By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It's a game that would have brought a normal sellout crowd, if that were possible in the midst of a pandemic. Every socially distanced seat was taken at the Hutchinson Sports Arena Saturday night. The matchup between Cowley and Coffeyville was the first NJCAA Division I men's title game between two Kansas schools since 1953.
Cowley had been a high-flying offensive unit all tournament long. If you had told them before the contest that the first one to 100 would win, they would have liked their chances. They didn't get there. Coffeyville won the 2021 NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament 108-99.
Ultimately, the game came down to an official's review of an out of bounds play with 21.9 seconds left. The original call on the floor was out of bounds off Cowley's Clarence King with Cowley down just three at 102-99 and it was upheld on review. Cowley didn't score again.
No one could have foreseen that a Love Bettis basket to break a 15 all tie that gave the Red Ravens the lead at the 13:40 mark of the first half would be a lead they wouldn't relinquish, though the Tigers nearly climbed out of a hole that was as large as 64-40 at the 19:04 mark of the second half.
The Red Ravens had seven players in double figures, led by Blaise Keita with 27 points, Tylor Perry was named the tournament MVP, he had 18, Kevaughn Ellis added 14, Bostyn Holt had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, Love Bettis had 12 as well and Markeith Browning and Larry White both added 11.
Cowley was paced by Mikel Henderson's 21 points, Dalen Ridgnal had 17, but left early with an injury in the second half. Jacquez Yow had 15 points and Shemarri Allen and Cevin Clark both added 11.
Coach Jay Herkelman was named Coach of the Tournament winning his first national championship.
Coffeyville ends as champions at 27-3. Cowley ends the year at 24-5.