WEST POINT, N.Y. (Jan. 25, 2012) -- The U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School christened its new basketball court with a win Jan. 19 as the men's basketball team defeated Central Jersey Each One Teach One Academy, 96-67.
This was the first home game at the new indoor athletic facility, and nearly half of the student body was in attendance to see forward Larry Toomey put the first points on the board for USMAPS. The team dominated CJEOTO from start to finish, gaining a 49-27 advantage going into halftime.
USMAPS forward/guard Kyle Wilson led all scorers with 22 points, while forward Billy Morrison and guard Zach Schimdt contributed 12 each in the win. Morrison also recorded seven rebounds and Schimdt contributed four of the team's eight three-pointers. Center Kevin Ferguson had a team-high five blocks and also added 12 points. The Black Knights are undefeated against CJEOTO Academy (4-0) this season, and improved to 11-3 overall with the win.
"We have a great group of young men this year who are very talented and love to compete," Head coach Justin Jennings said. "They make it easy as a coach because I never have to coach effort or intensity. Offensively we've been able to put up some pretty impressive numbers averaging over 87 points per game."
Jennings said it was a special night for the team, shared with the cadet candidates and military personnel, staff and faculty in attendance.
"A lot of people have put a lot time and effort into this great facility and it was important to our team that we represented the Prep School and all of West Point in a first-class manner," Jennings said.
Among those in attendance was the Prep School's commandant and dean, Col. Tyge Rugenstein, who applauded the team's efforts in what he said was the first of many home victories for USMAPS.
"Last night's attendance and support for their classmates was a reflection of the bonds being created between the members of the USMAPS Class of 2012," he said. "They are a cohesive group and anxious to join their classmates as members of the USMA Class of 2016."
The team began practicing on the new court only two days earlier having returned from a successful road trip, posting a 3-0 record in the Martin Luther King Classic in Newark, N.J., Jan. 14-16.
"The great thing about our team is they are excited to be here and be a part of something greater than themselves," Jennings said. "West Point Basketball has a bright future with this group coming up."
(Editor's note: The gymnasium is not exclusive to the men's basketball team, as physical training classes are also conducted there and the wrestling team also holds practices in the new facility.)
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