TCNJ garners several NJAC year-end awards

It was a banner day for The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team as it earned several New Jersey Athletic Conference Awards.

Chessie Jackson was once again named the Coach of the Year, Shannon Devitt was the Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team selection — as was Jen Byrne — and Sam Famulare received Honorable Mention.

Just in her second season guiding the Lions, Jackson has amassed a 39-15 overall mark and she is 30-6 in conference play.

Jackson showed her passion for her players, her resolve to make them better on and off the court and her leadership skills as she steered TCNJ to the regular season championship and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

The Lions were cruising along at 7-3 overall and 6-0 in the NJAC, and then came a mountain to conquer.

TCNJ lost four of the next five and fell out of first place, but following a gritty overtime win over Stockton Jackson led the Lions to an 8-1 finish.

“This award is particularly special this season because it was a real journey for all of us,’’ said Jackson. “We had our ups and downs as a group, and we all had to make adjustments in how we lead and follow. But, in the end we were able to come together for a successful and rewarding regular season. That is all you can really ask for as a coach.’’

Devitt, who was named the NJAC Rookie of the Year last year, had an awesome sophomore season to earn the Defensive Player award and a First Team selection.

The former Westfield High player has recorded 16 double-doubles this season and averages 14.4 points a game and an NJAC best 12.7 rebounds a game. Devitt is also leading in field goal percentage shooting at a torrid 53.8 percent.

Byrne was named to the First Team for the second straight year.

The former Shawnee star averages 13.8 points per game, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

Famulare averages 10.6 points per game and is just one of the Lions’ three seniors who were critical down the stretch.

“This is a team that has grown so much together and overcome a ton,’’ said Jackson. ”I would be remiss not to mention that I have the best assistant coach out there in Devon Quattrocchi. She has been a huge difference maker this season and I’m incredibly grateful to her.’’

Jackson and TCNJ will have to wait to bask in the glory of the honors as Rutgers-Newark comes to Packer Hall tomorrow at 7 p.m. in a NJAC Tournament semifinal.