CLC basketball player named First Team NJCAA All-American
Catoni Collins, a College of Lake County men's freshman basketball player from Waukegan, was named a First Team NJCAA All-American.
Collins is the only CLC player to receive First Team All-American honors and one of four total All-Americans in CLC men's basketball history. The honor comes on the heels of one of the most successful individual performances in Lancer basketball history.
Collins proved himself as one of the best players in the country after finishing the season ranked in the top five nationally in three major statistical categories: third in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 24.8 points per game and 11.8 rebounds per game.
He also finished the season ranked fifth in steals with 3.1 steals per game. The Lancers finished the season with an overall record of 17-14, and just three games out of first place in the Skyway Conference.
"Catoni had an incredible season," said Chuck Ramsey, head coach. "He played at a consistently high level all season, combining great ability with tremendous effort. In addition to the scoring, rebounds and steals, he also led the team in assists. Our entire program is excited for him."
"Catoni is obviously a very dynamic player, and Coach Ramsey did a fantastic job creating opportunities for him to reach his potential on the court," CLC Director of Athletics and Physical Activities Nic Scandrett said. "Catoni is now the most accomplished player in CLC men's basketball history. We are thrilled for him and his teammates, as they played a big role in this as well."
CLC's previous All-American honorees are Eric Quall (2015, third team), Eddie White (1993, second team) and Greg Washington (1986, third team).
In addition to his All-American honors, Collins was the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference player of the year and a NJCAA Region IV First Team honoree. He was also named the NJCAA National Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 after averaging 33 points and 15 rebounds for the week.
"I want to give a special thanks to the entire CLC faculty; Nic Scandrett for giving me a scholarship; Coach Ramsey for allowing me to play on his team and giving me an opportunity," Collins said.
"If it wasn't for him, none of this would have been possible. Also, Coach Werly for coaching me and pushing me hard every day to be the best I can be. This is a true blessing. I never thought I would come this far, but here I am. I also want to thank my family and friends for their support and the NJCAA for choosing me."
For information on CLC athletics, visit www.clclancers.com.
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