Schoolcraft Connection Staff Writer

FLINT -- Schoolcraft College will not get a shot at the national championship after losing to the Delta College Lady Pioneers in the District H Championship game 49-42. The loss brings to an end a season in which Schoolcraft compiled a 28-4 record, achieved the number-five spot in the national rankings, won its fourth straight state title, and placed two players on the all-district team.

Schoolcraft won the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) tournament with its Feb. 27 victory at home over Muskegon Community College. That win earned Schoolcraft a first-round bye in the district tourney held at Flint’s Mott Community College March 3-5. Schoolcraft awaited the winner of the March 3 matchup between Oakland and Macomb Community Colleges.

Schoolcraft faced the winner, Oakland, in a March 4 semifinal. From the tip off, Schoolcraft tried to maintain control over Oakland and led by as much as six points. But the Raiders rallied back and took a halftime lead at 33-31. In the second half, Oakland extended its lead by as much as seven points.

But it was Schoolcraft sophomore center Kimberly Bee (Detroit CMA) who cut the deficit to one point with three layups. Sophomore center Sarah Jury (Livonia Ladywood) tied the game with a two point basket and Shanequa Braggs (Saginaw) got fouled and made her two free throws, giving Schoolcraft a lead they would never relinquish.

After Schoolcraft was victorious in the semifinals, the next opponent was Delta College, which had defeated St. Clair County Community College. From the start of the game, both defenses would not allow many scoring opportunities in the first two and a half minutes. The first half saw three different lead changes, but it was Delta that led Schoolcraft by five points at halftime. Delta remained in command of the Schoolcraft offense in the final half. The Pioneers held the Ocelots to only one three point shot out of 13 attempts and a near 24 percent field goal percentage. Coach Karen Lafata acknowledged how hard the Schoolcraft offense struggled against Delta’s defense.

“We couldn’t finish and that’s the bottom line,” said Lafata.

If there was any consolation to a disappointing end, two Schoolcraft players were named to the 2011 All-Tournament team. The players were freshman guard Diamond Tolliver (Saginaw), who recorded 14 points per game and Kimberly Bee, who had 34 rebounds throughout the tournament. Bee was also awarded tournament player of the year honors.

Even though the season did not end  the way the team wanted it to, they still felt they could walk out with their heads held high despite some teary eyes.

“It was a disappointing end,” stated Lafata. “But it was great with the kids we had.”

Schoolcraft finishes the season with a 28-4 record, a number-five ranking in the national poll and its fourth consecutive MCCA title. The team will have three players graduating this year. Delta College will now head to East Peoria, Ill. to compete for the national championship March 14-17.