Posted: Mar 06, 2017
Raiders Rack Up Region IX Title
Logan Fleming hit the game-winning shot with 1.9 seconds remaining as Central Community College defeated Southeast Community College, 87-84, to win the 2017 Region IX championship.
"Logan wanted to run a particular play, we went with it and he hit the shot," said CCC head coach Jerry Drymon. "We were fortunate to have the ball on the last possession and were able to convert.
Like so many other games this season, this game was a game of big runs. Each time the Raiders went on a big run to take a double-digit lead, the Storm responded with a run of their own to make it close.
"This group has always responded when challenged and today was no different," said Drymon. Today was about the players accomplishing their dreams. As I told them, they have a label that every player wants and it called 'a champion.'"
The Raiders shot 61 percent from the floor (36-59) and 56 percent from three-point range (10-18). CCC tallied 27 assists, while Marco Fabietti went 6-6 from the three-point arc. Fabietti and Fleming scored 20 points apiece to lead the Raiders, while Ruben Fuamba logged a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Jerome Dixon chipped in 16 points.
Five SECC players scored in double figures with Jalen Wilkins-McCoy leading the charge with 19 points. Bobby Parker added 16 points, while Taylor Britt and Kade Marra each scored 13 points.
Up next, CCC will host Dakota County Technical College for the District VII championship on Saturday. The Blue Knights are 13-14 on the season following an 86-81 win over United Tribes Technical College in the Region XIII championship game on Sunday.
This will be the second meeting this season between CCC and DCTC as the teams met in the opening round of the Pinnacle Classic at Raider Fieldhouse on Nov. 18. The Raiders won that contest, 97-82, with Ruben Fuamba leading the way with a double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds.
"We have another big task in the District VII final game," said Drymon. "We will need the same focus and effort to be able to succeed in that game."
Tip-off for Saturday's championship game is set for 4 p.m. at Raider Fieldhouse.