults, and $3 for students, seniors and children.