The Springfield Technical Community College Rams men’s basketball team took a significant leap forward during the 2024-25 season, improving their win total by nine games from the previous year.
After winning just two games in 2023-24, the Rams finished this season with an 11-12 record, a remarkable 450 percent increase in total wins. They also showed strength at home, posting a solid 7-4 record, while going 4-8 on the road.
In conference play, the Rams finished at 11-11, proving their ability to compete in a tough league. Additionally, STCC made the Region XXI playoffs for the first time since the 2021-2022 season and recorded its most conference wins since the 2019-2020 season.
“This season was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our student-athletes and coaching staff,” said Darcey Kemp, Vice President of Student Affairs at STCC. “Their performance on the court and in the classroom reflect the spirit of excellence we strive for at STCC. We are incredibly proud of the Rams men’s basketball team and look forward to their continued success.”
This dramatic turnaround was even more impressive considering that the coaching staff essentially built a brand-new team, retaining only two players from last year’s squad. STCC had the third-highest turnaround in the nation in terms of wins across all National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) programs and achieved the biggest turnaround in the country among teams that were under .500 in the previous season.
Key Players & Season Highlights
Justin Phillips (17.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.9 APG) – The 5’9” guard was an offensive force, leading the team in scoring with 17.4 points per game. He shot 41.1 percent from the field and knocked down 36.7 percent of his three-pointers, making him a consistent perimeter threat. His playmaking ability was also on display, averaging 4.9 assists per game, and he showed efficiency at the free-throw line, hitting 80 percent of his attempts. Phillips’ ability to create his own shot and facilitate the offense made him a key contributor in the Rams’ turnaround.
Jeremy Bowers (11.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.4 APG) – Bowers provided stability at the guard position, contributing 11.6 points per game and leading the team in assists with 101 over the season. His defensive presence was notable as well, registering 42 steals, the most on the team. His overall field goal percentage of 41.9 percent kept him an effective scoring option.
Branden Torres (11.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG) – Torres emerged as a force in the paint, shooting an impressive 55.4 percent from the field. He was the team’s leading rebounder with 6.7 boards per game, using his size and strength to dominate inside. His ability to finish around the rim and provide second-chance opportunities gave the Rams a consistent interior scoring option.
Aidan Daly (9.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.2 APG) – Daly was a key three-point shooter for the Rams, knocking down 40 triples on the season at a 34.5 percent clip. His ability to score in bunches kept opposing defenses on edge. He also contributed on the defensive end with nine steals and four blocks.
Amari Cruz (9.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.1 APG) – The freshman wing made an impact in his first season, scoring 9.2 points per game while attacking the basket and drawing fouls. He shot 67.7 percent from the free-throw line and provided energy on both ends of the floor.
Colin Rice (7.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.8 APG) – Rice was a steady presence in the lineup, contributing across multiple categories. His rebounding ability was crucial, averaging 6.5 boards per game, and he also led the team in blocks with 23. His inside-out versatility added depth to the Rams’ frontcourt.
Austin Smith (6.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.3 APG) – Though limited to 11 games, Smith provided a strong presence when on the floor. He shot 50% from the field and 45% from three-point range, proving to be an efficient scorer. His playmaking ability (4.3 APG) and rebounding (5.4 RPG) made him an all-around contributor.
Blake Morrow (6.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.5 APG) – Morrow added valuable depth in the backcourt, providing strong perimeter shooting and solid decision-making. His ability to play both guard positions allowed the Rams to maintain offensive flow and spacing, making him a key contributor off the bench. He finished the season averaging 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
Michael Ferrero, Quentin Outlaw, Travis Preston, and Juan Cruz – Ferrero played a key role in the paint, using his physicality and inside scoring ability to provide toughness down low. Outlaw brought energy and rebounding to the team, using his high motor to contribute on both ends. Preston continued to show his ability to attack the rim and draw fouls, making him a reliable offensive option. Cruz provided veteran leadership as a returning player, helping guide the younger players while delivering steady play at the guard position.
Looking Ahead
With the foundation set and a strong core of players developing, the Rams have plenty to build upon for next season. The nine-game improvement signals a program on the rise, and with continued development, the team could be a serious contender in the coming years. The leadership from this year’s squad will set the tone for future success as STCC looks to take another leap forward in 2025-26.
Roster
No. 1 Juan Cruz Sophomore Guard Springfield, MA
No. 3 Austin Smith Freshman Guard Windsor Locks, CT
No. 4 Blake Morrow Sophomore Guard New Braunfels, TX
No. 10 Travis Preston Sophomore Guard Chicopee, MA
No. 11 Justin Phillips Freshman Guard Hartford, CT
No. 14 Aidan Daly Freshman Guard Holliston, MA
No. 15 Colin Rice Freshman Forward Boca Raton, FL
No. 22 Jeremy Bowers Freshman Guard Harlem, NY
No. 23 Amari Cruz Freshman Guard New Britain, CT
No. 24 Brandon Torres Freshman Wing Middletown, CT
No. 30 Quentin Outlaw Freshman Wing Wolcott, CT
No. 32 Michael Ferrero Freshman Forward East Longmeadow, MA
Team Managers: Odayne Richardson and Jose Rivera
Assistant Coaches: Noel Roman and Tristan Shields
Associate Head Coach: Jon Diamond
Head Coach: Alfredo Cardona
X / Twitter: @stccmbb Instagram: @stcc_mens_basketball
