The Dallas College Richland Campus men’s basketball team had a promising end to their season on March 14.
The team headed to Herkimer, New York, after securing the regular season title to compete in the NJCAA Division III Tournament, where they defeated the No. 1, No. 3, and No. 8 teams in the nation before being defeated in the national semifinals.
“Every year in junior college, there’s so much turnover that you don’t really know what to expect,’ said Richland Men’s Head Coach Jon Havens in an interview with Student Media.
The Thunderducks advanced to the semifinals following their victory over Dutchess Community College, which was the top seed in the national tournament.
Head Coach Jon Havens described the feeling of renewed confidence following the team’s notable win and their advancement in the tournament.
“Going into that next game, you’re excited,” Havens said, “and maybe a little more optimistic about what you can do and what the end goal could be.”
Ultimately, however, the Thunderducks lost 72-59 in their semifinal round against the tournament hosts, Herkimer College.
The team ended their season with a win over Minnesota State Community & Technical College in their consolation third-place matchup, bringing the Thunderducks back to
Richland with the bronze medal.
Despite their loss, however, the Richland men’s basketball team had a decorated season. Sophomore guard Barack Holland was named the Most Valuable Player of the Dallas Athletic Conference and joined sophomore guard Cjay Ingram as a selection on All-DAC’s first team. Sophomore forward Mannie Odo was selected for the second team and Havens was named co-coach of the year.
Havens expressed his satisfaction with the Thunderducks’ season.
“We’ve had five tournament trips in 11 years,” said Havens. “But this was a team that defied all odds. Nobody really thought we’d make a run, but they just kept fighting. We did things people didn’t think we could.”
The Thunderducks will enter the off-season and begin scrimmages on October 11.
