Box Score Box Score

Plymouth, IN-- For the second time in 3 years, the Raiders are headed to the NJCAA Basketball II National Tournament. GRCC defeated Jackson Community College on Saturday by a score of 74-70 to capture the Region 8 Championship. The Raiders were the second seed in the MCCAA's Western Conference heading into the tournament, and had an 18-9 record during regular season play.

Both teams fought an intense battle through the first half, with neither team gaining more than a 4 point lead during the first 13 minutes of play. Down by a score of 19-23, the Raiders went on an 18-6 run to close out the first half of play.

With an 8 point lead to start the second half, Alex Lyle lead his Raider squad onto the court with one thing in mind; WIN!

The game remained close through the rest of the game. At one point the Raiders had built up to a 10 point lead, but the Jets were determined to stay in the game. Jackson got within a point and added a three to regain their lead. The lead, however, was short lived.

The Raiders almost immediately got back on top. With a score of 60-58, both teams continued to fight hard, and the competition really was anyone's game until the final seconds when Jimmy Carroll, Jr. was fouled. Already up by 2 points, Jimmy hit both free throws to seal the victory.

Leading the Raiders were Alex Lyle with a game high 26 points, followed by teammates Micah Gates with 13 points and Arik Hesselink with 8. Hesselink also had 5 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals.

The Jets were lead by a trio of high scoring players, with forwards Mario Guliey and James Johnson scoring 21 and 15 points respectively. Sophomore Jordan Union added another 15 points.

"Our guys got off to a hot start got 8 points ahead. Jackson changed their play and took the lead in the second half. I was proud of our guys; they never panicked or got discouraged. They battled and clawed and fought" said coach Carnegie. "It was remarkable. We're happy and proud. Our guys were clutch on free throws and made clutch stops down the stretch. The kids did everything we set out to do."

"We're going to enjoy today. We'll figure out what we've got to do tomorrow. It's nice to have a bit of time to rest and heal" added Carnegie. "3 games in 5 days is tough on the body."

Alex Lyle was named the District 8 Tournament MVP and GRCC's Jared Mysliwiec and Arik Hesselink were both named to the All-Tournament team. The Raiders head home to prepare for the national tournament that will be held in Danville, IL. The tournament begins March 20th, and will continue through the 24th. GRCC's opponent and game time is yet to be determined.