The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

LATHANIEL Bastian has recently taken on a bigger role for his Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals and the team is in the midst of a winning streak that vaulted them atop the NJCAA Region XIV Standings.

Bastian finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds in the Cardinals’ 97-42 win over Bossier Parish Community College Saturday.

Over the last four games, Bastian has averaged 9.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game with two double doubles.

The sophomore forward’s recent stretch began on March 6 with six points, 10 rebounds, and two blocked shots in an 87-74 win over Navarro College. He followed with his first double double of the season two nights later with 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in a 92-68 win over Panola College. He was moved to the starting lineup the following game and finished with seven points, 12 rebounds and two blocks in a 90-81 win over Jacksonville College.

Through 14 games, Bastian is averaging 6.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on 56 percent shooting from the field. He has posted five double digit rebound games and five games where he scored in double figures.

After a loss in their season debut, the Cardinals have reeled off 13 consecutive wins. The latest win gives first-year head coach Mark Leslie’s squad a 13-1 record, three games ahead of second place Panola College.

They look to extend the winning streak to 14 games when they visit Tyler Junior College on March 17. Six games remain in the regular season, which concludes on April 3.

In August, Bastian participated in the All-American Junior College Basketball Showcase in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The showcase was designed for the players to play in front of a national audience on ESPN, CBS Sports and Rivals with NBA personnel and numerous other national media and scouting services on hand.