Four Vaughn Players Named to All-Conference Teams

February 23, 2012

The Vaughn College Warriors are well-represented on the Hudson Valley Athletic Conference all-league basketball teams.

Three members of the men's team—sophomore guard Ryan Burchette, junior forward Jihad Ceaser and sophomore guard Jared Ndiba—were selected to the men's all-conference team while Estefania Collazos, a freshman guard, was named to the women's team.

Vaughn's men's team qualified for the HVMAC playoffs for the third consecutive year, finishing 5-1 in the league and 10-13 overall. Vaughn's developing women's pro gram was winless in 13 starts this season.

"These three men were critical to our success all season long," first-year men's coach Jon Hochberg said. "But as good as they are as basketball players, they're better people, and that's what allows them to excel."

Burchette averaged 9 points and 2.6 steals per game and his numbers (16.6 points and 4.2 steals) were even better in league play. Ceaser averaged 14.4 points and 7 rebounds per game overall, 19.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in league play. He also finished second in the league in blocked shots at 2.6 per game. Ndiba averaged 10 points and 4 rebounds overall, 12.6 points in league play.

Vaughn lost in the opening round of the league playoffs to St. Joseph's, 84-69, on Feb. 19 despite 25 points from Ceaser and 21 from Ndiba.

"Jihad is such a gifted athlete, but more importantly he comes to play every single night and gives his teammates his best effort," Hochberg said. "Jared really stepped up as the season progressed and made critical shots for us in big games. Ryan played an important role for us as a combination shooting guard and point guard and was an explosive scorer at times."

Collazos was the women's team's only freshman starter. Despite her inexperience, she soon became one of the leaders on Coach Ricky McCollum's squad.

"Estefania's work ethic was tremendous," McCollum said. "She played hard every play whether we were winning or losing. We valued her character and leader ship on and off the court."

VAUGHN COLLEGE WARRIORS NAMED TO ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM: Clockwise from top left, Ryan Burchette; Jihad Ceaser, Jared Ndiba and Estefania Colllazos.