Spartans Look to Take Step Forward in 2024-25

Cayuga Community College Men's Basketball is looking to bounce back from a tough 2023-24 when they open their season this weekend at home against Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse. 

The Spartans return four key contributors and added several talented sophomores and freshmen to this year's team, which opens the season November 2 at Spartan Hall against the Bobcats. Cayuga is looking for a stronger season after finishing 2-21 in 2023-24.

Coach Tony Borges expects better guard play and a continued emphasis on defense to help the Spartans take a step forward this year.

"We're way ahead of last year in everything," he said. "We have some good guards, solid size in the paint, and some guys who have the versatility to play multiple positions. I'm intrigued to see how we play this year."

The Spartans return forward Tony Borges, who led the team with almost 15 points and 10 rebounds per game, forward Ryan Adams and guards Desean Strachan and Jorge Jimenez. Strachan was second on the team with almost 10 points per game, Jimenez led the team with almost three assists per game, and Adams was second on the team with five boards per game.

Coach Borges expects the team to continue playing strong defense — the Spartans allowed less than 80 points per game last year — and that the team's offense should improve.

"We should be able to run some sets for different players, and should be better shooting from outside," he noted. "We were in a lot of games last year because of our defense and rebounding, but our shooting wasn't quite good enough to win more games."

As usual for the Spartans, a tough Region III schedule awaits them this winter. Two teams on the roster are in the preseason NJCAA top 10, Herkimer (#2) and Fulton-Montgomery Community College (#9). Two other teams on the schedule, Genesee Community College and Mohawk Valley Community College, received votes in the poll.

After the non-conference home opener against Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse on November 2, the Spartans open the regional and Mid-State Athletic Conference schedule at home on November 6 against SUNY Broome.

Coach Borges said the schedule will be a challenge from the first game to the last, but he believes this year's team is ready.

"Our skillsets and knowledge of the game are better," he said. "Last year was tough, but this group has worked hard, and really gets after it in practice. I like this group a lot."