Marcus Montagnino & Elijah Kinney - The Stars Behind Endicott's Historic Run

Marcus Montagnino and Elijah Kinney have been at the center of one of the most special seasons in Endicott College history. The Gulls sit at 28–1, fueled by the growth of a roster that has taken a major leap from last season to now becoming a legitimate national contender. Montagnino and Kinney have formed one of the most dynamic duos in Division III basketball, both earning All-Conference honors in the Conference of New England while consistently leading Endicott in big moments.

Montagnino’s story is one of the most unique in college basketball. A former walk-on at Xavier University who later played club basketball, he eventually found his opportunity at Endicott and quickly turned it into a historic career. In his first season with the Gulls, he averaged 22.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, becoming the first NABC All-American in program history and the conference’s Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Kinney—who developed at the highly respected Brimmer and May School prep program—has blossomed into a dominant two-way forward whose scoring and rebounding have elevated Endicott’s ceiling even further.

Now, the Gulls’ remarkable season has them deep in March with their sights set on a national title. With a 28–1 record and the momentum of one of the best teams in program history, Montagnino and Kinney are leading Endicott into a massive Sweet 16 matchup against Illinois Wesleyan University on Friday. With both players playing the best basketball of their careers, the stage is set for a huge showdown as the Gulls chase a trip to the Elite 8.

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