The UNCW Seahawks had nothing short of an exciting season this year, with Trask Coliseum always packed to the top with fans ranging from students to alumni to other people of the community. Basketball games were always looked forward to by students, who brought high energy levels to every game. Sadly, the regular season came to a close this past weekend, but this could just be the beginning for Coach Kevin Keatts and his basketball team. If you didn't get a chance to keep up with the season, allow me to give you a quick recap and look ahead at what's to come next for the Seahawks.
A Recap of the Season's Wins and Losses
Overall, the UNCW men's basketball team, coached by Kevin Keatts, finished the regular season with an overall record of 22-7 and a conference record of 14-4. Did you know 12 of those games were won at home? The team started off the season with a five-game winning streak, but soon after fell to Georgetown, ECU, and Radford, all of which were out of conference opponents. However, the men started off with a win in conference play at home against Drexel, but shortly after suffered a loss away at Towson. Although the season did not look to be off to an amazing start, the men quickly turned it around with an 11-game winning streak. Wings up! The last four games of the season were all extremely close, with tough losses against William and Mary and Hofstra, but still defeating Charleston and Towson. Their conference record made the Seahawks back-to-back CAA Conference Champs. Wings up!
Senior Night
The last game of the regular season was held at Trask Coliseum on Saturday, February 27, against Towson. It marked the last time playing on the home court for three special players. Seniors Craig P-p-p-p-ponder!!! (0), Dylan Sherwoood! (20) and Kevin Hickson (30) as the announcer would say it, were all recognized for their many accomplishments and additions to the team prior to game time. All three seniors started, along with Denzel Ingram (10) and CJ Gettys (23). Sherwood started off hot, knocking down the first three points of the game, and the crowd went wild. Great start for the senior. The game was hype, with the lead constantly switching from UNCW to Towson, however, UNCW ended the first half with a four-point lead, making it 37-33. The second half was even more exhilarating with some bad calls both ways, and both flagrant and technical fouls called on Towson. After a roller coaster of a game, UNCW was able to pull off the win at 74-68.
Highlights of the game included a tie of 14 points for Dylan Sherwood and Marcus Bryan (21), with Chris Flemmings (1) and Denzel Ingram close behind with 11 points, and finally CJ Gettys walked away with eight rebounds and a couple blocks.
After the celebration, Coach Keatts grabbed the mic and thanked everyone for such a wonderful season, and explained that the students made Trask Coliseum one of the toughest gyms to play in. He then gave each senior a chance to speak about their last time playing on the UNCW court. So sentimental, Coach Keatts.
Overall Season Highlights
Besides the accomplishments of the last game, there were many other highlights this season. The most amount of points scored in a game was done by Denzel Ingram, who scored 30 in the OT win against William and Mary. In second place is Chris Flemmings with 28 points against Elon, and in third is Craig Ponder with 26 against Milligan. Chris Flemmings was the most frequent leading scorer, leading the stats in 15 out of the 29 total games this season. That's just over half!
In the three point field goal category, Denzel Ingram leads with 61 three-pointers made, and Chris Flemmings is right behind him with 46.
CJ Gettys receives the title of most blocked shots, ending the season with a total of 31 shots blocked.
And if you haven't heard Chris Flemming's name enough, he also scored 103 free throws and grabbed 172 rebounds, being first in both categories. He also scored the most total points this season, with his total being 451. He may just be my new favorite player. Other top scorers include Denzel Ingram with 341 and Craig Ponder with 312.
A Look Ahead to March Madness
So, now that the regular season has come to a close, I'm sure you're wondering, is the NCAA in the Seahawks' future? Perhaps clinching a CAA Tournament title this upcoming weekend will help UNCW get invited to the big dance.
CAA play starts Friday, March 4, but UNCW does not play until Saturday against the winner of Delaware and Charleston at 6 p.m.
Be sure to tune in this weekend to support your fellow Seahawks!
