So, the Lamar State College Port Arthur Seahawks lost Friday in the semifinals of the Region XIV Tournament.
If you think this season was a letdown because the Seahawks did not make it to the finals to face No. 1 Trinity Valley Community College, think again. This was one of the most impressive seasons in the history of the program, especially under current coach Lance Madison.
There are facts to back up that statement. The biggest one is how the Seahawks have managed to navigate through the year with only eight players in uniform.
LSCPA opponents often trot out 10 or 12 players to oppose what Madison has whittled down to a six-man rotation.
The Region XIV quarterfinals on Thursday showcased the heart and determination to get past Lee College. Sophomores Jordon Harris and Christian Albright, both early in the second half, picked up their fourth fouls. It spelled trouble for the Seahawks.
Albright eventually fouled out and Harris had to play very soft defense for the remainder of the game. No problem for these Seahawks. Madison was even brave enough to throw Harris back into the game before the halfway point of the second half.
The Seahawks starters averaged approximately 35 minutes a game. Opposing media members at the tournament on Thursday marveled at the conditioning of LSCPA players.
I get winded walking from my car to the gym at the Parker Center on the campus of LSCPA, and these guys are running for 2 straight hours chasing down opposing players.
Then there is a guy by the name of Colton Weisbrod. The Nederland native and future Lamar Cardinal had a terrific season. Weisbrod averaged 21.4 points and 10.8 rebounds a game this year. He had five 30-point contests.
I want to publicly admit something. The first time I saw Weisbrod, he was a junior in high school and I had heard how good he was. When I first saw Weisbrod, I at least thought, “This kid is nothing special. He doesn’t look like anything special. The hype can’t be real.”
I have learned there is no need for hype because Weisbrod is really that good. I have never seen a player so good in the paint and so determined to score around the rim.
As for Harris, if you followed me on Twitter any this year (and my tag is listed below), you know he is really, really good at basketball.
He is headed to Louisiana-Monroe, which is a great school, but there are many major Division I schools who missed out on this kid. He is a big-time player that would make a difference for any team.
Lamar should do itself a favor and look at Freddie Williams Jr. The kid can fly out the gym and is one of the most determined players I have watched in a long time. He would not let the Cardinals down.
So, sure, the Seahawks lost out and will not get an invite to the NJCAA National Tournament held in Hutchinson, Kansas, but that does not mean this season was without success.
What Madison and his eight Seahawks accomplished this season was special.
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Gabriel Pruett can be reached at 721-2436 or gabe.pruett@panews.com. On Twitter: @PaNewsGabe.