TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) — TCC men's basketball is headed to the NJCAA national tournament this weekend, and leading the way is all-star freshman guard El Ellis.
Ellis was named the Panhandle Conference Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. "I just want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because without him I wouldn't be here right now," said Ellis.
The awards all come down to hard work. "The continuous hard work we've put in throughout the year. Having great teammates putting me in the right situations and I put them in the right situations. I mean, we're just so excited for this moment."
It is a moment that will last a lifetime, and confidence that the team has thanks to Ellis' awards and their spot in the national tournament. "It gives everybody confidence," explained Ellis. "It gives me even more confidence. I don't even know what to say. I'm just so excited. I'm happy about the awards, but this is what I want. I wanted to go to Hutchinson day one. I want to go as far as we can."
As far as the eagles can go in the tournament means Ellis will have to up his game. "I'm going to have to take it to another level for sure. I don't want to drive 18 hours and not get it done. I want to play on national TV on March 21st."
The NJCAA men's national championship tournament begins next week. TCC plans on leaving for Kansas this Friday.
