Cory Billingsley and Jervon Johnson combined for 49 points to help the Flames capture the NCCAA Mid-East Region Championship with a 90-65 victory over Hiwassee College
on Wednesday evening in Walker Arena.
It was the hot-shooting of Billingsley and Johnson that propelled the Flames to a fast start and the visiting Tigers battled back on a couple of occasions but were never really a serious threat.
Billingsley wrapped up his career in Walker Arena by scoring 29 points, making 7-of-13 shots from the field and 10-of-11 free throws. Johnson hit a sizzling 6-of-9 3-pointers and finished with 23 points. He also added six rebounds.
Forced to play with only nine players, coach Tommy Brown went to his bench often and all nine players responded. Chase Cullen turned in another solid effort with 11 points and nine rebounds. Cody Farley just missed a double-double with nine points and a team leading 10 rebounds. Chad Lee concluded his career on the home floor with seven points and five rebounds. Lee's other senior, Tyquan Roberts did not play because of a foot problem.
"I think that's the first time since I started coaching that we have entered a game with only nine available players," said coach Brown who was named the Mid-East Region Coach of the Year. "I was afraid of the situation but our guys have been playing great as a team and everyone responded tonight." Starting point guard Stedmon Ford played sparingly because of an injury and Elgrin Wilson did not play at all due to a shoulder injury.
Billingsley was honored as the Mid-Region Player of the Year and was joined on the All-Region team by Ford and Cullen. "We've got a little time to get our team well and hopefully have everyone ready to go when we play in the national tournament," injected Brown.
The Flames were consistent from the field the entire evening hitting over 45 percent in each half and knocking down a solid 43 percent from behind the arc. They struggled just a tad at the free-throw line, hitting 21-of-32 attempts. Lee commanded the backboard 41-27. Probably the most disappointing stat for Coach Brown was his team's 17 turnovers.
The Lee defense, which saw the Tigers open the contest with some hot shooting, settled down and held Hiwassee to 35 percent from the field and 20 percent from behind the arc.
The Tigers were led by Jeff Golden and Anthony Calloway with 10 points apiece. Joel Bailey pitched in with nine points and Kaseem Davidson finished with seven markers.
The Flames will take a 17-12 record into the national tournament which will be played in Winona Lake, Indiana (Grace College) starting on
March 18th.