New Players add depth to Lyndon hoops

Three new faces are gracing the Lyndon State College varsity basketball courts this semester, Ariel McConkey, Maisie Sanchez, and Alvin Durrett.

            McConkey and Sanchez joined the women's basketball team, and Durrett was added to the men's roster at the end of semester break.  McConkey has already had a significant impact on the women's basketball team, and was named North Atlantic Conference rookie of the week for the week ending Jan. 24. 

            McConkey had 28 points, 10 rebounds and five steals in the Hornet's two wins over Thomas and Maine-Farmington last weekend.  She transferred to Lyndon from Central Maine Community College after one semester, but it's no coincidence she chose to transfer here.

"I didn't get along with the coach that well.  I looked at this college (LSC) before the fall semester but decided to go to CMCC," said McConkey. "Then I decided to re-look at it, and I got a good offer and like the coach a lot so I came here."

            Sanchez transferred to Lyndon from St. Joseph's college in Maine, and has also seen considerable playing time since her arrival.  In addition to their timely arrival, McConkey and Sanchez have a lot in common. They are both enrolled in the exercise science program, are roommates on campus, and both didn't have a very enjoyable basketball experience at their previous college.

            "At my old school I didn't really get along with the basketball team that well, I knew here was a better program and a better coach," said Sanchez.  "The coach brought me here, I actually came here and came to him and it worked out."

            Speaking of coaches, LSC women's head coach Vinnie Maloney has nothing but good things to say about his team's recent additions. He says he recruited Ariel when she went to high school at Fryeburg academy, and heard about Sanchez from some friends at St. Josephs.

            "They give the team a lot of depth," said Maloney.  "We were asking a real lot out of Stephanie, Shauna, and Danielle from the guard position.  Playing college basketball for 40 minutes a game is a lot for anyone.  Ariel's been amazing on defense; the intensity that she brings is another big advantage to us. Maisie brings a little more athleticism to us, and they've both meshed well with the team so far."

            For Sanchez and McConkey, the team at Lyndon has been a stark contrast to their previous college squads'.

            "It's a completely different practice," said Sanchez. "Our practices at St. Joes were always strict and to the point. At least I get to have a little bit of fun here."

            "At my last school in our conference games we did really well," said McConkey.  "Our team was undefeated in our conference.  It's different here because we lost our first few conference games.  We had a lot more plays at my old school, we had around 20 plays…we had a lot more set plays, here we run more motion plays. I like it; I like the girls (women) on the team, and the coach.

            Sanchez and McConkey filled two roster spots vacated at the end of the first semester due to the departure of sophomore starter Jasmine Harrington and freshman Tia Billado.

            "Jasmine's ineligible," said Maloney when asked why the two players left. "But she's working hard and will be back with us next fall."

The team's recent success in conference play is undoubtedly due in part to the contributions of both Sanchez and McConkey. As the team prepares to make a run toward their first ever NAC playoff berth, the continued contributions of both players will be vital to their success.

On the men's side, one player has been added to the team's roster. Alvin Durrett is a freshman from Willimantic, Conn. and is in college for the first time this spring semester.  Durrett plans to study Music Business and Industry alongside his commitment to the basketball team. 

"I've been back and forth between Connecticut and Georgia.   I was supposed to go to another school but it didn't work out," said Durrett. "So this guy I know, he coaches at Elms College, he's a close family friend.  I told him I wanted to go to school this semester because I didn't go last semester. He said ‘alright, I have a few people in mind for you'. He called coach Krupinski, who got in contact with me, so I came up and liked it."

D.J. Campbell, Emmitt Simpson and Vaughn Johnson left the team after the first semester, and Patrick Thomas will be withdrawing from the college within the next few days.  Durrett made his debut as a Hornet off the bench on Tuesday with nine points and six assists in Lyndon's rout of Johnson.  Once he gets more practices under his belt, Durrett may be featured more often on the court.

"If Alvin is a better guy, we'll work him into the rotation," said head coach Joe Krupinski.  "He got to play quite a bit Tuesday night and did a nice job.  I think Alvin's a good player; I'd like to think anyone that we suit up has a chance to contribute. If he deserves to be in there, he'll be in there."