Skyline Basketball Team Celebrates Season at Year-End Banquet

The Skyline College Basketball Team was honored on May 18 th at the year-end awards banquet.  The banquet was held at the San Mateo Marriott.  Members of district administration, the college president and vice-president, fans and guests all gathered to recognize the hard work and dedication put forth by this year's team.

Inheriting a team that won only six games the season before, head coach Justin Piergrossi led the Trojans to a respectable 9-17 mark this year.  What makes this result even more amazing is that the team was made up of entirely freshman and the Trojans didn't have a gym on campus to play in all season.  The Skyline players didn't let any adversity bother them, they stuck together and improved each and every day.  Skyline won the consolation bracket at the prestigious San Jose City Tip-Off Tournament, won its first three conference road games (at Foothill, at Ohlone, at Cañada), and swept its district rival Cañada.  All in all, it was a good year for Skyline Basketball.

The banquet was also an opportunity to honor some individual accomplishments of team members this season.  Justin Piergrossi presented awards to the following players:

2004-2005 BASKETBALL POSTSEASON AWARD WINNERS

Skyline Concludes Season with Two Members on the All-Conference Team

Freshmen Marques Benjamin and Filip Popovic were selected by the Coast Conference North coaches for the All-Conference Team.  Benjamin made the 2nd Team after averaging 8.3 points and 4.6 assists per game, while Popovic received an Honorable Mention after a tremendous second half of the season in which he averaged 13.7 points in conference games.

David Doubley Leads Pacific to Second Round of NCAA Tournament

Former Skyline guard David Doubley scored a team-high 17 points in Pacific's first round victory over the University of Pittsburgh .  This is the second straight season Pacific has advanced to the second round of the tournament.  Pacific faces #1 seed Washington on Saturday at 12:20pm Pacific Standard Time.

March 10th

David Doubley, a 2002 graduate of Skyline College, was named Big West Player of the Year after leading University of the Pacific to an undefeated conference season (18-0).   Doubley sparked the Tigers to a Big West regular season championship, averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He leads the Big West in free throw percentage (.892), and ranks 11th in the nation. Doubley also leads the Tigers in three-pointers made, hitting 42 from behind the arc. He is among the top 15 in six Big West statistical categories. In addition to being named Big West Player of the Year, Doubley was also named to the CollegeInsider.com mid-major All-American team. Doubley starred at Skyline College from 2000-2002, leading the Trojans to the State Championship semi-finals in 2001-2002 and a conference championship in 2000-2001.  

David Doubley Leads Pacific to Second Round of NCAA Tournament

Former Skyline guard David Doubley scored a team-high 17 points in Pacific's first round victory over the University of Pittsburgh .  This is the second straight season Pacific has advanced to the second round of the tournament.  Pacific faces #1 seed Washington on Saturday at 12:20pm Pacific Standard Time.

March 10th

David Doubley, a 2002 graduate of Skyline College, was named Big West Player of the Year after leading University of the Pacific to an undefeated conference season (18-0).   Doubley sparked the Tigers to a Big West regular season championship, averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He leads the Big West in free throw percentage (.892), and ranks 11th in the nation. Doubley also leads the Tigers in three-pointers made, hitting 42 from behind the arc. He is among the top 15 in six Big West statistical categories. In addition to being named Big West Player of the Year, Doubley was also named to the CollegeInsider.com mid-major All-American team. Doubley starred at Skyline College from 2000-2002, leading the Trojans to the State Championship semi-finals in 2001-2002 and a conference championship in 2000-2001.  

  Skyline Concludes Season with Two Members on the All-Conference Team

Freshmen Marques Benjamin and Filip Popovic were selected by the Coast Conference North coaches for the All-Conference Team.  Benjamin made the 2nd Team after averaging 8.3 points and 4.6 assists per game, while Popovic received an Honorable Mention after a tremendous second half of the season in which he averaged 13.7 points in conference games.

TROJANS FINISH SEASON ON HIGH NOTE

Feb. 19th

Canada College 71, Skyline 84

The Skyline College Basketball team finished the 2004-05 season with a 84-71 win over district rival Canada College. The Trojans raced to a ten point half time advantage lead by Filip Popovic and Marcus Hagwood who each scored 15 points. Five Trojans finished with double digits scoring nights including Franklin McCoy who had 11, Chris Strong who recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds and Brannon Burnett who also chipped in 10 points. Marques Benjamin lead the Trojans with 8 assists, was 3 for 6 from three, and finished with 9 points. The Trojans end their season with a 4-6 Coast Conference record and a 9-17 overall mark.

TROJANS DROP 2 ON THE ROAD AS SEASON COMES TO CLOSE

Feb. 12th & Feb 16th

Skyline 63, Ohlone 71

Skyline 52, San Francisco City College 80

TROJANS DROP 2 OT HEARTBREAKER

Feb. 5th

Foothill 70, Skyline 68 2OT

The Skyline Men's Basketball team battled Foothill College of Los Altos in a classic game that had it all, a determined comeback, tremendous individual performances, inspired team play and 2 buzzer beaters thrown in for good measure. Trailing by five at the half the Trojans were lifted to the lead by the 3 point shooting of Franklin McCoy who finished with 19 points, hitting 5-6 from beyond the arch. Filip Popovic chipped in 14 points and Marques Benjamin grabbed a game high 6 rebounds to go along with his 6 points. Last second shots by Foothill at the end of both the first OT and the final period kept the Owls alive and eventually provided the winning margin. The Trojans will look to rebound from this tough loss when they travel to Ohlone College of Fremont on Sat. Feb. 12th at 7:00pm.

SKYLINE'S BID FOR TOP SPOT FALLS SHORT

Feb. 2nd

Skyline 70, Chabot 73

The Skyline Men's Basketball team fell short of grabbing a share of first place in the Coast Conference despite season high scoring nights from both Fillip Popovic (23 points on 11 of 18 shooting), and Franklin McCoy (16 points, 9 assists). The difference in the game came at the free throw line where Chabot shot seventeen more foul shots (making 10 of 20) than the Trojans. Skyline was limited to just three free throws as the home team was called for only 8 fouls the entire game. The Trojans (8-14, 3-3) will return to CSM this weekend to face Foothill College of Los Altos, tip time is 7:00pm.

TROJANS TOP CANADA FOR THIRD CONFERECE WIN

Jan. 28th

Skyline 68, Canada 58

The Skyline College Men's Basketball team traveled to Canada College of Redwood City for the first meeting between district rivals in almost 4 years. The Trojans dominated much of the game, building a twenty point lead late in the second half before relaxing a bit and allowing the Colts to make the final score look a little closer than the game actually was. It was a night for the Trojan big men as Skyline enjoyed a height advantage in the post for one of the few times this season. Filip Popovic continued his breakout season, leading the way with 20 points, while Marcus Hagwood chipped in 14 and Chris Strong added 10.

The win for the Skyline, it's third in Coast Conference play, was their third road win in a row and moved them into a tie for second place. The Trojans now get ready to battle first place Chabot College of Hayward on the road Feb. 2nd at 7:00pm, for a share of the conference lead.

SKYLINE STRUGGLES IN LOSS TO CITY

Jan 22nd

San Francisco City College 79, Skyline 54

Looking to push their conference winning streak to three games the Skyline Men's Basketball team ran into a healthy and motivated San Francisco City College (11-10, 2-2) team. The Trojans had no answer for the City's 6'-9" and 6'-10" post players and struggled to find their shot from the perimeter all night. Marques Benjamin lead the Trojans with 15 points, hitting 3 of 6 from three point range. Skyline shot only 25% from the field (15 - 60) but 65% from the free throw line to give themselves a chance until the middle of the second half when City pulled away. The Trojans will next travel to Canada College in Redwood City on Jan 28th to face their district rivals for the first time in 4 years.

TROJANS SHOCK CHAMPS TO GRAB SECOND CONFERENCE WIN

Jan 17th

Skyline 69  Ohlone 58

Skyline won their second straight road game in the Coast Conference with a convincing victory over defending champions Ohlone College.  Skyline had three players score in double figures, led by Marques Benjamin's 18 pts and 8 assists.  But it was Skyline's defense that set the tone for the game, as the Trojans held Ohlone to only 17 points in the first half securing a 29-17 advantage.  Skyline stretched its lead to as many as 18 midway through the second half before Ohlone closed it to single digits.  Some clutch plays by Benjamin, and forwards Marcus Hagwood (14 pts, 4 reb) and Filip Popovic (12 pts, 4 reb) kept the lead safe and Skyline went on to win on the road.  Skyline shot 54% for the game.  The win for the Trojans, their seventh of the season is one more that last years squad and their 2-1 conference record keeps them in second place in the Coast. Skyline returns to CSM on Sat. to face San Francisco City College at 7pm.

SKYLINE NETS FIRST COAST WIN FOR NEW COACH, TOP FOOTHILL 56-51

Jan 12th

Skyline 56, Foothill 51

Down by five points at halftime it looked like Skyline coach Justin Piergrossi would have to wait for his teams first Coast Conference win of the year, but in the second half the Trojans held Foothill College of Los Altos(1-1, 9-9) to just 17 points and grabbed the lead late behind emerging big man Filip Popovic's 16 points. Marcus Hagwood lead the Trojans on the glass clearing 10 boards to go along with his 8 points. Paul Phangureh also chipped in 8 and Marques Benjamin handed out 4 assists and scored 6 points. Micheal Curutchet (7pts), Chris Strong (6pts.) and Franklin McCoy (5pts.) added buckets and defensive intensity during Skyline's second half surge. The win moves Skyline (6-12, 1-1)into a tie for second place in the Coast Conference North and they will travel to Fremont on Jan 15th at 7:00pm to take on Ohlone College (9-9, 1-1) hoping grab another Coast win.

TROJANS COME UP JUST SHORT IN CONFERENCE OPENER

Jan. 5

Chabot 64, Skyline 60

After nine consecutive games on the road the Trojans finally returned to their home away from home to host Chabot College in the 2005 Coast Conference opener for both teams. Skyline, lead by Marcus Hagwood's 22 point, 8 rebound performance trailed by two points with under a minute remaining but could not pull even with Chabot (10-7, 1-0) and fell 64-60. A balanced Trojan attack saw four players score 8 points, including Paul Phangureh (8 pts, 4 ast), Chris Strong (8 pts, 8 reb), Franklin McCoy (8pts, 4ast), and Filip Popovic (8pts, 3 reb). Marques Benjamin handed out 9 assists to lead Skyline.The Trojasn will head bacl out on the road when they travel to Foothill College of Los Altos (9-8, 1,0) on Jan 12th at 7:00pm.

SKYLINE ENDS LONG ROAD TRIP

Dec. 30

Skyline 71, Monterey 82

For the entire month off December the Skyline Men's Basketball team has been playing their games on the road and as they traveled to Monterey Pennisula College for their ninth and final road game of the month the worn out Trojans put up a fight but fell to host Monterey by eleven. Marcus Hagwood scored a season high 23 points and grabbed 8 rebounds and Franklin McCoy add 18 points in the loss. The Trojans (5-11) return home to College of San Mateo to face Chabot College in their Coast Conference opener on Jan 5th at 7:00pm.

TROJANS GRAB TOURNAMENT WIN

Dec. 17-19

Over the holiday break the Skyline Men's Basketball team traveled to Visalia to take part in the College of the Sequoias Tournament and after opening with a 71-61 loss to host Sequoias they rebounded for a 60-48 win over Contra Coast College. In the win Chris Strong lead the Trojans with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Marques Benjamin scored 9 point and was 2 of 5 from beyond the three point line to go along with 6 assists. In their best defensive game of the year the Trojans limited Contra Costa to only 48 points.

In their final game Benjamine scored a season high 21 points as four Trojans scored in double figures including Filip Popovic who had 18, Paul Phangureh (14) and Brannon Burnett (12) in a 73-85 loss to Backersfield. The Trojans will next travel to Monterey on Dec 30th to face Monterey Peninsula College, game time is 7:00pm.

TROJANS ROAD TRIP GETS TOUGHER

Dec. 15th

Skyline 56, Hartnell 95

In the middle of their longest stretch of road games in a row this season the Skyline Men's Basketball team traveled to Salinas to face Hartnell College and suffered their worst loss of 2004. The Trojans opened the game with 10 turnovers and quickly fell behind by 20 at the break. The second half was not much better as the Trojans ended up turning the ball over 27 times in the game. Michael Curutchet lead the Trojans with 16 points on 7 of 11 shooting, he also pulled down 4 rebounds and dished out 5 assists for his best all around game of the year. The Trojans (4-8) will again pack their bags for a trip to Visalia for the weekend where they will take part in the College of the Sequoias Tournament starting Friday night when they face host Sequoias at 8:00pm.

College of the Sequoias Tournament Bracket

SKYLINE BATTLES # 10 WEST VALLEY

Dec. 10th

Skyline 55, West Valley 86

The Skyline Men's Basketball team face one of the top teams in the state when it hooked up with #10 West Valley College (8-2) of Saratoga. The Trojans were able to keep it close during the first half, trailing by six with under ten minutes remaining, before West Valley pulled away in route to a 33-15 halftime lead. Chris Strong scored 20 points on 10 of 15 shooting and pulled 4 rebounds to lead the Trojans. Paul Phangureh added 16 points and 7 rebounds, Robby Lockridge had a nice game with 4 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds. The Trojans will next Travel to Salinas to face Hartnell College on Dec. 15th at 7:00pm.

TROJANS GRAB BIG ROAD WIN

Dec. 8th

Skyline 74, De Anza 61

The Skyline Men's Basketball team began a long stretch of games away from their home court with an impressive 74-61 win at De Anza College of Cupertino. The Trojans will play their next six games on the road and getting off to a good start was a top priority for Coach Piergrossi's young team. Skyline jumped out to a 12-2 lead just three minutes into the game and road the hot shooting of Paul Phangureh and Chris Strong to a seven point halftime advantage. In the second Marques Benjamin helped the Trojans pull away scoring scoring 13 of his 14 total points in the final 20 minutes. Strong lead the Trojans with 16 points and Phangureh finished with 15. Skyline (4-6) will next travel to West Valley College in Saratoga on Dec. 10th at 7:00pm.

SKYLINE FALLS AT HOME TO MERRITT

Dec. 7th

Merritt 66, Skyline 60

Playing Merritt College for the second time in a week the Skyline Men's Basketball team could not overcome a poor shooting night and lost by 6 points to the visitors from Oakland. Marcus Hagwood lead the Trojans with thirteen points and seven rebounds. Marques Benjamin and Paul Phangureh each scored ten points in the loss. The Trojans(4-6) will next traval to De Anza College in Cupertino on Dec. 8th for a 7:00pm game.

LATE BUCKET SINKS TROJANS

Dec. 2nd

Skyline 62, Merritt College 66

The Skyline Men's Basketball team traveled to Merritt College of Oaklland looking for their fourth win of the season but came away with a disappointing last second 66-62 loss. Trailing by just one at half the Trojans fought back and grabbed a one point lead with just twelve seconds remaining, but Merritt was able to hit a long 3-point shot to give them a two point advantage they would not give up. Marcus Hagwood lead the Trojans with 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting, while collecting 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Paul Phangureh was the other Trojan to score in double figures, he had 13 points and Marques Benjamin lead the Trojans in assists with 6. Skyline (3-5) will again take on Merritt this time at College of San Mateo, Saturday Dec. 4th at 7:00pm as part of a doulbe header with the CSM Women's Basketball Team.

SKYLINE COMES FROM BEHIND TO TOP MODESTO 73-72

Nov. 24th

Modesto 72, Skyline 73

Skyline needed a late rally to earn a hard-fought victory last night at home against Modesto College .  Skyline opened the game with a 11-3 lead, but could not withstand some outstanding shooting on the part of Modesto .  Trailing by as many as 13 in the second half, the Trojans began chipping away at the lead.  Paul Phangureh paced the Trojans with 13 points in the 2nd half (17 for the game) and Marcus Hagwood scored his 2nd double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

With the Trojans trailing by 2, Nate Thomas grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled on the put-back.  He went to the line with the game tied and 5 seconds on the clock.  Thomas calmly hit the free throw and Skyline celebrated a 73-72 victory.  For the game, Skyline hit 9 of 12 free throws, including two 3-point plays in the final two minutes.  The win gave Skyline its 3rd win in the past 5 games.  Marques Benjamin played a great game for Skyline as well, hitting two big 3's and tallying nine assists on the night. The Trojans (3-4) will next travel to Merritt College on Dec.2nd at 7:00pm.

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TROJANS BATTLE TOUGH SAN JOSE CITY

Nov. 20th

Skyline 53, San Jose City 82

Facing one of the top team in the state the Skyline Men's Basketball team struggled again to put points on the board in their 82-53 road loss at # 12 ranked San Jose City College(3-1). The Trojans (2-4) had their hands full with a talented San Jose squad but Chris Strong managed a season high 14 points on 6 of 11 shooting. Marcus Hagwood again lead the Trojans with 5 rebounds and he also chipped in 8 points. The Trojans next host Modesto College(1-2) on Nov. 23rd at CSM, tip time is 7:00pm.

SKYLINE CAN'T ANSWER GAVILAN

Nov. 18th

Gavilan 85, Skyline 59

The Skyline Men's Basketball team found itself playing the type of game first year Head Coach Justin Piergrossi would say fits his teams style perfectly , a fast paced, full court game with lots of scoring. Unfortunately for the Trojans many of the shots they were putting up just did not fall and as a result they dropped a 85-59 game to Gavilan College of Gilroy. The Trojan shot just 33% (21-63) from the field missing several layups and putbacksopportunities on the night. Paul Phangureh lead the Trojans with 10 points and Marcus Hagwood pulled down a season high 16 rebounds. Skyline will travel to San Jose City College on Saturday Nov. 20th for a 6:00pm tip.

TROJANS PICK UP A PAIR OF WINS AT SAN JOSE TOURNAMENT

Nov. 12th, 13th & 14th

Skyline 48, San Bernardino Valley 77

Skyline 77, Merced 57

Skyline 61, Dominican 56

The Skyline Men's Basketball team grabbed their first wins of the season and finished fifth at the San Jose City College Invitational.The Trojans opened the tournament with a 77-48 loss to San Bernardino Valley on Friday night. Brannon Burnett lead the Skyline with 11 points on 5 of 9 shooting and Paul Phangureh lead the Trojans on the defensive end with five rebounds and four steals.

Skyline's first win of the year came in their second game of the tournament when the downed Merced College by twenty. Marcus Hagwood had a breakout game for the Trojans, scoring 21 points on 8 of 11 shooting and pulling down 11 rebounds for his first double double of the season.

In the Consolation game the Skyline pulled out a 61-56t victory over Dominican College. Three Trojans scored in double figures including Paul Phangureh ( 15pts. 6-11), Marques Benjamin(11pts., 2-6, 6-7 FT) and Marcus Hagwood (13pts, 4-4, 5-9 FT).

The Trojan will look for their third win in a row on Thursday Nov. 18th when they host Gavilan College of Gilroy at CSM, tip time is 7:00pm.

SKYLINE OPENS TO WARM RECEPTION, COLD SHOOTING IN 67-45 LOSS

Nov. 8th

Cabrillo 67, Skyline 45

The Skyline Men's Basketball team opened the 2004-2005 season with a twenty-two point loss to Cabrillo College of Aptos. First year head coach Justin Piergrossi had the Trojans playing an up tempo pressing style of basketball in front of one of the largest crowds in recent years. The Trojans cut the lead to ten with twelve minutes remaining but could not get any closer. Paul Phangureh and Chris Strong lead the Trojans with eleven points each. Marcus Hagwood worked the glass collecting ten rebounds to go along with his four points. As a team the Trojans shot 27% from the field on 16 of 59 shooting but collected 6 steals and grabbed 29 rebounds to stay in the game most of the way. The Trojans next travel to San Jose to compete in the San Jose City College Invitational on Nov. 12th where they will face San Bernardino Valley College at 4:00pm.

TROJANS SET TO TIP OFF 2004-05 SEASON

Nov. 4th

Skyline Head Basketball Coach Justin Piergrossi met with members of the Bay Area media to preview the 2004-05 Trojan Basketball Team. Skyline plays its' first game this Sunday at College of San Mateo against Cabrillo College of Aptos. The Trojans will play all of their home games this season at College of San Mateo due to the P.E. building remodel currently underway at Skyline College.

2004-2005 SKYLINE TROJAN BASKETBALL

MEET THE TEAM, CHECK OUT THE ROSTER HERE!

SKYLINE NAMES PIERGROSSI NEW BASKETBALL COACH

FORMER USF ASSISTANT PICKED TO HEAD TROJAN BASKETBALL PROGRAM