#11 STATESMEN OPEN SEASON WITH CCBC DUNDALK AT HOME

PETERSBURG, Va. – The Richard Bland College men's basketball program commences its regular season schedule on Saturday in Statesman Hall. The squad will face the Community College of Baltimore County of Dundalk for a 3 p.m. contest on Nov. 1. This is the first meeting between both teams.

After guiding his team to a 27-4 record overall, a #1 national ranking and a second place regular season runner-up honors, head coach Chuck Moore looks to continue to have another great season this year.

According to the National Junior College Athletic Association, the Statesmen are currently ranked No. 11 in the National Poll, becoming one of two teams ranked in the top 20 from the Region X Division II conference.

"This will be a great opening game, Dundalk was a nationally ranked opponent last year. It should be a great contest for us and our fans," stated Coach Moore.

"We are excited to compete against a quality opponent and see where we stand versus a national caliber team."

Coach Moore added "Although we are ranked no. 11 at the end of the day we still have to come out and play."

Last season was highlighted by a 17-game win streak and a national #1 ranking, which the Statesmen held for more than a month.

Fresh off of two exhibition wins, the Statesmen boast an impressive starting lineup full of familiar faces from last year's squad.

Tavon Mealy (Richmond, VA), last year's first team all-conference, recorded 15.4 points per game during last season's campaign. He led the Region X conference in field goal percentage at 71-percent.

Mealy's name surfaced on the radar of several news and recognition honors, including NJCAA's Region X's watch list, along with Melvin Gregory (Weems, VA) who was selected third team all-conference just one year ago.

Newcomer Troy Gibson (Newport News, VA) was selected to the 2014-2015 National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Top Newcomers.

The Statesmen also return notable guards Brian Adkins (Aberdeen, MD), Lequan Thomas (Virginia Beach, VA) and Khaaliq Fletcher (Hampton, VA). The three provide a serious passing and three point threat for the Statesmen.

Richard Bland will also derive leadership from veterans Avery Ugba (Silver Springs, MD) and Evan Bates (Midlothian, VA), two of ten sophomores on a talented experienced team. Ugba averaged 11.2 points per game and led the Statesmen in rebounds at 9.2.

Saturday marks the first game of the regular season for both teams. Led by second year head coach Jaron Taylor, the Lions enter the contest off a 21-8 overall record and regular season title in the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference last season.

Richard Bland will support the Wounded Warrior Project in honoring the soldiers and their families during halftime.

For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project, please visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

To stay up-to-date on RBC men's basketball, log onto www.rbcathletics.com.

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