Winter break presented a different challenge for the Sinclair Pride. Playing without Brit Alexander, D.J. Johnson and Erik Lepajoe, the Pride had to prepare for conference play with a change of style.
“The guys played unbelievably well through the last seven games [of the non-conference schedule] going without Brit, D.J. and Erik,” said Pride Head Coach Jeff Price. “Without those three, we really had to re-tool what we were doing.”
Apparently, the re-tooling worked. Through Jan. 10, the Pride’s winning streak had reached eight with an overall record of 11-3.
Lepajoe returned to the floor on Jan. 7 in the 90-85 win over Clark State after the team discovered he had unusually high-blood pressure.
“He brings athleticism and size, and that’s what we’ve been lacking,” said Price.
Price continued to stress that conference play would be a 14-game sprint. On Jan. 14, the Pride faces its recent rival Columbus State Community College. Columbus State has a 12-1 record and as of Jan. 6, the Cougars are ranked sixth in the nation.
Last season, both teams split during the regular season. But, Columbus State shocked the Pride in the regional final and sent Sinclair sulking home.
Pride gives back to help a friend
Lakeland Head Coach Terry Bowe and Price have been close friends for 10 years. Both began coaching at their respective programs as assistants around the same time and both were promoted to head coaching positions at similar times. Last season, Bowe and Price shared their conferences Coach of the Year award.
But, tragedy hit the Bowe family last season. Bowe’s wife gave birth to their son 25 weeks premature. Sadly, the infant passed away during the summer.
Proceeds from the Jan. 10 game between Sinclair and Lakeland were donated to the March of Dimes of the Cleveland area.
“I asked [Bowe] if he wouldn’t mind if we make a donation to the March of Dimes because they do a great job with premature babies,” said Price. “He was a little wary, but then he saw what we were trying to do. We’re honoring a guy and his wife who have been through a lot.”
White Out Wednesday coming up
Don’t forget that White Out Wednesday is creeping closer. On Jan. 28, Cincinnati State travels to Sinclair to play the Pride on White Out Wednesday. Come check out super-forward Mark Anderson lead the Pride against rival Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (4-10). Anderson, who led the nation in scoring last season, is pacing the country again, averaging 25 points per game and ranks third in rebounding.
“They’re pretty strong and bigger then they have been in the past,” said Price. “We consider Cincinnati to be one of our rivals.”