Photo Courtesy of Jim McCormack / Fullerton College Athletics
EYES ON THE PRIZE—Baron Noble starts a fast break after winning possession against Fullerton in the Southern California playoffs. The Hornets withstood a furious finish by Southwestern to win, 70-67.
By Julio Rodriguez
Sports is so much more than the games. There are hours together in the gym, traveling to and from games, and hanging out beyond the court. Strangers become family.
Win or lose, Southwestern’s men’s basketball team is family.
“The guys bought into the culture,” said coach Tyrone Shelly. “Having good people that want to win and learn is huge.”
It was a culture forged over 36 games that stood strong during the playoff tournament. A round two match at Fullerton College was the final test.
The team arrived on campus at 1 a.m. after defeating Santa Monica College. On the ride down players celebrated and coaches huddled.
They were back in the gym at 2 p.m. and the atmosphere was tense. A physical two-hour practice preceded a meticulous film session.
Fullerton awaited.
Before warmups Shelley reviewed details, then fell quiet.
“Let’s be legendary.”
The Hornets’ Nest and its hollow honeycomb hardwood buzzed like an angry hive. The Jaguars were locked in and executed their drills without instruction. Fullerton looked like it was hosting a dunk contest. SWC Coach Dennis Murphy watched from half court.
“The guys understand what’s at stake,” he said. “They understand that we belong and good enough to compete with any team in the state.”
It started well. Julian Blessid Soares rose up for a 19-footer. Swish.
After the Antelope Valley Tournament Soares became the Jaguars’ leader. He has the height and skills of a guard and the strength of a big. Basketball was a hobby, but now a passion. Last year Devin Dunn played more as a wing. Shelley shifted him to the front court, a decision Dunn initially did not like. He adapted and thrived.
Southwestern took a beating in the final minutes of the half. Fullerton’s big men sent Soares and Dunn to the hardwood several times. Playmaking was sloppy and shot making poor. A wide open three by Fullerton’s Shawn Woodson closed the half with Fullerton up 31-23.
Dunn limped back to the locker room, frustrated that he gave up the three. He and Shelley got into a spat about the play that required intervention by other players.
Dread filled the locker room, but Baron Noble inspired his teammates by saying they are the best team and need to act like it. He led the break, “Believe!”
Once the buzzer sounded, it all evaporated.
Turnovers, indecisiveness and defensive lapses sent the Jags spiraling.
Fullerton went on a 10-0 run and the noise in the gym was deafening. Soares flipped the momentum when he pulled in a board and raced coast to coast for a score.
Shelley switched to a full-court press on defense and it worked immediately. Ayden Lockett intercepted an inbound pass and sank a three. Jartavious Jackson then took over the game and became the Trim Reaper, a cold two-way player.
“Coming back as a returner, I had things I needed to work on,” he said. “I hit the gym hard all season and it ended up showing on the court.”
He hit a three, waving three fingers up as he got back on defense. He finished the game with 21 points, 13 in the second half.
“He was huge for us,” Shelley said. “He went through his ups and downs, but without Tay, I don’t think we would’ve been what we were.”
Fullerton called a timeout at 7:34 with a 55-44 lead. With 2:38 left, Fullerton called another timeout, leading by nine, 62-53. Shelley drew his play and told his team to stop running from the ball.
The final two minutes seemed an eternity.
Freshman Derek Edmond subbed in after Soares fouled out. Like his teammate, he intercepted a pass and took it coast to coast. There was hope at 49 second and the score 62-57. Shelley yelled to his player to go for steals and don’t be afraid to foul.
Noble missed a three and Shelley knew it was over. He took his final timeout.
In that last huddle, the players had heartbreak in their eyes as looked to their coach. He gave thanks for the memorable year. Then Lockett delivered a memorable send off.
He heaved a shot from half court as the buzzer sounded. Swish!
Final score, 70-67. A respectable finish.
