Ravens headed back to national tournament

The San Jacinto College Raven men’s basketball team is making its 19th appearance at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

San Jacinto’s first game is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 22 against Tallahassee Community College of Florida (28-3). The Ravens (23-10) last qualified for the national tournament in 2003 when they finished as runners-up national champions.

San Jac added to its storied sports past with a thrilling 92-89 overtime victory over Angelina College March 13 to win the Region XIV Tournament and qualify for the national tournament berth. With five seconds left in regulation, Ben Bell nailed two free throws to send the game into overtime. Tafari Toney scored eight points and pulled down four rebounds in the overtime period.

Robert McKiver, who is bound for University of Houston next year, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Other Ravens selected to the All-Tournament Team were Booker Woodfox and Kevin Widemond.

Earlier this season Head Coach Scott Gernander picked up his 500th victory, during his 19th season as Raven head coach. San Jacinto College was crowned national champions in 1968, 1983, 1984 and 1986.