Montgomery County Community College Mustangs men’s basketball team won its first-ever Region XIX title after defeating Middlesex Community College 81 to 61 on Feb. 29 and the Community College of Philadelphia 66 to 52 on March 1. The two wins capped a regular season for the history books.

Leading the charge on the court was Cameron Reid, the team’s star player, who earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Honors. Yet if you ask the 6 foot, 6 inch center about the award or any other accolade he’s received over his playing career, he’ll quickly brush it off.

“Individuals don’t win championships,” Cameron Reid said. “It’s a team effort. I feel like it’s everyone coming together and doing what they’ve got to do. We became like a family. We became brothers. We all just talked, figured things out and made it work.”

“I’m not really too hyped on awards for individuals. I feel like I played a huge part. I did what I had to do to get my team there,” said Reid. “Just trying to be a leader and lead my guys to a victory every game, that’s really what’s going through my head most of the time. Honestly I couldn’t do it without everybody: without the coaches, the staff, the trainers, athletic director Kelly Dunbar. Everyone played a part. I’m there for them. They’re there for me.”

The 21-year-old Spring City native said as the oldest member of the team, he tries to set an example. He knows the value of teamwork and tried to instill that mindset to the rest of the team, which led to a successful season. “Individuals don’t win championships,” he said. “It’s a team effort. I feel like it’s everyone coming together and doing what they’ve got to do. We became like a family. We became brothers. We all just talked, figured things out and made it work.”

When it comes to leadership, Reid, a liberal studies major, takes a cue from his father, Justin, and Mustangs Head Coach Nyere Miller, the two men in his life who inspire him. Reid admires their work ethic and they motivate him to achieve his best. “Both of them are hard on me because they want me to be successful,” he said. “That’s where I get the motivation from. I feel like they see something in me that I don’t see myself. They’re always there pushing me and motivating me.”

The respect works both ways for Miller. “Cam is a great player on and off the court,” he said. “He’s doing his best and working hard. He’s 6’6”, he can shoot from the perimeter, he’s athletic and he’s got good post moves. He’s going to be a great addition for the next school that gets him. Hopefully he can take what he’s learned here and progress and grow. I’m looking forward to seeing his next two years at his next place.”

Miller and his team have developed a strong bond over the last two years. That bond includes Reid especially. “I would do anything for these guys. I want to see them be successful,” Miller said. “I’ve seen Cam grow. It’s one of those things. It’s like a rollercoaster- the ups and downs. The good times, bad times. But to see the man he’s become, I’m so proud of him. I know he’s just getting started.”

Reid played his last two games in a Mustang uniform when the team traveled to Rochester, Minn., March 17-20 to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association championship tournament. The team lost to Nassau Community College from Long Island, NY in the opening round of the tournament by a score of 68-57, followed by an additional loss to the Caimans of Hostos Community College from New York. The final score was 75-72.

While the postseason didn’t end the way the team wanted, Reid has no regrets. “It’s been a heck of a season, a heck of a journey. Start to finish,” he said. “Not even speaking on this year but last year as well where we came from and changing the culture. It was really cool. It was good to experience this. Even though we lost, it comes with wins.”

That attitude speaks to how much Reid has grown over his career at Montco, said Miller. “One of the things I think he’s learned over the last two years is how to handle adversity and understanding not everything is going to be positive all the time,” he said. “But how you respond to it is key.”

Following his graduation from Montco, likely after another semester, Reid said he plans to continue studying at a four-year college. While he hasn’t chosen a career just yet, he has a passion for math and has thought about working as an actuarial scientist or accountant. In the meantime, while he makes up his mind, you’re likely to see him back on the court playing basketball.

“I think he has a very good head on his shoulders and will continue to mature,” said Miller. “The sky’s the limit for him.”