Morrison selected by his peers as MASCAC coach of the year

North Adams, MA- MCLA Men's basketball head coach Jamie Morrison was selected by his peers as the 2012-13 MASCAC Coach of the Year on Wednesday.  The honor for Morrison marks the first time since 1999 (Robert Hamilton) that an MCLA coach took home the honor.

Morrison, who is in his sixth season, led MCLA to a 13-12 regular season.  More impressive than that was the Trailblazers 9-3 conference slate, their best mark since that 1999 season.  The Trailblazers have earned the second seed in this week's conference tournament and will host a semifinal round game tomorrow night at 7pm against third seeded Salem State.

The season got off on the wrong foot for MCLA as they began the season 3-9 before rattling off six straight wins, including their first five MASCAC games to even their mark at 9-9.  The Trailblazers were also one of the worst statistical defensive clubs early on, but have now become one of the top defensive teams in the conference.  Morrison switched his teams' tempo following that early stretch.  The Trailblazers began the year pushing the pace, but have since switched to a slower tempo which has turned things around defensively.

Under his guidance, MCLA has finished second in the conference in two of the last three seasons.  The Traillblazers have a conference mark of 20-16 during that span. 

The Trailblazers are seeking their first championship since 1999.  Two more victories would also secure a berth in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1989.