CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Junior forward Brielle Guarente and sophomore forward Marquis Ratcliff from the Moravian University basketball teams have been selected to the Lehigh Valley Small College Basketball Team of the Year by the LVSCB Organization at its final luncheon of the 2023-24 season at DeSales University.
The Lehigh Valley Small College Basketball Organization is made up of the six small college schools in the Lehigh Valley including NCAA Division II schools East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and NCAA Division III schools Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Moravian University and Muhlenberg College.
Guarente has helped lead the Greyhounds to an 8-16 overall record and a 7-10 Landmark Conference record with Moravian just one win away from clinching a berth in the 2024 Landmark Conference Tournament. This winter, Guarente is averaging 10.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game to go along with 51 assists, 47 steals and 17 blocked shots in her first season as a starter.
"Brielle has developed into a versatile player who can play multiple positions and play them well," stated Head Coach Mary Beth Spirk. "Brielle stepped into a leadership role this season as a player who we depended on to perform well on both offense and defense. I look forward to having another year with her as she will continue to lead our program."
Joining Guarente on the Team of the Year were Caylie Long of Cedar Crest, Megan Bealer of DeSales, Emily Chimel of East Stroudsburg, Naia Pulliam of Kutztown and Ava Connolly of Muhlenberg. Bealer was selected as the Peter Nevins Women's Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season by the LVSCB Organization, which is voted on by the head coaches, media and athletic communications staffs at the luncheon.
Ratcliff, who was named to the LVSCB Organization Team of the Year for the second consecutive winter, has helped the Hounds to a 9-15 overall and 5-12 in Landmark Conference action. Ratcliff is averaging 21.0 points and 9.7 rebounds per contest this winter in his second season, and he has also contributed 58 blocked shots, one shy of the single season school record, 24 assists, 19 steals and 21 three-pointers. Ratcliff has 11 double-doubles on the season, and he is shooting 53.1 percent (181-of-341) from the field. His 504 points this winter are just the seventh 500-plus point season in program history.
"We are really proud of Marquis," commented Head Coach Darryl Keckler. He has consistently competed hard, game in and game out. He continues to develop and grow as a player and as a person."
Joining Ratcliff on the Team of the Year were Mason Barnes of DeSales, Lakeem McAliley of East Stroudsburg, Amir Cunningham of Kutztown and Giovanni Rubino of Muhlenberg. McAliley was named the Peter Nevins Men's Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season by the LVSCB Organization.
