The Blinn College men's basketball team made its first appearance in the NJCAA poll in more than a decade this week after winning 10 of their first 12 games to open the season.

The No. 25 ranking marks Blinn's first appearance in the polls since January 2004.

The Buccaneers are off to a 10-2 start to the season, with losses to No. 2-ranked Trinity Valley Community College and Panola College. The Buccaneers are averaging 106.7 points per game in the first 12 contests of the year.

"I think when a team has the opportunity to get ranked, then it is something that they can reflect on for the rest of their lives," Blinn coach Scott Schumacher said. "Our opponents will know they are playing a ranked opponent so their level of play is going to rise."

The Buccaneers will have the upcoming weeks to prove that they are worthy of the recognition.

"This shows just how hard we have been working," said starting guard Morris Dunnigan. "There might be a little bit more pressure, but our team can handle it."

Dunnigan leads Blinn in scoring with 23.3 points per game, while sophomore transfer Corey Henderson is close behind with 21.6 points per game.

"We have to continue to go hard in practice and push each other," Henderson said. "We have a deep team, so I feel like anyone can go out on the court and contribute."

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 32 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.

About Blinn College

With an enrollment of 19,422 students, Blinn ranks among the nation's leaders in transferring students to leading four-year universities and has received national recognition for affordable educational excellence. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.