Hoop teams near season’s end with playoff hopes
Time is running out in the ’07 season for the MCC men’s and women’s basketball teams, but both teams hope to make postseason runs.
The Mesa women’s team has all but secured the top spot in the ACCAC Division II standings with an impressive 10-6 division record. As of Feb. 14, the Lady T-birds were two full games ahead of both Chandler-Gilbert and South Mountain, both of whom held records of 8-8.
The Thunderbirds had a good chance to increase their division lead on Feb. 7, when they hosted Chandler-Gilbert at home. For much of the game the T-birds remained close, but on this night the Gauchos were too much and they left the Theo Heap Gymnasium with a 72-60 victory.
Still, the Thunderbirds will likely lock home homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.
Danielle Reihner continues to be the team’s offensive leader scoring an impressive 14.5 points per game. She is also the team’s leading rebounder at 6.75 per game.
Charlieann Chacon has also been key averaging over 3 steals per game to anchor the Thunderbird defense.
While the women have their playoff spot solidified, the men’s team has to win key games down the stretch to put themselves into the postseason.
The team has been playing extremely well of late, including a run of three consecutive victories.
The T-birds destroyed Chandler-Gilbert on Feb. 7, 97-64, in their best all-around performance of the season. They followed that victory with another win, edging out a tough Yavapai squad, 86-80.That win pushed the team’s record to 8-8 in the ACCAC and 11-11 overall.
Adam McCoy and Gabe Freeman have combined for a powerful 1-2 punch all season. Both players are averaging 22.7 ppg.
Key games against South Mountain and Arizona Western will determine the T-birds postseason future.
Volume
44, Issue 10. Today is
David Burgess/Mesa Legend
The MCC women’s basketball team performs their pre-game ritual before their game against Chandler-Gilbert on Feb. 7.