The Chaps pose for a team picture after being defeated by the Salt Lake Community College Bruins.

Chaps fall short in championship game

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Posted: 4/17/09

By B. Francino and Tatum Guinn
Staff Reporters

"I've never been more proud of a team that I've ever coached," said Midland College head basketball coach, Grant McCasland.

The Chaps advanced to the championship game of the national tournament and played last year's second-place team, Salt Lake (Utah) Community College (SLCC).

It took an unbelievable comeback to deny the Chaps its third NJCAA national championship, according to Oscar LeRoy, sports writer for the Midland Reporter-Telegram.

In the finals on March 21, the Chaparrals held a 34-25 lead at the break while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free throw line. SLCC recorded 44 percent and 67 percent respectively in the same statistical categories, according to Forrest Allen, MC athletic director.

MC guards Adrian Van Buren (6'1") and Garrett Lever (6'0") combined for a remarkable defensive effort on the Bruin's leading scorer 6'7" DJ Wright. Wright averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds during the regular season, however, in the national tournament his averages increased to 21 points and 11 rebounds including a 34-point and 14 rebound outburst in the semis, Allen said.

At the start of the second half, MC seemed to seize control, scoring on two three-pointers by Greg Hill. However, the Chaps steady shooting went cool for a lengthy period. That spell allowed the Bruins to switch the momentum of the game and gain in confidence. SLCC outscored MC 42-26 over the second half due to the Chaps 27 percent shooting and a free throw percentage of 20 percent over the final 20 minutes, according to Allen.

No. 13 SLCC came back from the deficit with about 11 minutes to play to stun the Chaparrals and their fans with a 67-60 win on Saturday, March 21.

"They really were a more aggressive team. I didn't keep our team as aggressive as I should have," McCasland said.

MC President Steve Thomas said, "I thought we were going to win, but those last 10 minutes were really tough, and we couldn't pull it out."

MC basketball team member Kavon Lynch said, "We did great, but we could have done better, at least we made it this far."

The loss not only evoked emotion from the players, but it carried over to the sidelines. "Even though they didn't win, I'll always remember how much fun it was cheering for our team. We deserved to win, but it just didn't happen, and I will always remember the group of girls I cheered with at the tournament and never forget how far we have come," said Deja Chrisman, MC cheerleading captain.

"I will always remember everything about the tournament, the competition, hotel, coaches, team and everything," Lynch said.

"I will always remember playing with my teammates," Kelleher said.

"The best experience of the tournament was being in the locker room, talking to the guys after our loss," McCasland said.

"We went into the locker room talking about each player. It was sad, but I was very impressed with how close the team got," McCasland said.

Thomas echoed the coach's sentiments. "The team record was 33-4. They need to keep their heads up," Thomas said. "Just being at the tournament was great. This was one of the best basketball teams this school has had."

MC sophomore, Brad Kelleher, said the best part of the tournament was "actually making it to nationals and realizing we're one of the best teams in the country."

The Chaps had the first day of the tournament off but then played one game each day for the next four days.

They went out the first round defeating Allegany College 67-50. The Chaps then advanced to the quarterfinals round of the tournament to play South-Georgia Technical College. The Chaps' defense helped give them a 95-73 victory over the Bulldogs.

"My favorite part about this basketball team is their killer defense. It comes down to one-on-one play and it's very impressive," Thomas said.

The Chaps then advanced to the semifinal round of the tournament and defeated Connors State College 75-56. This victory put the Chaps in the final game of the tournament to play Salt Lake City Community College, last year's runner-up team at nationals.

In the championship game, Greg Hill led the team with 25 points, while Lytch had 18 points. Lytch and Hill made the All-Tournament team, and Kelleher was awarded the Sesher Sportsmanship Award.

"My favorite part about this year's team was that they all sacrificed to have success. This is the most selfless team I have ever coached," McCasland said.