PORT ANGELES — On Saturday night students and basketball fans were treated to a great evening of exciting basketball at Peninsula College’s second annual Pirate Madness.
The official tipoff to the basketball season featured coach Lance Von Vogt’s defending NWAACC champion men’s basketball team and coach Alison Crumb’s much-improved women’s team.
Both squads dazzled the crowd during the 3-point competition and intrasquad scrimmages.
The men’s squad looks more athletic and talented than its championship predecessor as the gold team upended the black team 37–33 in their 10-minute scrimmage.
The women’s team showcased newfound depth, quickness and guard play in an intense defensive 15–11 black team victory.
“We have the pieces in place to be the top junior college basketball program in the country,” Von Vogt said.
“The guys are working hard to make that happen and our gymnasium will be an exciting place to be as we contend for another championship.”
The women’s team performed a dance number whose execution can only spell future success for the women’s ability to execute plays.
“I’m excited about my team this year,” Crumb said.
“They work very hard and are a very dedicated group. They are competitive and have natural team chemistry that will allow us to improve throughout the season.”
On the men’s side, the dunk contest was a high-flying affair that left many wondering if they were at the annual NBA Dunk Contest rather than the area community college.
Defending dunk champion DeShaun Freeman wowed the crowd early with his patented 180-degree tomahawk slam as did Las Vegas freshman Curtis Stewart by flying over two teammates on the way to an electrifying left-hand windmill jam.
The dunks of the night belonged to Wake Forest University transfer JT Terrell, who recorded perfect scores in both rounds by bouncing the ball off the ground and backboard before catching it mid-air and then going through the legs while spinning in an 180-degree turn and slamming the ball home.
Sophomore Megan Smith captured the 3-point completion crown for the women while sophomore Jordan Rawls won the title for the men.