On Saturday, Feb. 23, SLCC played its last regular season game (Sophomore Night), and launched into regional tournament play. The Bruins did not waste any time getting down to business, as they took a strong hold on the game early, beating Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC). 101-66.
Prior to the Bruin’s complete destruction of Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC), they were involved in a unique situation dealing with one of their own.
All the way from the St. Lucia Islands, SLCC’s 6’11’ freshman forward John Paul made his way from the bench to front and center and serenaded the gymnasium as he gracefully sang the national anthem.
“He actually did a really good job – I enjoyed it,” says local fan Lauren Ahnyay.
On this special night, sophomore shooting guard Jaden Jackson excelled as he went an astonishing 8 for 9 from behind the arch and dished out five assists, while scoring a career high of 33 points.
“Honestly I’m just really happy and it was a good way to finish the regular season going into next week,” said Jackson.
With 14 minutes left in the first half, guard De’Sean Parsons got out on a fast break where CNCC guard Leonard Hurst (10) tried to meet him at the rim. Parsons then took off, thrusting himself high in the air throwing down an emphatic dunk that elicited cheers from the crowd.
“Only thing that was going through my head was, ‘I better make this dunk,’” said an enthusiastic De’Sean Parsons.
Parsons finished with nine points and turned in three rebounds.
Minutes after the monstrous dunk from Parsons, shooting guard Jackson fired another long-range three pointer sparking a time out from CNCC head coach.
The Spartans were simply getting abused by the Bruins and tried everything in their power to stay afloat, however it didn’t slow SLCC down as they ended the first half up 52-31.
At the second half, the Bruins went to their skilled center Neal Monson, and the Spartans had no answer for him.
Monson finished with three blocks and put down 15 points while snatching seven rebounds.
With five minutes left in the game, guard Gary Payton II took his man off the dribble baseline for an easy two handed tomahawk dunk, showing off his elite jumping abilities.
Payton finished with yet another double-double, scoring 13 points and snatching an amazing 11 rebounds.
Next, the Bruins take part in the regional tournament, after which they enter the National Tournament in Kansas. If they succeed, this would be the second win at Nationals for the Bruins, the first title being won in 2009.
“It’s a long road, but I’m real confident in our team. We have a good group so we can take it one game at a time and will see what happens, but I like our chances,” says Jackson.
“It’s win or go home now,” says Parsons.
