MAYS LANDING — The Atlantic Cape Community College Buccaneers men’s basketball team enters the 2025-26 season with a completely revamped roster, positional and scoring depth, size, physicality and a relentless defensive system determined to apply intense pressure on opponents up and down the court in the continued pursuit of a national championship.
Last season’s squad, which finished 16-13 overall and 11-7 in the conference, was led by sophomore standouts Christopher Parker and Jeremy Ellis, who helped the Buccaneers to the second round of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 19 Division III playoffs.
Parker finished his Atlantic Cape career with more than 1,000th career points, and was named All-Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Division III Player of the Year, All-GSAC Region 19 Division III First Team and the team’s most valuable player. Parker earned a full scholarship to Division I South Carolina State University. Meanwhile, Ellis was the team’s most improved player and an All-Academic Team honoree. He is currently playing for Division I Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi in the Southwest Athletic Conference.
Fifth-year Head Coach Allen Ragland is determined to see this season’s team play a style that embodies relentless defense, grit and toughness.“We want to play like a pack of hungry wolves and coyotes,” said Ragland. “This year, our identity is defense. We’re going to win with mindset, discipline, toughness, and grit.”
He is also confident that the team will learn from last season’s tough lessons.
“We learned you can’t ride one or two guys to carry a team. You need a committee and every player has to contribute. Defense and grit win games in March, and this roster understands that,” said Ragland. “Last season was disappointing. With talent like Parker and Ellis, along with the rest of the team, we should have done better. We didn’t have the guards like we do this year. We did have ups and downs, and that taught us valuable lessons about balance, depth, and consistency. This year, we have addressed those weaknesses head-on.”
On a team with only two returning student-athletes, developing chemistry and continuity while also overcoming an inexperienced youthful backcourt, and early season-ending injuries to freshmen guard Xavier Lewis and forward Faik Efe Ozdemir will be of the utmost importance.
“This season excites me because I recruited players who are competitors. These guys thrive on toughness. They’re built for defense and they’ll get after people every single possession. We’re deep at every position and can play the relentless style of basketball I love,” said Ragland.
Meet the 2025-26 Buccaneers men’s basketball team with insight into each student-athlete by coach Ragland:
Sophomores
- Sahmir Jones (top right) (So., 6’2, G – Mays Landing, NJ): “Lightning in a bottle. Jones has transformed his body and game, and I expect him to set the tone with his energy, defense, and ability to spark runs.”
- Jayden Lopez (So., 5’8, G – Mays Landing, NJ): “The heartbeat of our defense. Coming back from injury, he brings leadership and relentless on-ball pressure that frustrates opponents.”
- Justin Moore (So., 6’4, F – Egg Harbor Township, NJ): “Blue-collar forward who does the dirty work—rebounding, defending and battling inside. His growth makes him a valuable depth piece.”
- Olyn Knox (top left) (So., 6’9, F – Columbia, SC): “A wrecking ball in the paint. Knox returns stronger than ever, bringing size, toughness, and the ability to draw fouls and dominate the glass.”
- John Andaloro (So., 6’7, F – Hammonton, NJ): “His toughness, rebounding, and shot-blocking gives us grit around the rim and toughness that opponents feel.”
- Christian Ferguson (So., 6’7, F – Columbia, SC): “A versatile big man who will bring energy and depth midseason.”
- Salou Torres (So., 6’4, G – Florida): “Athletic guard who adds firepower and defense.”
- Corey Thomas (So., 6’2, G – Florida): “Brings speed, defensive grit and scoring ability.”
Freshmen/New Additions - Carlos Rodriguez (Fr., 6’3, G – New York, NY): “A tough, playmaking guard once offered by Manhattan University. He’s wired to compete and I expect him to become one of the most dangerous guards in Region 19.”
- Xavier Lewis (Fr., 6’3, G – Atlanta, GA): “An underrated three-star guard with multiple Division I offers. Unfortunately, he is out with injury this season, but his future is bright. He was recruited to be a difference-maker.”
- Aiden Haluszka (Fr., 6’3, G – Florida): “Deadeye shooter with confidence. Brings instant offense and scrappy defense.”
- Jaleel Clark (Fr., 5’10, G – Atlantic City, NJ): “A bulldog defender who plays with Atlantic City toughness. Adds depth and energy.”
- Amin Hines (Fr., 6’4, G/F – Willingboro, NJ): “A high-motor competitor who does it all—scores, defends, and rebounds. He’ll thrive in our system.”
- Logan Sparks (Fr., 6’6, F – Georgia): “A physical bruiser inside. Sparks is fearless in the paint, rebounds at a high level and defends with authority.”
- Quin Baumann (Fr., 6’5, F – Australia): “He stuffs the stat sheet in ways you don’t notice until you check the box score. Guards multiple positions and makes winning plays.”
- Faik Efe Ozdemir (Fr., 6’8, F – Istanbul, Turkey): “A skilled, versatile forward sidelined by injury, but his size and ability will be valuable long-term.”
- Rashad Jalloh (So., 6’3, G – Gaithersburg, MD): “A fearless, athletic guard who thrives on defense and attacking the rim. His intensity and athleticism raise the team’s edge.”
Ragland is confident that this season’s team depth will adequately replace Parker’s scoring and intangibles.
“[Christopher] Parker was special—his scoring and leadership carried us at times. But this year, it’s not about one man. It’s about the entire team. Replacing him will be done by committee. Everyone must work, defend and sacrifice. That’s how we’ll be successful,” admitted Ragland, whose expectations for his student-athletes and team remain the same. “My expectation is simple: hang banners. I want to win championships, I want players moving on to four-year schools and I want diplomas in their hands. We’ve had All-Region players and Division I signees every year, but this season is about finishing the job.”
The Buccaneers open the 2025-26 season on Thursday, November 6, 5 p.m. vs. Salem Community College. Visit www.atlanticcape.edu/mensbasketball for schedule, results, roster and coach information.
“This team is built different. We’re gritty, we’re tough and we’re relentless. Every player has a role, and together we’re going to bring pride and banners to Atlantic Cape,” concluded Ragland.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
