The Falcons defeated Charlotte United by a score of 55-30 in their last home game of the season. The victory was not unexpected since Charlotte United does not match up with us in talent or physical size. This win however, did secure a second place finish for the Falcons in the Charlotte Area Christian Athletic Association (CACAA). The Falcons finished conference play with a 7-3 record, a game behind Central and tied with Carolina Christian. Since we defeated Carolina Christian in both games this year the Falcons were awarded second place. It is the best record we have ever complied in conference play and also the highest finish. The Falcons will have a first round bye in the tournament in two weeks. Considering the adversity and the outside distractions the team has faced this year, it is an outstanding achievement.
Trip Osteen was a surprise starter for the Falcons in their last home game. Tripp is not the most gifted player on the Falcon team but the attitude and work ethic he displays in practice was rewarded by Coach Scott Tyson. Tripp played hard in the first and fourth quarters with a couple of good passes and knocked down a turn around jump shot late in the game. It was nice to have Trey Barnes back even if not completely healthy. Trey has a bad ankle injury and has not been able to play since the second game of the season. Trey usually scores when in the game and did so again with 6 points. Conor Murdock was able to play part of the third quarter and all of the fourth and came through with a 2 point basket. The Falcons dressed 11 players and all 11 players put points on the board, the first time that has ever happened in the four-year history of Arborbrook basketball. Joel VanDusen lead all scorers with 11 points in limited action (knee injury at the start of the second quarter). Mitch Moore and Forest Landa both chipped in with 10 points. Caleb Robinson (finally looking healthy since his recent illness) pulled down 13 rebounds while Joel added 12. It was a solid game both on offense and defense with the second team receiving the majority of the playing time. The Falcons committed only 5 turnovers in the last three-quarters while forcing 24 Charlotte United turnovers. We have two non-conference games remaining against very good teams to help prepare us for tournament play. The team attitude is the best it has been all season which has showed in practice. It should be an interesting two weeks.
