I enjoyed a wonderful weekend of college basketball last weekend in Columbus, thanks to the Saint Louis University Billikens.
The Billikens made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 12 years and got their first tourney win in 14 years with a 61-54 victory over Memphis last Friday.
Just two days later, the Billikens pushed No. 1 seed and Big Ten champion Michigan State to the limit before losing a close 65-61 decision.
My 21st season of providing radio commentary for the Billikens was a most memorable one, thanks to a hard-working bunch of young men who put it on the line every night. SLU finished the season with 26 victories, which was the second most in the program’s history.
Senior forward Brian Conklin was a force in the paint all season while the return of point guard Kwamain Mitchell brought the Billikens from 12 victories last season to more than double the wins this year.
The atmosphere in Columbus last weekend was unforgettable. Billiken fans from all over the country convened in the Buckeye state and had a great time. It has been 12 long years since we’ve experienced the NCAA Tournament and SLU fans made the most of it.
In his fifth year, head coach Rick Majerus has the SLU program on very solid ground. Next season is just as promising with seven top players returning, including Mitchell and fellow guards Mike McCall Jr. and Jordair Jett plus front court stalwarts Dwayne Evans, Cody Ellis, Rob Loe and Cory Remekun.
Beal for real
Former Chaminade College Prep All-American Bradley Beal has been putting in work for the Florida Gators in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. In two games, Beal is averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds a game while shooting 55 percent from the field. Beal had 14 points and 11 rebounds in Florida’s 71-45 victory over Virginia, then followed up with 14 points and nine rebounds in a 84-50 victory over Norfolk State. Florida will face Marquette in the West Regional semifinals on Thursday in Phoenix.
Crusaders in Columbia
Congratulations to the Lutheran North Crusaders on their third-place finish in the Missouri Class 3 state tournament last weekend in Columbia. After a narrow loss to Hogan Prep in the semifinals, North defeated Mt. Vernon for third place. Junior guard Anthony Virdure closed out a stellar 2012 season by scoring 31 points against Mt. Vernon.
Champs at Crossroads
One program that made school history during the state playoffs was Crossroads High, which won its first ever district championship in boys basketball. The Current defeated host Bismark to win a Class 2 district championship. Crossroads was lead by head coach Steve Abdul-Hamid, who is a disciple of the late, great coaching legend Jodie Bailey. The Current are led by its excellent backcourt of sophomore Trevor Clay and junior Milton Spaulding.
Congrats, Coach Hunt
Congratulations to Harris-Stowe State University Phillip Hunt on being voted the Co-Coach of the Year in the American Midwest Conference. Hunt shared the award with Bob Burchard of Columbia College. Hunt led the Hornets to 17 victories, which was the third most in program history. Hunt was a former standout prep player at Clayton High School. He also played at Saint Louis University.
Football U
Football U is a new program designed to help young football players at different positions. The program will begin on Saturday, March 31 at the Old Jamestown Sports Complex. The times are 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for Little League, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. for junior high and 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. for high school players. Players must bring their own football cleats. For more information, visit the website, www.stlfootballu.com.
