BANNER ELK, N.C. – Over the next couple of weeks, Lees-McRae will be taking a look at its tremendous championship tradition by giving you an inside look at some of the teams who have added to the Bobcat's storied history of excellence. In our first edition, we are taking a look back at the 2017-18 men's basketball team who won the 2018 Conference Carolinas Championship en route to the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance.
To watch highlights from the 2017-18 men's basketball team, click
HERE.
Season Highlights:
- Record: 23-9 overall record (13-5 conference)
- Top Scorers:
- The Bobcats set new program records in win totals (23), winning streak (eight-straight), points scored (2,863), scoring average (89.5), three-point percentage (.401) and assists (437) among others.
- Finished 15-2 in the Williams Gymnasium
- Defeated Erskine, 86-79, in the Conference Carolinas Quarterfinals and Barton, 110-95, in the conference semifinals
- Lees-McRae used a 9-0 run in the closing minutes to claim a 75-72 victory over Belmont Abbey in the Conference Carolinas Championship game on March 4, 2018. To read the full recap, click HERE.
- Lynch was named the event's Most Outstanding Player for his team-high 17 points on 5-9 shooting, while Saintizaire and Josh Gaither (Statesville, N.C.) were also named to the All-Tournament team.
- Quay Kimble (Shelby, N.C.) was named the Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year
- Head Coach Steve Hardin garnered Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year honors, while Lynch earned All-Conference First Team honors and Jordan Turner (Hickory, N.C.) and Saintizaire were named to the third team.
- For more information on the 2017-18 season, click HERE.
From the Coaches:
- "The 2017-18 team was a culmination of grit, determination and believing in us" said Head Coach Hardin. "From our players to the entire coaching staff, everyone was on the same page with one goal. 'BurnTheBoats' was our slogan for the year and we took that to heart. The Dunk Mountain Brotherhood started the foundation for our program. These guys broke records every season to gain confidence in the 'FIRE' system, which made them a brotherhood for a lifetime. This group sacrificed individual success for the team's success. I was blessed and proud to be their coach!"
To learn more about Lees-McRae's Championship Tradition, click
HERE.
For more information about Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on Twitter (@LMCBobcats) on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics) and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
