The End of the Season

Last night was the final home game of the regular season. I always get a little teary saying goodbye to our seniors. Last night was no different. We will miss Ramon Clemente. Not just his shining personality, but his hustle, his passion, his determination. And I really felt for Mantas. His college basketball career just didn't take the road he probably hoped or imagined. His knee injuries kept him out of most of the seasons, including last nights final game.

Who would've thought that a team at 6-11, 0-6 in the valley would end up 13-3 at home. The second best at home record since the 2005 14-2 record of our Sweet Sixteen team. I surely didn't. Things were looking scary and volatile at 0-6.

But, it was truly amazing to watch these players grow both individually and as a team. To go from one or two players carrying the team to at least five players in double figures. Team effort. To watch Durley become more aggressive and take on those double teams, kicking out the ball to his open teammates. To watch Chamberlain stop hesitating before his shots and just let them fly. To watch Hatch turn on his defensive pressure. To watch A.J. drive to the basket for a pull-up jumper.

It has been fun. Stressful? Sure. But great fun. Now, going on the road to Southern Illinois on Saturday I would love to see the Shox break that losing road streak. Murry tends to disappear on the road, but last night at home he seemed a little lost, so I'm hoping that means he will break out of his road shell and come alive in Carbondale.

Then it's on to the MVC tournament in St. Louis. Cinderella team of the tournament? Probably not, but I'll be satisfied with a win in the tourney. They deserve a win. And, as we close this season on a high note it will set the stage for next year. The MVC as a whole will be different. This year there were a lot of young, inexperienced teams. Next year, those young men will be all grown up, including the Shockers.

So, thanks guys. Here's looking forward to Saturday, the tournament, and next season. Go Shox!