Despite Slow Start, Sharks Hope To Rebound In Second Half Of The Season

Just over a year ago, the Miami Dade College men’s basketball team finished the 2019-20 season with an 18-11 record—their best mark since Head Coach Kevin Ledoux took over the team in 2016. 

But despite the sterling record, the Sharks failed to make the State Tournament for the fifth consecutive year. 

Things are not looking any better this year. The Sharks lost three of their first four conference games and have stumbled to a 2-8 overall record. They are currently fourth in the Southern Conference (1-4).

The team started the season with a 97-76 victory against St. Thomas University JV on Jan. 20 and has lost by five points or less on four occasions. They lost 85-80 versus Daytona State College on Jan. 31, 83-81 versus the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota on Feb. 6, 89-87 versus the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota on Feb. 24 and 85-80 versus Game Changers Academy on Feb. 27.

However, the Sharks have not been deterred by the early results. 

“We are optimistic because we have yet to put a full 40 minutes of basketball together,” said freshman wing Ciaran Sandy, who leads the team in scoring with 13 points per game.

One of the team’s main problem areas has been shooting. They are averaging 77.6 points per game—10.6 points less compared to last year’s 88.3 average—and have shot a paltry 27.9% on three-point attempts and 63 % from the free throw line. 

Defense is another area the Sharks are looking to improve. While the rebounding has remained almost the same, the team is allowing opponents to score an average of 86.8 points per game, compared to last year’s 80.6 average. Ledoux said the team is analyzing game footage and reviewing films to improve.   

“[We are] trying to push each other at practice because we know we can compete against any team,” said freshman guard Kemari Brown.

Not everything has been negative—four players are averaging double-digits in scoring: Sandy is averaging 14.2 points, sophomore wing Denari Garrett is scoring 12.8points per contest, freshman point guard Khalil Shaheed is averaging 11.3 points and forward Victor Hart is scoring 11.9 points.

The Sharks have a tough schedule ahead with six conference games in March. That includes a game against Florida Southwestern State College on March 27. The Buccaneers are the 13th ranked team in the nation, according to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s polls. 

They are hoping for a second half surge to  qualify for the state tournament for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

“[They are] high character young men that love to compete,” Ledoux said. “We are going through some adversity but they are staying together as one unit.”

The Sharks next game is on the road March 6 at 4 p.m. versus Palm Beach State College.