Shoreline Community College’s Men’s Basketball Team Finishes 3rd in NWAACC Crossover

2010 Shoreline Basketball,  Photo by Wilson Tsoi.

The SCC Men’s Basketball Team finished third in the NWAACC Crossover Tournament held in the SCC Gym, December 17-19. The Dolphins opened the tournament with a 80-77 victory over Southwestern Oregon Community College. Then the Highline Community College Thunderbirds ended SCC’s hopes of winning the tournament with a tough fought 73-71 heartbreaking defeat for the Dolphins. SCC then bounced back on Sunday with another battle, as SCC defeated NWAACC Northern Region rival, Skagit Valley College, 78-77, as SVC hit the final shot of the game, but it was a two pointer and not three for the tie.

Highline won the event with a 64-52 victory over Pierce College. In the first game of the final day, Big Bend Community College defeated Southwestern Oregon CC, 110-83, to take fourth place. Linn-Benton CC from Oregon, and Yakima Valley Community College were also in the eight team tournament.

In the opener for SCC, Southwestern Oregon bounced to an early lead, but Shoreline got control of the game at the end of the first half, to lead 45-38 at the break. Southwest Oregon stayed in the game, but SCC hit their free throws at the end of the game, to come away with the three point victory. Alfie Miller and Sean Jones scored 16 points each for Shoreline, while Joe Bodman added 14, Zachery Kelsh had 11 points and 14 rebounds while Carlos Rhodes scored 10 points as Shoreline managed a balanced attack for the game.

Sean Jones. Photo by Wilson Tsoi.

In the one of the best games of the tournament, Highline and SCC battled back and forth in a game that saw the scored be tied 12 times and 10 lead changes. SCC had the biggest lead of the game, 46-38 in the early part of the second half, but could not hold it against the tough Thunderbird team. HCC hit a layup on a tough drive through traffic with 2 seconds left to seal the game. Zach Kelsh led SCC with 22 points, followed by Sean Jones with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Blayne Clanton with 13 and Joe Bodman with 11.

In another see-saw affair, Shoreline battled fellow Northern Region foe, Skagit Valley College. In this game, there was 19 lead changes, and 13 ties as Skagit held a one point lead at half, 40 to 39. Again, SCC started off the second half strong and lead 53-45, but SVC came back within three and had the final shot of the game, which was made, but the SVC player was just inside the three point arch and shot only counted for two points, and giving SCC the victory. Alfie Miller scored 21 points and Sean Jones added 16 with 7 boards. Zachery Kelsh added 14 as well.

Sean Jones was named All-Tournament for his consistent efforts in all three games.

SCC is now 7-3 overall and has completed its pre-region schedule. The Dolphins have played in three tournaments and finished 2-1 in each one. One third place finish and two consolation championships. SCC returns to action on January 5, 2011 at Bellevue College in the opening NWAACC Northern Region game of the year.

Douglas W. Palmer, SCC Director of Athletics and Recreation/Wellness