Alexander, '89-'90 Men's Basketball Team Elected to MASCAC Hall of Fame

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— The 1989-1990 North Adams State College Men's Basketball team and one of its members and all-time Men's Basketball program great Bernard Alexander have been inducted as part of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Alexander and the '89-'90 Men's Basketball team are joined by fellow inductees: Conor Murtagh, Bridgewater State University, Molly Rouilliard, Bridgewater State University, Ann Clark Woodard, Worcester State University, the 1989-90 Fitchburg State University Men's Ice Hockey team, Joe Farroba, Bridgewater State University, Erika (Smith) Shinney, Bridgewater State University, Bernie Gilmetti Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Robert "Bob" Devlin, Worcester State University and Don Ruggieri, Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Bernard Alexander, MCLA- Student-Athlete from a Male Team
Bernard Alexander's name is scattered through the NASC/MCLA Men's Basketball record book in virtually every statistical category. His 1906 career points rank second only to his 1987-1990 teammate Phil Bledsoe. He is second in career rebounds with 1068 and is one of only three Trailblazers to cross the 1000 rebound mark. On the defensive end, Alexander ranks first with 221 career blocked shots and second with 234 career steals.

Alexander twice crossed the 500-point mark in a season (523 in 1987-88 and 521 in 1989-90), and the 324 rebounds he gathered during the 1986-87 season still stands third as all-time. His 87 steals during the 1988-89 season remains a program standard, and his 65 blocks during the 1988-89 season also ranks second most in program history.

Alexander helped lead North Adams State College (NASC) to four straight MASCAC championships and four straight NCAA Division III tournament appearances, including the 1990 run to the national quarterfinals.

He was honored with a selection as a two-time All-American, four-time All-Conference, three-time All-New England, and a two-time NABC All-Star Selection.

MCLA Men's Basketball 1989-90 - Team
The 1989-1990 men's basketball team was arguably the best team in school history. Led by seniors Bernard Alexander, Philip Bledsoe and Andre Washington, they went 23-5 and tied the school record for wins in a season.

Defense was a staple for the team as they held their opponents to just 63 ppg and had an average margin of victory of thirteen points. The team featured balance and depth, with Rodney Stephens, K.J. Wallace and Tony Paranto all key contributors as they finished 11-1 in MASCAC play. They advanced all the way to the elite eight in the NCAA tournament before losing a three-point game to eventual national champion Rochester University.

The team had several impressive wins during the season including victories over Division 1 Central Connecticut State and Division 2 power Bridgeport University. The team also beat Williams and topped Salem State twice, the final time in the MASCAC Championship game on the road. The 1990 NCAA tournament culminated an incredible four year run for North Adams State; one that saw the team make the NCAA tournament each season.

The team was coached by Al Sokaitis, who at the time was in his third season. Team members include:

Alexander, Bledsoe, Washington, Stephens, Wallace, Paranto, Patrick Conley, Lee DeRouin, Bobby Hamilton, Richard Marjanski, Douglas Terry, Kevin Talty, and David Mendoza.

The MASCAC created the Hall of Fame to provide the recognition of those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the conference and to help preserve the storied history of the MASCAC and its member institutions.

There are seven categories for nomination: student-athlete from a male team, student-athlete from a female team, overall team, coach of a male team, coach of a female team, administrator and legends.

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