The rise of the Thunderbirds

The biggest story in northern California community college basketball this past season was Merritt College's run in the state playoffs.

It began with a Delvon Nisby-powered 63-62 homecourt victory over American River College as the freshman totaled 21 points in a play-in contest.

Then began a very-extended version of "On the Road Again."

Merritt took down Fresno City College 100-83 followed by a 79-76 win versus Ohlone College. In the former, Nisby led with 21 points, Eric Nelson provided a 14 point/15 board double-double and Joshua Amey supplied a 16 point/11 assist effort. The latter triumph was carried by another 21 points from Nisby plus Nelson's 13 board, 10 point contribution.

By the way, Nixby wears #0 on his uniform but the pressure must be mounting next season to switch to you-know-what.

San Joaquin Delta College was next in the barrel and the Thunderbirds took a 79-75 triumph to earn a spot in the Final Four. This success was powered by 22 points from Anthony Knight, 16 points and an astounding 15 assists courtesy of Amey, plus 12 rebounds and 10 points from Nelson.

Paired up with Mt. San Antonio in the state semi-finals, the Merritt run ended with the southerners on the upper side of an 84-75 score despite 17 points and 10 boards from Marcus Green and a 17/5 combination from Nelson.

It's true that no Thunderbird talents dotted the all-state team but sophomores Amey and Nelson were honored as all-conference selections. However, what the Thunderbirds achieved was a true team effort.

Merritt Coach Keenan McMiller labeled the streak "a coming together at the right time. We preached what was necessary to do throughout the season and the guys stepped up. It was focusing on the little details."

"I want to celebrate the accomplishment" he continued but spoken like a community college coach, he added, "I'm working on next year's class."