Saints look to finish season strong
There are two games remaining until the men’s basketball team faces the inevitable. The NWAACC championship runs March 9-12 in Pasco, Wash., and the Saints have been preparing for this final ride for the past five months. Head coach Rob Nielson said the men created a number of goals at the beginning of the season, including the taking of the Southern Region and the NWAACC championship trophy. With an undefeated league record of 12-0 and a season record of 23-3, the team seems to be on its way to accomplishing these objectives. “This is the best all-around team I’ve ever played for,” said freshman forward Jake Glisson. “Our work ethic is so good and our ability to focus on one thing is special. This team is special and when we say we want to win at the NWAACCs, I really think we can.” Nielson agrees with Glisson. “We have a pretty deep team. Everyone contributes. All 11 of our guys make us good. We just want to stay healthy and competitive (for the NWAACCs).” Health has been somewhat of an issue for the Saints as of late. Many players have experienced illnesses simultaneously, including sophomore guard Nick Klinger and Glisson. Glisson was in bed for two days with the stomach flu and Klinger wasn’t able to practice with the team for a few days due to an unidentified illness. Nielson hopes all their health issues have passed as the final weeks of the season unfold. Going into the homestretch, Nielson is looking toward his starting five and other players to carry the team through the playoffs. The key men consist of Klinger, sophomore guard Corey Nielson, Glisson, sophomore forward and center Adonal “Junior” Arrington, and freshman forward and center Kaylone Riley, among others. “Corey Nielson is probably our strongest player on the team. He steals, he shoots, he scores; he’s our best defensive player, and he’s one of our best rebounders,” said Glisson. “Our whole starting five is great, though. The five work really hard and our bench cheers us on (when they are not on the court). We also have a really good home crowd.” Earlier in the week, the Saints maintained their undefeated record when they beat Umpqua in a 108-66 blowout Saturday, Feb. 18. Klinger was a key player in this game, scoring 25 points, and Arrington was also a vital player, scoring 16 points and capturing 11 rebounds. The Saints also played Portland Wednesday night, winning 86-63. Once again, Klinger was a valuable piece in the win, scoring 17 points. On Saturday, the Saints play at Linn-Benton at 6 p.m., and Wednesday, March 1, they play their final home game of the season against Clackamas at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday is also Sophomore Night, a time to honor the players who are completing their time in the basketball program at Mt. Hood. “We have an easy schedule next week. The hard games are past us and now we can focus on winning,” said Glisson.
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