Season of Firsts for Basketball Team

"Although endings are always tough, there is so much to be thankful for," said Nicholas Wade, head coach and Lee College athletic director. "This was a season of firsts in several ways: First Region XIV South Zone Championship, most wins in a single season in school history, and it was Lee's second trip to the national tournament, (and its first) since 2013."

The Lee College basketball's 2021-22 season came to a historic end at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship in Hutchinson, Kansas. The team closed out the season in the first round of the tournament with an 82-83 loss to the Snow College Badgers — in overtime.

The NJCAA championship tournament is known as the March Madness of community college basketball. Despite yesterday's loss, Wade says he and his players have felt the Lee College community's love and support throughout their entire journey.

"This is a platform on the biggest level. It's really special we are able to do this, and we are hoping it's not just a one off,” added Wade, who has been head coach for six months. “I think with what we have at Lee College and what we are building, we can always compete at the highest level. This is the first step in a very young team trying to get that done."

In addition to “dancing” in the NJCAA, Wade points out his star players achieved additional accomplishments throughout the season. Kyron Gibson, Chance Brown, Darius Smith and Mario Whitley were recognized in the First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference and All-Tournament Team.

"This season was a tremendous building block academically and athletically for our students," Wade added. “We can't wait to take another step forward next year!”