End of Season Recap: 2023-2024 Villa Maria College Men's Basketball Team
The 2023-2024 season for Villa Maria Vikings was one of remarkable hard work and achievements, culminating in a memorable journey to the second Round of the USCAA Basketball National Championship in Petersburg, Virginia. Under the guidance of Head Coach Desmond Randall and Assistant Coaches Devon Camel and Rudy Bragg, the Vikings exhibited determination, skill, and teamwork throughout the entirety of the season.
With the regular season record of 15-14, the Vikings showcased their competitiveness on the court, setting the stage for their postseason aspirations. Securing a decisive victory against the Berkeley Knights on March 2nd, Villa Maria punched their ticket to the USCAA Championship, where they faced off against Penn State Mont Alto on March 10th. Concluding their winning streak on Sunday March 11th, up against the UC Clermont Cougars, the Vikings fell short by a score of 78-68.
Throughout the season, the team;s depth and talent were evident, with five double-digit scorers contributing to their success. Juston Johnson,'25, emerged as a standout performer, leading the team with an impressive average of 19.4 points per game with a 38% accuracy from beyond the arc. On the defensive end, Nolan Shephard,'24, and Master Radfors, '24, anchored the team each averaging 8 rebounds per game.
Individual achievements furthered the Vikings exceptionally, with several players earning recognition for their outstanding performances. Sophomore Taron Benton received Honorable Mention All-Conference honors for his contribution on both ends of the court. While sophomore Bryant Rosa and seniors Master Radford and Nolan Shephard were named to the HIVAC All-Conference 2nd Team for their consistent excellence throughout the season. Additionally, Junior Damario James and Junior Juston Johnson earned spots on the HIVAC All-Conference 1st Team. Johnson's contributions earned him the distinction of being named a 2023-2024 USCAA Division || First Team All-American.
Reflecting on the season, Head Coach Randall remarked,"I am very proud of how our guys came together, figured things out at the right time and accomplished a number of our goals at the end of the season. We can truly say we took the next step as a program this season. Last year we made it to the conference championship and lost. This year we made it to the conference championship and we won. Last year we made it to the National Tournament, and we lost in the first round. This year we made it to the National Tournament, won our first round game and made it to the Elite 8. Those accomplishments show us moving forward as a program. That is what I am most proud of. For that I am equally proud of each and every one of our guys. " Emphasizing on the team's growth in the face of adversity, Assistant Coach Camel stated, "As I reflect on our remarkable journey this season, we are immensely proud of the resilience and determination displayed by our team. Overcoming early adversities, we stayed united, worked tirelessly, and never wavered in our belief. The culmination of our hard work and belief was evident in clinching both the HVIAC Regular Season and Conference Championships, marking a significant milestone for our program. Our incredible run to the Elite 8 of the national tournament showcased our growth, character, and unwavering spirit. We are grateful for the support of our fans, the dedication of our players and support staff, all of which contributed to this remarkable season. The future i bright for our program, and we look forward to building on this success in the seasons to come."
As the season closes, the men's basketball team can look back with pride on all their achievements, together and personally with optimism for the future, fueled with lessons learned from their journey together. With collective determination and passions for the game, the Vikings will continue their pursuit of excellence in the seasons to come.
