In a standout season for the Centenary Cyclones men's basketball team, two key achievements have propelled the program to new heights. Sophomore guard Kenneth Rankin has been named First-Team All-Conference, while Coach Chris LaBelle and his staff have earned Coaching Staff of the Year honors for their remarkable efforts in turning the Cyclones into a force in the Atlantic East Conference.

Kenneth Rankin: A Dominant Force on the Court

Rankin's exceptional individual performance this season has not only earned him a place among the conference's elite but has also been a driving force behind the Cyclones' impressive turnaround. Averaging 14.6 points per game, Rankin's scoring ability has been a constant presence in every matchup. His shooting accuracy, connecting on 44 percent of his attempts from the     field, has been vital in keeping the Cyclones competitive against tough conference foes. But Rankin's contributions extend far beyond scoring. The versatile guard has also demonstrated a keen sense for rebounding, averaging 5.3 rebounds per game, which ranks him among the top seven in the conference. Additionally, his playmaking skills have shone through, as he averaged 3.3 assists per game, placing him in the top four in the conference in that category as well. These impressive statistics not only showcase Rankin's all-around game but also highlight his crucial role in the Cyclones' 9-win improvement from the previous season. His leadership and consistency on the floor have helped elevate Centenary to new heights and earned him the recognition he deserves as a First-Team All-Conference selection.

Coach Chris LaBelle and His Staff: A Historic Achievement

While Rankin's individual efforts have garnered well-deserved praise, Coach Chris LaBelle and his coaching staff have been equally instrumental in Centenary's success this season. After a challenging season last year, LaBelle and his staff—including Nick LaBelle, Kyle O'Brien, Tyler Clark, Jake McMullan, and Michael Young—worked tirelessly to help the Cyclones improve dramatically.Their efforts culminated in a 9-win improvement from the previous season, with a 5-win improvement in a very tough Atlantic East conference, a feat that did not go unnoticed. For their remarkable work, LaBelle and his staff were honored with the Coaching Staff of the Year award, making them the first staff in Cyclone's Mens Basketball history to receive this prestigious accolade. The improvements under LaBelle's leadership were evident on both ends of the floor. Defensively, the Cyclones became more disciplined and harder to break down, while offensively, they displayed a balanced attack that allowed players like Rankin to thrive. The ability of LaBelle and his staff to adapt and adjust throughout the season, coupled with their dedication to player development, was instrumental in the team's success.

A Turning Point for the Cyclones

The combination of Rankin's standout individual performance and LaBelle's leadership has been a game-changer for Centenary. The team's tremendous upside not only reflects their hard work and determination but also signals the beginning of a new era for the Cyclones. With a deep roster and a coaching staff that knows how to get the best out of its players, Centenary is positioned to continue its ascent in the Atlantic East Conference for years to come. As Centenary looks ahead, both Rankin's individual success and the staff's historic recognition will serve as the foundation for future growth and achievement. Whether on the court or from the sidelines, the Cyclones have proven that they are a team to be reckoned with, and the future is bright under Coach LaBelle's leadership.This season's accomplishments are just the beginning for the Centenary men's basketball program, and the sky's the limit for what they can achieve moving forward. Congratulations to Kenneth Rankin for his well-deserved First-Team All-Conference honors, and to Coach LaBelle and his staff or their groundbreaking Coaching Staff of the Year award. The Cyclones' journey is far from over, and the momentum is on their side.