Jason Peake
Tribune Sports Editor
CHANUTE—For nearly two hours everyday, Neosho County Community College men’s basketball coach Jeremy Coombs is on the phone with other coaches.
And who are they calling Coombs about? That’s an easy one—Antione Lundy.
A 6-8 sophomore from Michigan, Lundy was just named the Jayhawk East Conference’s Most Valuable Player. Lundy was also listed as a first team all-conference selection.
“He’s had a tremendous season,” Coombs said. “He’s been there every night for us, rebounding and scoring. He’s a heck of a leader and just an awesome guy.”
Lundy averaged 18 points and 14 rebounds a game for the Panthers, who saw their season end on Tuesday night.
Lundy had 27 double-doubles this year and also had five games where he scored at least 20 points and grabbed at least 20 rebounds. He shot 52 percent from the field and also hit 41 three-pointers this season. That’s not all, Lundy made 72 percent of his free throws, blocked 24 shots and had 27 steals.
The Panthers big man also set a new school record for rebounds in a game with 26 against Cowley.
Lundy scored 566 points this season, that’s the 18th best in school history.
Also, Lundy finished his career at NCCC as the school’s 33rd all-time leading scorer with 756 points in two years.
Coombs summed it up this way.
“He’s been a beast,” he said. “And he’s done a lot for the program.”
Lundy led the Panthers to a 20-11 record and a fourth place finish in the East.
Many Division-I schools have taken notice of Lundy’s skills.
“He has many of the Big 12 schools after him and lots of mid-majors,” Coombs said.
Coach Coombs added that when planning his daily schedule, he must put aside two hours each day to call back coaches who are interested in signing Lundy.
“His whole recruiting process has been something that I’ve never dealt with,” Coombs said. “The other day I was in a meeting for a half hour. I came out and I had 15 messages on my phone—all about him. I think he’s handled it extremely well.”
Of course, Lundy’s season ended a little too soon. But, he capped his sophomore season by winning the conference’s Most Valuable Player award.
“It’s a good honor,” Coombs said. “I’m happy for Lundy.”
Overall, Lundy is the second-straight player from NCCC to win the Jayhawk East’s MVP award.
Mark Gomilla won it last year. When Gomilla received the award last year at this time, the Tribune was there to take a picture. Lundy was there, too. And he made a prediction.
“I’m getting that next year,” Lundy said at the time.
He was right.
