Winning -- and especially a bounce-back victory -- feel great according to Roadrunner Men's Basketball guards Ace Lassiter and Dasir Williams-Bey along with forward Kasir Baker.
The trio led an offensive explosion Thursday night to lift the Runners to an impressive 111-90 triumph over visiting Sussex County Community College to even RCSJ's record to 1-1 in the young season.
The win was not only the first for Interim Head Coach John Byrd, but helped the squad rebound from a disappointing loss to Delaware Tech Monday night at home.
But that defeat was all in the past according to Coach Byrd and the players alike.
"Our game Monday night vs. Delaware Tech (Monday night) was just not representative of our team," said Byrd, who served as an assistant in previous years. "But we had a great practice yesterday (Wednesday) and everyone was on the same page coming in here tonight."
Lassiter led six players in double figures with 24 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals. He was assisted quite capably by Williams-Bey with 21 points, Aiden Cranmer with 17 and Baker with 15.
"Our approach coming in here was that Monday night (vs. Del Tech) was not us -- and we wanted to show everyone how good our team can be," said Lassiter.
The game was a tight battle in the first half although the Runners managed to move into a 57-50 lead. They broke it wide open in the second half, racing to a 24-point advantage at 104-80 before finishing with a final of 111-90.
"We had great teamwork -- and that's who we are," said Williams-Bey.
Added Baker, who also pulled don a game-high 13 rebounds: "As long as we keep playing hard, we can have a good season."
Next up for the Runners will be an away match vs. Camden County College on Saturday in a 2 pm tip-off.
2025 SEASON PREVIEW
Coach: Interim Coach John Byrd
Last Season: 11-17 overall record, NJCAA Region 19 playoff berth
Season openers: The Runners currently have a 1-1 overall record after falling to Division II Delaware Tech and defeating Sussex County CC in home games. They will play Camden County College in an away match on Saturday, November 7th.
Returning players: Ace Lassiter, guard; Hajir Davis, guard; Aiden Cranmer, guard/forward; Amara Sacko, forward.
Newcomers: Prospects include Kasir Baker, forward; Dasir Williams-Bey, guard; Zair Green, guard; TyQwann Hodgers, guard; Julian Johnson, guard; Khaman McAuley, forward; Jerome Cuff, forward; Sydney Maynard III, guard; Shaun Mills, guard; Khassime Dia, forward; Jabez Rodriguez, forward.
Outlook for Winter 2025-26 season: The Runners have a young and talented roster and look to qualify for a second straight Region 19 playoff berth.
Interim Coach John Byrd on his 2025-26 Roadrunners: "We have some competitive players, so we expect to improve with every game," said Byrd. "It's all about paying attention to team work. We have some talent at the various positions and it will be exciting to see how we develop throughout the season."