Men's basketball NJCAA Region 4 Quarterfinals preview
MILWAUKEE — The Bobcats’ men’s basketball team is set to host the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region 4 Tournament. They will take on the College of Dupage Chaparrals.
Both squads met earlier this year, and Bryant & Stratton walked away with an eight-point win despite a furious comeback attempt by the Chaparrals.
Karter Thomas, the Bobcats’ all-time leading scorer, recorded 22 points, while Jadon Melvin poured in 18 points.
Thomas has averaged 20.9 points per game (ppg) this season and the Bobcats may look to him again for significant contributions in the rematch. But they could also turn to their defense, which has been a staple this season.
“We are a really tough basketball team when we are causing chaos defensively. It is a good win, and now we are focused on the playoffs,” Bobcats head coach Chuck Ruffing said after winning the regular season finale.
With DuPage’s leading scorer, Braylen Meredith (16.2 ppg), coming to town, Bryant & Stratton will look to continue to create chaos on defense. It will also look to keep Greg Strong (12.4 ppg) and John Gray (12.4 ppg) at bay.
It will have to be a total team effort, but Ruffing’s squad is ready for the start of the postseason, and the Bobcats will look to reach the Region 4 Championship for the second consecutive year.