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Port Huron, MI. -- Sweet, doesn't begin to describe GRCC Men's Basketball's season. However, that is where the Raiders are headed. First year coach, Luke Bronkema has led the Raiders to the NJCAA Sweet 16 after winning the NCAA Region XII District 9 Championship on Saturday (3/11) afternoon, defeating Ancilla College 81-70.
 
The Raiders reached the NJCAA National Tournament by defeating two teams that defeated the Raiders twice in the regular season (Mid-Michigan, Ancilla) and the #1 seed, Muskegon Jayhawks.

The Raiders were led by District E Tournament MVP, Jeffrey Drake-Todd, who finished the Championship game with 24 points. Many other Raiders contributed in the Championship game, especially on the defensive end. Center, Maxwell Prendergast played a huge role on the defensive end, recording 7 of the Raiders 10 blocks. Point Guard, Arthur Pearson, carried the offensive load while Drake-Todd was out with foul trouble, staying aggressive all game. Pearson finished with a double-double, scoring 18 points and an amazing 15 rebounds. Bryce Elliot stepped up big as well, added 12 points off the bench. Drake-Todd was joined on the All-Tournament Team with fellow teammates, Prendergast and Pearson. First year head coach, Luke Bronkema, was named Region XII, District 9 Coach of the Year.

All-All-Tournament Team

Dayrl Kirkland II, Muskegon CC
Gary Bonds, Ancilla College
Dylan Phair, Ancilla College
Arthur Pearson,, Grand Rapids CC
Maxwell Prendergast, Grand Rapids CC
MVP: Jeffery Drake-Tood, Grand Rapid CCoach of 
Coach of the Year: Luke Bronkema, Grand Rapids CC

GRCC shot 36 percent from the field while Ancilla shot just 30.6 percent from the field. GRCC outrebounded Ancilla 48-39.
 
"We stayed disciplined," said head coach Luke Bronkema. "Every single player had great energy, including our bench players. All the way around we had great energy and we stuck to the defensive game plan 100 percent all game."
 
GRCC has advanced to the NJCAA DII National Tournament in Danville, Illinois, being held March 21-25. Click here for more information on the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.

For photos of the teams celebration after the game, click here.