The BCC Men’s Basketball team wanted to take their program to another level after being knocked out in the semifinals of the 2006 NWAACC Tournament by eventual champion Highline. The Bulldogs did just that by earning a spot in the Championship game of the 2007 Tournament, but were unable to take the ultimate step, falling to #1 ranked Clackamas Community College 67-56. It looked like the #2 ranked Bulldogs might seize control early, jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first minute. Clackamas responded by tying the score at 5-5, and Bellevue regained their final lead at 9-5. From there the Cougars took control as the Bulldog offense sputtered, reeling off a 20-7 run and building a 13 point first half lead, and holding a 9 point advantage at halftime.
Bellevue would not go quietly in the second half, slowly chipping away at the Cougar lead, and coming all the way back to tie the game at 50 with eight minutes to play. Clackamas responded by scoring the next 10 straight points, with Bellevue failing to score until the 1:30 mark. It was too little to late for BCC, and Clackamas claimed their third NWAACC title, and first since 1994. The Cougars masterfully controlled the ball down the stretch, maintaining possession for nearly two minutes, as the Bulldogs were unable to secure key defensive rebounds. Tired legs may have also played a role, as Bellevue shot a miserable 2 for 15 from the three point line and 10 for 19 from the free throw line, both well below their season averages.
Tournament MVP Brian Freeman, a 6-10 post player, led the way for Clackamas with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while fellow Sophomore David Cernin scored 17 points. Bellevue was led by David Grant’s (SO, Roosevelt HS) 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Jordan Ard (SO, Prairie HS) contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, and Luke Hammond (SO Mountlake Terrace HS) scored 10 points. Grant and Hammond were both honored on the All Tournament First Team, while sophomore co-captain Marcus Fermon (Bothell HS) was named the Tournament’s Most Inspirational Player.
The Bulldogs finished with a staggering 28-4 overall record, which is the second best mark in the history of the storied Men’s Basketball program. The second place finish is also the finest placing since Bellevue won their last NWAACC title in 1993 with a 32-1 record. Head Coach Jeremy Eggers was particularly proud of his five returning sophomores: David Grant, Jordan Ard, Shea Frazee, Marcus Fermon, and Paul Brockman won an amazing 53 games in their two years at Bellevue against just 11 losses.
Last Updated November 1, 2013
