The LCC Men's basketball team was left out of the party in 2002-2003. After tying for 4th place with Clark, the Devils were denied a tie-breaker playoff because of a Western Division guideline that determined head-to head games as the tiebreaker. Two losses to Clark cost LCC a chance to compete in the NWAACC Tourney, won by Yakima Valley. It was an inconsistant season, but it also features plenty of highlites.
Chris Bannish turned out to be the real deal. The freshman from Willipa Valley was named to the first-team Western Division team after leading the Devils in scoring (19.7) from the point guard position. He also led the team with 4.9 assists per game.
Forward Austin Nielsen closed out his Red Devil career by averaging 14 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per tilt. Nielsen will be missed following two productive seasons at LCC.
Jake Lipscomb’s emergence as a viable post threat gave the Devils some more scoring punch inside. Lipscomb averaged 9.2 ppg, 5.0 rebounds a game and 1.5 blocks per outing.
John Dyton was a productive player for LCC in his only season for the Red Devils. He consistantly took on the top scoring threats and played great defense. He averaged 10.6 per game and 4.7 rebounds.
The Devils also received productive freshman campaigns from Doug Dietz (6.2 ppg), Keith Nelson (5.3 ppg), Bryan Freshwater (7.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Jason Staley (5.0 ppg) and Reese Baker (4.3 ppg).
Mike Fourtner is hopeful of returning next season as his season was lost due to injury. These returners make for a solid nucleus next season. Coaches Roffler, Smith and Eearnest are busy on the trail to recruit fresh talent.
The Devils expect to make it back to the Tri-Cities for the 2003-2004 NWAACC Tournament. The hard work begins now.
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