CUMBERLAND, Md. – The Allegany College of Maryland men's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season with a clear mission: build upon a championship foundation while creating its own identity through discipline, toughness, accountability, and daily growth.
After finishing 22-9 overall and 11-3 in Region 20 play during the 2025-26 season, the Trojans return an experienced core and welcome a talented group of newcomers eager to continue the tradition of success at ACM.
While the accomplishments of last year's team remain a source of pride, Head Coach
Tommie Reams has made it clear that this year's journey will be defined by what happens now, not what happened before.
"Our goal at ACM has not changed," said Reams. "We strive to win Region 20 and put ourselves in position to reach the national tournament. We are constantly seeking to uphold the standard that was set before us by Coach Kirk and Coach Baker. We are always culture first, and we focus on doing things the right way."
For ACM, culture remains the foundation. The Trojans believe their identity will be built through effort, preparation, discipline, and a commitment to competing on every possession.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The Trojans were one of the region's most productive teams a season ago.
ACM averaged
89.0 points per game, shot
47.1 percent from the field, recorded
487 assists, and averaged
9.2 steals per contest while forcing opponents into
14.3 turnovers per game. The Trojans finished with a
+8.4 scoring margin and captured the Region 20 Championship.
While replacing the production of several standout sophomores will not be easy, the program believes it has the pieces necessary to remain among the region's top contenders.
"It is still early and there is a lot to continue working on," Reams said. "But we have shown toughness and resilience in the preseason. We have shown that we are capable of competing to our standards, and we feel like we are moving in the right direction."
Honoring Last Year's Champions
Several key contributors from last season's championship team have moved on to continue their academic and athletic careers at four-year institutions.
Among the most decorated was
Jaylen Brown, who earned NJCAA Division I Honorable Mention All-America honors, First Team All-Region 20 recognition, First Team All-MDJUCO honors, and was named Region 20 Tournament MVP.
Brown concluded his ACM career ranked among the program's all-time leaders, including:
- No. 1 in career free throw percentage (89.9%)
- No. 1 in single-season three-point percentage (49.5%)
- No. 1 in single-season free throw percentage (90.6%)
- No. 2 in single-season free throw percentage (89.1%)
- No. 4 in career three-point percentage (43.6%)
- No. 4 in free throws made
Darrien Ponder earned First Team All-Region 20 and Second Team All-MDJUCO honors, while
Alex Byrd earned Honorable Mention All-Region 20 recognition.
Manny Okitondo was selected to the Region 20 All-Tournament Team after helping lead ACM to the championship.
Together, that group helped reinforce the standards the current team now seeks to uphold.
Returning Leadership
The Trojans return several key contributors from last year's 22-win squad, led by a group of sophomores who understand the expectations of the program.
Hall enters the season as ACM's leading returning scorer after averaging
11.4 points per game as a freshman.
The Upper Marlboro native started all 28 games he played last season while recording 53 three-pointers, 80 assists, and 46 steals.
During preseason competition, Hall continued to impress the coaching staff.
"Elijah Hall had a solid day. He sat down and guarded and saw the floor really well," said Assistant Coach Colin Sappenfield.
Hall's leadership, shooting ability, and playmaking have positioned him as one of the team's primary leaders entering the season.
Brown emerged as one of ACM's most efficient players during his freshman season.
The Laurel native appeared in 29 games and shot an impressive
61.5 percent from the field, while adding 86 rebounds and consistent defensive energy.
His physicality and versatility make him a key piece on both ends of the floor.
Somerville appeared in 22 games as a freshman and has earned praise throughout the preseason for his leadership and defensive effort.
"Landon Somerville played solid defense and led the team all day," Sappenfield said.
The Hagerstown native has taken significant steps forward and is expected to play an even larger role this season.
Brooks appeared in 24 contests last year and averaged 5.4 points per game.
The Fort Wayne, Indiana native provides important experience, athleticism, and depth on the perimeter.
A Fort Hill graduate and Cumberland native, Seifarth enters his redshirt sophomore season with a strong understanding of the program and an opportunity to contribute in expanded roles.
Dan Nwaete | Redshirt Sophomore Wing
Nwaete returns to the floor after previously playing for ACM during the 2024-25 season.
His athleticism, versatility, and familiarity with the program add another experienced piece to the roster.
"Dan rebounded really well," Sappenfield said.
Immediate Impact Newcomers
The Trojans believe several newcomers are capable of contributing immediately.
Few players generated more positive attention during the preseason than Byrd.
"Jahmeir Byrd was the MVP of the day. He shot it well, rebounded well, and had a solid three games," Sappenfield said.
Byrd's size, athleticism, and scoring ability have made him one of ACM's most exciting newcomers.
The 6-foot-8 forward has impressed coaches with his versatility and effort.
"Jordan Houchins had a great day. He got to his spots, rebounded well, and played hard."
Houchins gives the Trojans length and flexibility in the frontcourt.
Dimbeng brings size, rebounding, and physicality to the paint.
The 6-foot-8 forward has consistently impacted games on the glass and around the basket throughout preseason play.
The Williamsport graduate has emerged as one of ACM's most skilled playmakers.
According to Reams, Oree stood out throughout preseason competition and produced one of the most memorable plays of the fall, delivering an impressive one-bounce pass through traffic in transition.
"Zay Oree got going in the last two games. He made shots and got to the rim," Sappenfield said.
Shipley's versatility has quickly earned attention from the coaching staff.
"Shipley is a tough defender and can score at all three levels."
His two-way ability could help him earn immediate minutes.
A Deep and Versatile Roster
ACM believes one of its greatest strengths entering the season is depth.
Additional newcomers include:
Combined with the returning core, the Trojans have assembled a roster capable of playing multiple styles while maintaining size, length, athleticism, and versatility.
Coaching Continuity
Continuity extends beyond the roster.
Ben Schlotter returns to the program after helping build several successful Trojan teams during his first stint at ACM. During that period, the Trojans accumulated 73 victories, won multiple Region 20 Championships, captured an MDJUCO Championship, and earned an East District Championship.
Colin Sappenfield also returns after playing an important role in recruiting and day-to-day operations.
Adding further experience is ACM legend
John Turner, whose connection to Trojan basketball spans decades.
Together, the staff provides a strong support system as the program continues its pursuit of championships.
Games to Watch in 2026-27
Caldwell Classic | Oct. 30-Nov. 1
The Trojans begin the season facing three challenging opponents at the Caldwell Classic in Hudson, North Carolina.
Oct. 30 | Gaston College
ACM opens the season against a strong Gaston program in the first game of the event.
Oct. 31 | Daytona State
The Trojans face one of the premier junior college programs in the country. Daytona State enters the season receiving votes in the national poll and will provide an early measuring stick.
Nov. 1 | Caldwell Tech
The tournament concludes against the host Cobras, giving ACM three quality games in three days to open the year.
Home Opener at Bob Kirk Arena | Nov. 6
ACM returns home to host
Niagara County Community College in the Diehl's Ford Sales Classic.
The following evening, the Trojans face
Garrett College in another important nonconference matchup.
Region 20 Play Begins | Dec. 2
The Trojans open conference competition on the road against
Montgomery College before entering the heart of the MD JUCO schedule.
Alumni Day | Jan. 9
One of the most anticipated home dates of the season features
Hagerstown Community College and the annual ACM Alumni Game.
Whiteout Game | Feb. 15
Bob Kirk Arena is expected to be rocking when ACM hosts
Potomac State College for its annual Whiteout Game.
Sophomore Day | Feb. 20
The regular-season home finale against
Penn Highlands Community College will honor ACM's sophomore class.
Region 20 Tournament Comes Back to The Kirk
For the second consecutive season, the Region 20 Tournament returns to Cumberland.
March 6
- Men's Region 20 Division I Semifinals
March 7
- Men's Region 20 Division I Championship Game
The opportunity to compete for a championship on its home floor is one the Trojans hope to earn.
Advancing to the Next Level
The ACM basketball tradition continues to be defined by player development.
Players from last year's team have moved on to programs including:
NCAA Division II
NCAA Division III
USCAA Division I
The Trojans also continue to have former players competing professionally around the world, reinforcing ACM's long-standing reputation for player development.
Follow the Trojans
Fans can watch all ACM men's basketball games throughout the season on
Hudl TV and follow select broadcasts on
WCBC Radio 1270 AM and 103.1 FM.
Follow ACM Athletics:
- X: @acmtrojans
- Instagram: @acmtrojans
- Facebook: Allegany College of Maryland Athletics
For schedules, rosters, statistics, news, and complete season coverage, visit
ACMTrojans.com.
With a roster built on leadership, size, versatility, and toughness, the Trojans enter the 2026-27 season focused on the present, committed to their identity, and ready to compete one possession at a time.
Discipline | Toughness | Integrity | Passion | Culture
#ProtectTheKirk | #CultureWins | #ToughnessOverTalent
