Back to Back Champions

The team is all smiles right after the Lady Cougars win the championship game, 50-40, against the Ozark Skyhawks.

What a time it is to be a Campion Cougar! The lady Cougars proudly took home the Union College basketball tournament championship trophy for the 2nd year in a row last weekend, February 18-19. The boys' team also played with passion and courage, and they represented the  Cougars well Saturday night.

​Junior basketball player Jordyn Hammond says there is more to tournament than just winning, “Winning tournament for the second year in a row made me feel grateful for the amazing team I have. It goes way beyond just basketball--knowing my teammates have my back.”
           
Many of us have been going to tournament for a few years now, but for some it's their very first time. Junior Angie Cedano said, “I enjoyed being able to just play some friendly basketball against other Christian schools and at the end being able to win tournament while getting to know my teammates better.”

Union tournament is not only a time to compete, it’s a time to create bonds with other schools. As varsity guard Isaac Segura stated, “Union tournament was a cool experience because I got to meet people from Pohnpei island and just get the chance to hang out with people from Union.”

As athletes participate in the tournament year after year, seniors eventually face the fact that it will be the last time they play with their team. Senior Jay Mamanua states, “The thought of this being my last time playing in the tournament clouded my mind for the last few months. Breaking my arm gave me a different perspective of Union tournament. It helped me see that it went far beyond basketball, and sometimes the memories created will go far beyond winning a trophy. "

The Union College basketball tournament closes the season for the year. Thank you for all those who supported the teams at the Union College tournament and those who watched online. 

Chantelle Bravatti is a senior at Campion Academy
photos: Union College Facebook page

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Chantelle Bravatti concentrates at the free-throw line during the championship game.

Cesar Lawrence scores a reverse layup against the Dakota Knights.

The guys' team poses for the camera right before the first game of the tournament.

Jordi Obergon catches the defensive rebound, ready to hand it off to a guard.

Nolan Eickmann shoots a three- pointer.