Historic Runs Ends at National Tournament

Hutchinson, KS. - MMI's historic season officially came to an end at the hands of McLennan Community College (#9 ranked team in the latest NJCAA poll) in the first round of the NJCAA National Tournament. Marion couldn't overcome an eight point deficit at halftime, losing 78-70 to the Highlanders from Waco, Texas.

First Team All-Region XXII player, Christian Bradford, led all scorers with 30 points for the Tigers.  Ronnie Baylark, Marion's other First Team All-Region selection, finished with 12 points and five assists while freshman Charles Tripp added 11 points and a team high eight rebounds.

Also scoring for MMI were: Neiman Dunams (8), Dotson Griffin (4), Chase Garvin (3), and Quamauri Hardy (2).  Hardy also dished out five assists.

After being picked 10th in the preseason ACCC Coaches' Poll, the Tigers finished the regular season as the #2 seed in the North Division.  They defeated Faulkner State CC in the quarterfinals of the ACCC Tournament and then followed with two more wins against Chattahoochee Valley State CC and Shelton State CC to claim their first ACCC Championship.  Advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament for the first time in 60 years, Marion finished with an impressive 24-7 record.  The 24 wins breaks the single season record for most wins in a season.

MMI's head coach, Philip Stitt, was also recognized with multiple Coach of the Year Awards - ACCC/Region XXII Coach of the Year, Birmingham Tip-off Club Coach of the Year, and the NJCAA District 12 Coach of the Year.

Congratulations to Coach Stitt, Coach Cole, and the entire men's basketball team on a great season!