Battle Creek, Mich. – The Raiders traveled to Kellogg Community College Monday evening with their second chance at clinching their first conference title since 2003-2004. They not only won the title, after a convincing 90-78 victory, but they won it out right, a feat they haven't achieved since David Selmon's Raiders in 2001. With the victory, the Raiders improve to 22-6 (14-3) while the Bruins fall to 11-15 (6-11). Each team has just one more game left in conference play.
The Raiders jumped out to a 7-0 lead against the Bruins and never looked back, leading wire to wire and for the entire second half by double digits. Sammie Ryans (Kentwood, MI) scored 18 of his game 25 points in the first half on 6 of 7 shooting. For the game he was 7 of 10 from the field, 4 of 6 from three point range and 7 of 7 from the free throw line. Point guard David Hearns (Hazel Park, MI) had 20 points including 10 from the free throw line and added a team high 4 assists. Ike Kanu (Grand Rapids, MI) was 7 of 9 from the field totaling 17 points and 9 rebounds.
Luke Bronkema has had quite the success in his two plus seasons at GRCC. In his first two years, although not winning the conference title, his teams won District Titles thus participating in the NJCAA National Tournament. In his first year, the Raiders finished in 6th place in Nationals and last season they finished in 8th place. Monday's win vs. Kellogg makes him a perfect 6-0 against the Bruins and by an average of nearly 20 points a game.
This season, the Raiders not only earned a #1 seed in Districts, but they also earned a bye, meaning their first game will be a Semi-Final game against the #4/#5 seed winner. That game will be played Friday, March 8th at 7:30 PM at GRCC. By winning the conference title, they also will try to become the MCCAA Champions on Saturday, March 2nd as they will play at the Eastern Conference winner at 3:00 PM. That site is still to be determined as Mott CC, St. Clair County CC and Henry Ford CC all have a shot at the title.
In the conference season finale, the Raiders will host Kalamazoo Valley CC Wednesday night, a team they beat 66-56 in their first meeting with Ryans leading all scorers with 19 and Hearns chipping in with 16. The Cougars will come into the game with a record of 10-19 and 7-10 in the conference. It will also be sophomore night where we will honor the careers of Robinson, Ryans, Kanu and Otole. Tip-off is 7:30 PM at the Hunsberger Arena.
For complete coverage of the District Championships including schedules, stats and live broadcast information, click here.
