Allegany Wins Region 20 Division I Championship
Courtesy Allegany Athletics
CUMBERLAND, Md. - In the throes of despair, with time dwindling down and the scoreboard casting a grim shadow, Allegany College's basketball team faced a daunting nine-point deficit with less than five minutes remaining. Yet, from the depths of adversity emerged a tale of resilience and fortitude, as the Trojans defied the odds, forced overtime, and ultimately clinched victory, seizing the Region 20 and East District championships in a thrilling 62-58 triumph over Harford on Saturday afternoon at Bob Kirk Arena.
ACM battled Baltimore Community College Thursday evening, and Friday No. 2 seeded Monroe to which they have dealt with twice this season both losses – but ACM was victorious in both the first and second round of the tournament. The No. 1 seed in Harcum fell to No. 5 seed Harford Saturday evening and the championship game was stamped. After a long two days of basketball, sweat and heart, the Trojans looked to face the Fighting Owls of Harford – both who upset their higher seed opponents the day previous. The first half proved to be an evenly contested match up where neither team could find an offensive rhythm coming down to what felt like poised defense and a lot of rebounding to remain a tight game at the half.
The game seemed poised to slip away from Allegany (26-7), trailing 51-44 with a mere 4:40 left on the clock. Yet, echoing their Friday heroics against Monroe, the Trojans summoned their resolve at the eleventh hour. Launching into an electrifying 8-3 run, Lamont Jones, fueled by a Cam'Ron Brown assist, drilled a pivotal 3-pointer, slashing the deficit to 54-52 with a mere 34.5 seconds remaining. Coach Reams, orchestrating the tension-laden moment from the sidelines, described the strategic play, a fusion of anticipation and execution that has defined Allegany's season.
Lamont Jones, a linchpin in Allegany's roster, merited his place in the annals of the game, earning a spot on the Region 20/East District all-tournament team. His contributions, 16 points, six rebounds, two steals, and a block in the championship bout, epitomized the tenacity that propelled Allegany to victory.
However, it was the collective effort that defined Allegany's ascent. With Cam'Ron Brown's valiant dive for a loose ball and a pivotal jump ball favoring the Trojans, the stage was set for a dramatic turnaround. Despite missed free throws and nerve-wracking turnovers, Allegany refused to capitulate. Tyson Oghene's astute pass found Cam'Ron Brown, igniting a lightning-fast sprint down the court, culminating in a buzzer-beating layup that thrust Allegany into overtime, deadlocked at 54.
As overtime unfurled, Allegany's dominance intensified. Brown orchestrated a symphony of playmaking, setting up Tyson Oghene for a critical layup, followed by a personal contribution to extend Allegany's lead. Despite Harford's valiant attempts to claw their way back into contention, Allegany maintained their composure.
Jeremiah Mobley, a Trojan on the court, emerged as the hero of the hour. Named the Region 20 and East District Tournament Most Valuable Player, Mobley's virtuoso performance, punctuated by a game-high 24 points, propelled Allegany to victory. Coach Reams, acknowledging Mobley's resilience, remarked, "For him to repetitively climb the mountain and seal the game for us, a special moment for all involved."
Harford boasted three players in double figures, showcasing their competitive edge. However, Allegany College's bench proved pivotal, contributing an impressive 28 points, led by Jeremiah Mobley's remarkable 24-point performance.
In a game characterized by grit and determination, Allegany's triumph resonated beyond the confines of Bob Kirk Arena. It marked a resurgence, a testament to the indomitable spirit that defines collegiate athletics. March is madness, and within the crucible of competition, Allegany College forged a narrative of resilience and triumph that reverberated far beyond the hardwood court.
The NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship bracket, at-large selections, and tournament seeding will be announced on Sunday, March 17 via the NJCAA Network and NJCAA Basketball Twitter account.