The Lorain County Community College men's basketball team is entering its third year of playing in the National Junior College Athletic Association.

The junior college Commodores play their second game of the season today at Butler County Community College after starting the season off with a 101-85 road loss to Essex County College. Then the Commodores will have their home-opener this Friday against seventh-ranked CC-Allegheny of Pittsburgh.

LCCC plays in the Ohio Community College Athletic Association with Cuyahoga Community, Columbus State, Sinclair State, Clark State, Lakeland Community, Owens Tech and Cincinnati State. LCCC is considered Division III, while Cincinnati State is Division I and the other schools are considered Division II.

Ralph Berrios, who enters his ninth season as head coach, was an assistant coach at Southview for 14 years under Larry Stark. Stark, who retired as the Saints' all-time winningest coach, serves as Berrios' assistant.

"We're really excited about the team," Berrios said. "This is probably the most balanced athletically, and strongest teams since I've been here. I'm looking forward to seeing the kids mature and by the end of the season, I expect to have more players receiving accolades and accomplishments from conference."

Last season the Commodores finished the season 11-17 after finishing 7-16 in 2007, their first season competing at the NJCAA level.

LCCC went undefeated in its last season competing at the club level, ultimately finishing third in its season-ending tournament.

Devaujhn Boddie, a 5-foot-9 point guard, was named to the NJCAA preseason All-America team. He led the Commodores in scoring last season, averaging 23 points per game.

"He may be the smallest player on the floor, but he's still the best player on the floor," Berrios said. "He's a great young man who has proved himself at each level he's played. He's proved that hard work pays off and the rewards are just starting to come in."

Boddie, who was named All-American while prepping at Archbishop Hoban High School, hopes to contribute to LCCC's first winning season in the NJCAA.

"We've got a really great team this year and I believe we're going to do really well," Boddie said in a press release. "I have a big thing on my shoulders now. I have to perform every game now that I'm All-American."

While Boddie is running the point position, 6-foot-9 Antione Norris, of Akron Kenmore, will play center. Jay Silva, who is from Escala Logis in San Paulo, Brazil, is a 6-5 forward.

Local players on this season's LCCC roster include Josh Harris (Brookside), D.J. Hall (Western Reserve), Tyrell Holley (Admiral King) and Jeff Knepper (Keystone).

Tonio Wesley (Euclid), Jacob Pope (Akron Firestone), Felton Jones (Cleveland East High) and Bruce Johnson (Lyndherst Brush) round out the Commodores' roster.

swalker@MorningJournal.com