Rosemary Chesney, asst. sports editor
Berry men’s and women’s basketball teams both competed in semifinal tournaments last weekend. The women’s team lost in the semifinal game at Rhodes College, and the men’s team won the SAA conference championship game at home.
With a record of 20-2, the men’s team finished as the first seed in their division. Birmingham Southern- University, Henderson State University and Oglethorpe University all competed in the conference tournament. The Vikings beat Birmingham Southern-University on Saturday with a score of 77-58. The team then won the championship game the next day against Oglethorpe University with a score of 63-62.
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Trevor Lydic said that one of the team’s core values this season is connecting with one another.
“I think the team is really connected with each other, and being connected and balanced helped us win games,” Lydic said. “I love being a part of a team where everyone plays a role, whether you’re the 15th guy or a starter. I am very pleased with how they handled business.”
The men’s team beat Millsaps College in the quarterfinals leading up to the conference tournament. Lydic said their mindset was just to focus on one game at a time. Fifth-year senior Austin Brooks said he was very grateful to play in the tournament.
“We appreciate everyone who [came] out,” Brooks said. “Fans help determine the atmosphere and push the team through if it is a close game.”
According to Lydic, the semifinal game against Birmingham Southern- University on Feb. 26 was a close five-six point game until the end, when Berry pulled ahead to win 77-58. In the championship game on Sunday, Berry was losing at half-time 5-6 points behind Oglethorpe University. Berry came back in the second half, however, winning the game 63-62.
Lydic said the men’s team mindset is to focus on one game at a time.
“Sometimes the semifinals are tough because your season could come to an end so there’s a little more pressure, but our guys played with poise and were ready to go,” Lydic said. “As soon as that horn went off we were excited because the other team missed a buzzer shot, and we won by one point.”
The men’s team is advancing to the nationals tournament with 63 other NCAA DIII teams. They play Wabash College at Emory University this Friday, March 4, at 4:40 p.m. Sophomore Chase Ellis earned the title of tournament MVP for his contribution last weekend at the conference tournament. Ellis and senior Michael Johnson both made the all tournament team for Division III basketball.
“It was very nice to have both of those guys recognized for their hard work,” Lydic said.
The women’s team finished the season second in their division with an overall record of 17-9. The team traveled to Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., for the conference tournament. They played Oglethorpe University in the semifinals and lost 63-55. Rhodes won the conference championship.
According to Women’s Basketball Head Coach Thomas Johnson, he is proud of what the team accomplished this season and looks forward to the future.
“I’m proud of the team chemistry,” Johnson said. “It’s a great group of kids who work well and like each other. It was a really good year with such a young team. I am excited about what the future holds, and I’m thankful to the seniors for making this such a fun season.”