Boston, MA (February 17, 2025) – Northern Essex Community College men's basketball Darren Stratton was named HoopDirt.com JUCO Coach of the Week for the week ending Sunday February 16th. This marks the third consecutive year in which Stratton has picked up the weekly award during the course of the season presented by Just Play Solutions. Stratton will now be eligible of consideration for national coach of the year honors.
Stratton led the Knights to a pair of home victories last week over #9 nationally ranked Quincy College and UConn Avery Point, which at the time ran the teams win streak to 21 games and 46 straight home court victories going back over the last three seasons.
The Knights have two game remaining in the regular season when they travel to Springfield Tech and Quinsigamond this week and currently sit tied atop the top of the Region 21 standings. A pair of wins will secure the Knights the post-season tournaments top seed for the third consecutive season.
NECC currently sits at 23-3 on the season and 18-2 in conference play.
Other coaches who received the weekly award across the country include NCAA Division I Tony Skinn from George Mason University, NCAA Division II Jeremiah Samarrippas from Lincoln Memorial University, Dan Kane from UMaine-Presque Isle picked up the Division III honor and NAIA winner Marcus Bryant from Keiser University.