County basketball graduates kick it up a notch at KSU Tuscarawas
NEW PHILADELPHIA — Two Ashtabula County graduates have found a home for the Kent State Tuscarawas men's basketball team. Jerry Arrington and Dasjuan Williams are working their basketball magic in New Philadelphia. Both are 2024 graduates, Arrington at Grand Valley and Williams at Lakeside.
Arrington is completing his second year at KSU Tuscarawas, and Williams in his first, after starting his college career at Lakeland Community College. "This year was a better experience than last year because I got to play more," Arrington said. He said it has taken some time to get used to the college game.
Arrington and Williams said they played AAU basketball together in high school so it was nice to have a familiar face on the team. They both earned more playing time and helped the team make the recent United States Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament. The association serves 70-80 small colleges, including junior college programs.
"We played together in AAU ball," Arrington said of the connection to Ashtabula County. They also played against each other during the high school season. "We have a really good pick and roll," Arrington said of his work with Williams.
KSU Tuscarawas ended the season in Buffalo in the Division II National Championship tournament with losses to Penn State York 95-91 in the quarterfinals and University of Maine-Augusta 80-73 in a consolation game. York ended up winning the tournament with a 56-48 win over Miami-Hamilton in the championship game. Arrington said he is studying business management and made the dean's list.