Champions at last
The Bobcats held off Lander University on Wednesday to finish the season in first place in the Peach Belt Conference, with a conference record of 16-4. The team claimed a share of the PBC regular season title, it’s fourth in school history and the first since 2000.
The strong finish has given the team confidence going into the tournament.
“I think now that the season is over there is no reason that we cannot go into the tournament with full confidence,” Men’s Head Basketball Coach Terry Sellers said. “We have beaten every team in our conference. The top six teams in the conference all have a legitimate chance of winning the tournament and obviously we are one of those teams.”
The team has not only a solid starting squad but also a lot of depth, which according to Sellers could help them grab the title.
“We have worked hard and we just need to maintain our adrenaline and hunger to succeed,” Sellers said. “We have a balanced team and depth is a key factor in a situation where you have to play three games in a row. Players stepping up in big games is what separates champions.”
Other key factors in deciding the team’s fate in the tournament are staying strong on defense, and being patient on offense.
“Every time we get knocked down it just makes us more hungry,” said guard Ronnie Dennis. “Our defense and our rebounding is key. When we are stealing the ball and playing solid defense that is when we play our best.”
Three of the team’s starting five have been honored the Peach Belt Conference’s player of the week. Guard Bryan Harrisson, Forward Jeremy Mayweather and Center Aaron Clark have been player of the week this season.
Furthermore, the team is stacked on the bench with strong players such as guards senior Andre Smith and junior Shejdie Childs.
“When I come off the bench I just try to come in and turn the intensity up,” Childs said. “I push the basketball and try to change the pace of the game.”
This year’s tournament is also some of the players’ last chance at glory. Six of the players on the team are seniors, including guard Bryan Harrisson, who believes that this year’s team has a great shot.
“I want it even more this year because we got the players and are good enough to do it,” Harrisson said. “If everybody believes and plays the way we are supposed to, then there isn’t anybody that we can’t beat.”
The Bobcats will receive a first round bye in the tournament, and will play their first game on Friday, March 3.
If the team wins the Peach Belt Conference then they will receive automatic bid to the NCAA Division II national tournament. If they don’t, then there is still hope for an at-large bid.
“Right now we are on the bubble,” Sellers said. “We need to get all the wins we can. Unless we win the Peach Belt Conference tournament, then there is no guarantee that we will make the national tournament.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 24 2006. Filed under Sports.
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