Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Clackamas Print
11
... Continued from Page 10
The Bulldogs tied the game at 50 and could be seen cel
ebrating with one another after a timeout was called. Shortly
after this display of jubilation, Clackamas quickly dispelled
any hope the Bulldogs had as Ross hit a key three-pointer,
while Cernin and Freeman contributed with huge clutch
baskets of their own.
The last couple of minutes dragged on forever as Bellevue
refused to concede the victory and insisted on fouling.
Clackamas sunk their free-throws and won the NWAACC
title by a final score of 67-56.
Freeman finished with yet another double-double, quietly
registering 18 points and 10 rebounds. Cernin hit three more
treys and ended up with 17. Floor leader Ross grabbed six
boards and dished out seven assists. Vaughan had 11 points
and came away with second-team all-toumey honors. Defrees
added eight points and four boards off the Cougar bench.
After the final horn sounded, the scene was priceless. The
players and coaches could be seen embracing one another on
the court as the fans showed their appreciation for the team’s
success and work ethic in getting there.
“It seems surreal. I’ve never had a better feeling in my
life. We started off 8-4, but then we turned it around and won
21 games in a row. There’s no better group of guys who could
have done this,” tournament MVP Freeman said.
Cernin, the silent assassin and first-team all-toumey
player, also reiterated the sentiments of his teammate:
“It really means a lot. All the guys, we’re so close. Our
team chemistry is great. We knew we could come in here and
make some noise ... It really hasn’t hit me yet.”
Whether it was overcoming an injury, missed free-throws,
adverse playing conditions, shot clock malfunctions or foul
trouble, this Clackamas team stuck together and never gave
up. They stood by one another and truly played like champi
ons and exhibited the class of true gentleman in the process.
The game was won on the court, but great coaching
doesn’t hurt either. Clackamas’ coach Clif Wegner is one of
the best, and it doesn’t take the team’s school record of 29
wins in a season to see that.
“I’m really proud of my kids,” Wegner said. “I can’t even
explain how much courage and heart I saw during this tour
nament and all season long. They took every challenge that
was thrown at them. A lot of people questioned if we were
the best team.
“Wb won 21 in a row. We beat the East champ. We beat
the West champ. We beat the North champ. We beat everyone
in Oregon. We are the champions, and it was well-earned.”
All photos by Sam Krause Clackamas Print
* Editor’s note: Avoid Kennewick, Wash, at all costs. I
assure you there is nothing there for you. It is a terribly hei
nous city that might be better described as hell, just not as hot
and a lot more flat.
TOP LEFT: Big man Brian
Freeman maneuvers
inside as he goes up for
two.
TOP RIGHT: David Cernin
levitates above all as
he shows off his sweet
stroke.
FAR LEFT: Steven Vaughan
drives to the basket with
determination as the
bench brigade celebrates
in the background.
LEFT: JR Morgan dribbles
down low as he evades a
host of defenders. Mor
gan’s ball-handling skills,
hustle and charisma were
all key factors in the
Cougars’ victories.