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Danville, IL. – It was quite the season, actually, it was one of the best seasons in the history of the GRCC Men's Basketball program. The Raiders finished in 6^th place overall at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament last week (March 21-25), which was the best finish since former head coach David Selmon's team finished as the National Runner-Up in 1995.

The season began with very few expectations. After all, the Raiders were coming off a 9-17 (2-13 MCCAA) campaign in 2015-2016. The 2016-2017 edition of the Men's Basketball team had many new faces, including first year head coach, Luke Bronkema, who came to GRCC from Muskegon Community College, where he was an assistant under long time head coach Dave Schlump. Coach Bronkema set to work building a competitive roster, unbeknownst to Bronkema, he was assembling a cast of student-athletes that would carry GRCC to its second best National finish in program history.

It was clear when the regular season began that the Raiders could hang with any team in the country. Throughout the season, GRCC faced 16 ranked opponents, including #2 Essex County, #3 Louisburg, #6 South Suburban, #7 Parkland, #9 Schoolcraft, #10 Mott (twice), #12 Lansing (twice), #13 Macomb, #16 Ancilla (three times) and #17 Muskegon (three times). GRCC would finish the regular season 17-12 (11-7 MCCAA-West), good enough for 4^th place in the MCCAA Western Conference, and home court advantage in the NJCAA District 9 Quarterfinal.

To advance to the District Semifinals in Port Huron, Michigan, GRCC would have to beat Mid-Michigan Community College, a team that had GRCC's number, defeating the Raiders in their previous two contests. This time was different, GRCC executed their defensive game plan to a tee, prevailing over Mid-Michigan 81-76. In the Semifinal, the Raiders would play their neighbors from the north, #1 seed Muskegon Community College.  GRCC would score 52 second half points and a game high 31 points from Sophomore Jeffrey Drake-Todd proved to be enough to down the #1 seed 78-74, and advance to the District Finals, with a berth in the National Tournament on the line. Standing in their way was #3 seed, Ancilla College, a team that beat GRCC both times they played in the regular season. This time was different, the Raiders held Ancilla's potent offense in-check to secure the 81-70 victory, and a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament. GRCC's first since 2012-2013.

The Raiders opponent in the Sweet 16 was Essex County (NJ). The Wolverines finished the regular season 29-1 and ranked #2 in the country. To the casual fan, this was a true David vs. Goliath matchup. However, GRCC knew what they were capable of and felt their tough regular season schedule had prepared them for this moment. GRCC's guards, Arthur Pearson, Jeffrey Drake-Todd and Zachary Pangborn combined for 62 of GRCC's 74 points and 13 three pointers. Their efforts, combined with great team defense led the Raiders to victory over Essex County 74-72, and a berth in the Elite 8 versus Louisburg (27-3). GRCC fought valiantly against a deep and talented Louisburg team, Drake-Todd, who was battling flu like symptoms scored a team high 20 points, but lacked the energy to play his usual minutes. GRCC would eventually fall to the Hurricanes 81-73, ending their shot at the National Championship.

After the loss, GRCC found itself in the consolation bracket, playing for a spot in the 5^th/6^th place game. Their opponent, the Niagara County Thunderwolves (25-7). GRCC would once again rely on their guards to lead the charge, Pearson (19), Drake-Todd (20), Pangborn (13) and Darron Ewing Jr.. (15) combined for 67 of the teams 84 points. GRCC would go on to beat Niagara County 84-78. In their fourth game in as many days, GRCC faced Parkland College (IL) in the 5^th/6^th place game. GRCC overcame a slow start in which they were down as many as 11, to go into halftime only down five, 33-28. In the second half, GRCC continued their strong play, cutting into the Cobra's lead and eventually taking it 59-57 with 7:48 remaining on an Arthur Person three-point basket. From that point, fatigue set in, GRCC's small rotation began to catch up with the team. Pearson had played every second of the tournament, 160 minutes over the four games. GRCC started to miss lay-ups and free-throws due to their tired legs. Parkland surged, using it's 12 man rotation to go on an 11-0 run over the next five minutes, pulling away from GRCC. The final score, Parkland 81, GRCC 70.

For the Grand Rapids Community College Raiders, the season is over. A season that began with so many questions, has ended with answers that may not have been taken serious if given back in November. The sophomores, Jeffrey Drake-Todd, Arthur Pearson, Maxwell Prendergast and A.J. Whittaker have answered every bell, and in doing so, proved to the Nation that GRCC is back.