Kelsey Williams

Jerial Nixon

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Admiral King’s Jerial Nixon and Sandusky’s Kelsey Williams had tremendous first years for California University of Pennsylvania’s basketball team this season.

Nixon, a junior transfer from Lakeland Community College playing in his first year with the Vulcans, earned all-conference honors from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) after averaging 11.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He was named to the All-PSAC West second team after finishing second in scoring and third in rebounds.

Nixon scored in double figures 15 times this season with a season-high 24 points at Edinboro University. In a road win against Wooster, Nixon tied the game with a field goal and converted a three-point play with 6.3 seconds remaining to give the Vulcans a 73-72 comeback win. Nixon also hit the game-winning shot in a 63-61 victory against Chestnut Hill (Pa.).

Williams was phenomenal in just his freshman season. Williams led the Vulcans in scoring (12.0) and rebounding (5.9) and was named the PSAC West freshman of the week a league-best six times.

In a game against Slippery Rock, the 6-foot-7, 220 pound forward netted 19 points - his third-highest total of the season. He was 9-of-17 from the floor and added eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Williams collected his second double-double of the season with 17 points and a season-high 12 rebounds against Mercyhurst in the final game of the season.

He finished among the league leaders with a .512 field-goal percentage (128-of-250) and 1.0 block per game. Williams started in 23 of 26 games played.

The California University of Pennsylvania just completed its 23rd straight season without a losing record. With Nixon and Williams coming back next year for their second seasons together - I see nothing but good things ahead for these Vulcans.

swalker@MorningJournal.com