Roadrunner women's head coach Rich Cooper reached a major milestone Thursday evening -- but don't think for one moment that winning his 100th career game was an easy task.
Far from it. His Roadrunners captured a hard-fought 44-36 triumph over visiting Mercer County College, fighting off an early double-digit deficit to rally for the win.
Forward Qeiajae Canty, who led all scorers with 14 points, dropped in a turnaround jumper with 1:28 remaining for a 43-36 lead to finally seal the outcome.
"We didn't play our best ball early, but I'm proud of the way we battled back --- this was a pretty important win for us," said Cooper.
Coach Cooper's six-year career has brought some memorable moments, including winning a Region XIX championship in 2018 and qualifying for the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
But asked to identify his greatest moment as Roadrunners' coach, Cooper didn't hesitate. "It's just being hired -- honestly being associated with all of these players and coaches means so much to me," he commented.
Following the milestone win, Cooper was congratulated by a contingent of well wishers, including former Coach Tom McCormack and Executive Director of Athletics Brian Rowan.
"We're really proud of Coach Cooper and all of his efforts to get us to where we are now," said Rowan. "I started with him as an assistant coach and now we're at the point where we're regional contenders every year -- exactly where we want to be."
Second-year Assistant Coach Matt Smick notes that Cooper's interactions with his players comes first and foremost.
"What I've learned coming from the high school level is that Coach Cooper does a great job relating to players and showing that he cares," said Smick. "And players respond to that type of coach."
Both teams played poorly in the first half, turning the ball over frequently and missing easy baskets. The Vikings held a commanding 16-6 first quarter lead but saw the advantage cut to 20-19 at halftime
The win improved the Roadrunners' record to an impressive 16-6 overall, with a key conference game looming Saturday at Middlesex County College.
Game Day Preview
The Roadrunner women's basketball team will go for their second win this month over Mercer County Community College when they host the Vikings Thursday night in a Region XIX clash starting at 5:00 pm.
RCSJ-Gloucester Coach Rich Cooper will try and bring home career win No. 100 should the Runners grab the victory. The Runners enter the game with a 13-6 overall record, including a 10-3 region mark. Coach Cooper also has a relatively healthy team entering the final stretch of the season. Top players include forwards Trina Deveney-Bethea (Cedar Creek) and Nikita Acker (Triton) along with guards Qeiaje Canty (Atlantic City), Kylar Coughlin (Gloucester), Mya Lewis (Cherry Hill West) and Syria Bass (Holy Spirit).
See game day information below.
GAME DAY INFORMATION
RCSJ-Gloucester vs. Mdercer County CC
January 30, 5:00 pm
Hosted by:
Roadrunner Athletics
Deptford, NJ
Coaches:
Rich Cooper RCSJ Gloucester
Records:
Roadrunners: 13-6 overall, 10-3 Region
Vikings: 5-12 overall, 4-6 Region
