Artis, Lathan honored
Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 1, 2006
MURFREESBORO – It was a great season for all of the Chowan College men’s basketball team.
But, for two players, the season ended with national honors.
Juniors Trayvon Lathan and Marcus Artis were each recognized by the National Christian College Athletic Association following the 2005-06 season.
Lathan, a forward from Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, was named NCCAA All-American while Artis, a guard from Lakeland High School in Suffolk, Virginia, was chosen All-Tournament in the NCCAA National Finals.
&uot;I’m very honored,&uot; Lathan said. &uot;It’s something that I’ve always believed if you work hard, you can be recognized for it. I thank my teammates and my coaches for challenging me in practice and making this possible.&uot;
Artis echoed the thoughts.
&uot;Like Trayvon said, if you work hard, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish,&uot; Artis said. &uot;This is a milestone that was achieved. I’m proud of it, but thankful for the team because without them and our coaches, it wouldn’t have happened.&uot;
Artis and Lathan were part of a Chowan College team that started 3-8 and turned it around to finish 19-11 and third in the NCCAA.
Both young men said they were proud of the accomplishments that had been achieved.
&uot;Overall, it was a good season,&uot; Lathan said. &uot;It was the most wins in a school history and we came in third, but I would loved to have gotten that national championship.&uot;
Artis said he felt good about the season and the recognition it brought to Chowan College.
&uot;We fell short, but we’ll be back next year,&uot; he said.
Both Artis and Lathan were pleased with the input, support and coaching from head coach Jim Tribbett and assistant coach C.J. Donnelly.
&uot;They are great leaders,&uot; Artis said. &uot;They know what they want and they push us hard. They know where they want to take us and what’s ahead of us.&uot;
Lathan added, &uot;They are really good coaches and good people to be around.&uot;
Artis said his most memorable game of the season was the home win against Elizabeth City while Lathan said he was happiest about the victory over Emmanuel in the NCCAA Regional Finals.
The two said they looked back over the year and were pleased with the success, but looking forward to next season.