The Bakersfield College men’s basketball team lost its chance to continue in the state regional playoffs against Santa Ana College on Feb. 23.
The Renegades started out slowly, trailing Santa Ana by eight points. BC eventually regained the scoreboard taking a 10-point lead after halftime. It seemed as though all was going well for BC when Santa Ana slowly caught up and eventually won 92-91.
The Renegades went into the playoffs seeded first in the southern region and an overall record of 30-2 and an 11-1 mark in the Western State Conference.
“It was a very tough loss, one of the toughest losses we have had because we had such high expectations,” said BC Head Coach Rich Hughes.
Many players felt that they play to their full potential. Sophomore Lawrence Billings said he could’ve scored more, and also said “Not everybody contributed like they should have.” Sophomore Andrew Ready felt that the team could’ve played better.
“In the first half I should’ve been patient, I was trying to do too much, I was over-focused. It wasn’t until the second half that I was focused and patient,” he said.
Ready also said he thought the officials called too many fouls, but added, “Our defense needed to be stronger, if people played with more heart and urgency and passion, we probably would’ve won.”
Sophomore Aaron Perez was devastated about the loss but said, “I am very proud to set the best BC record in a regular season.”
Perez felt that he personally could’ve pumped up the team more and played better defense by blocking more shots and taking more charges.
Freshman Daniel Williams said he was depressed after losing. “I could’ve grabbed more rebounds and worked harder.”
Williams will be returning next year and plans on leading BC to a state championship.
Hughes also said the team will try to contend for another state championship and make it into the playoffs. “I want to make it a yearly thing,” he said.
Hughes plans to continue the standard that this year’s team has set. “I like our freshmen group, we should continue the tradition that the sophomores started.” s
As for the departing sophomores, they plan to continue their basketball career at other universities, many receiving offers from various schools around the nation.
Perez received many offers and plans to attend Cal Baptist. Ready, undecided as to where he will attend next year, has received offers from Portland State and Utah State.
Billings, also undecided, has received offers from University of Alaska, Fort Hays State and Metropolitan State.