By James Silvanio
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – The Camden County College men’s basketball team gave Head Coach Lou Abbattista his 200th career victory Tuesday in a 74-65 win against Atlantic Cape Community College.
The Cougars continued to start the season hot at home, improving their record at the Papiano Gymnasium to 5-0. The Cougars went to 5-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play with the win.
Demere Hollingsworth led the way for the Cougars offensively with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. The Cougars’ supporting players played a role in the team’s win and Christian Barksdale was particularly vital coming off the bench. He shot 4 for 8 from the field, scoring 8 points, and led the team in assists with 4.
On the other end, Atlantic Cape Community College fought hard, led by Christopher Parker. Parker shot 60% from the field, scoring 19 points and getting 15 rebounds.
This was the Cougars’ first game after the Thanksgiving break. “We had four days off. We needed it,” Abbattista said. “You play a really hard schedule. In our league, you’re playing five teams in the top 15 in the country, so those four days off helped.”
Atlantic Cape Community College traveled to Allegheny Community College two days before their matchup against the Cougars.
After the game, Abbattista reflected on his milestone. “Two hundred wins is not about me. It’s about the program,” he said. “We’ve been lucky to have some really great players. We sent 70 guys to college already. Seven assistants have moved up. It’s my 12th year. I coach for them.”
Abbattista’s record as the head coach moved to 200-125 with the victory.
Assistant Coach Keith Jones commended Abbattista on his 200th career win. “I’m happy for him. He works hard. He’s dedicated to the kids. He could be in a lot of different places right now but he chooses to be here,” he said. “I’m happy I can be a part of it with him.”
