 Senior Eric Buck |
While this Wednesday night’s game at Chadwick Court between the Little Giants and visiting Wittenberg University is not the start of the North Coast Athletic Conference tournament, it could be a preview of a semi-final or championship showdown.
Since Wabash’s arrival in the NCAC a few years ago, Wittenberg has become an arch-rival in football, and the same intensity has developed on the hard wood. Wabash is currently third in the NCAC standings and Wittenberg is in second place, and both teams are trying to become tournament ready in the second to last game of the regular season.
It was almost exactly a year ago on a cold Wednesday night when Wabash upset the eventual conference champs at Chadwick Court with a rowdy crowd cheering the home team to victory.
This is a community that knows its basketball and appreciates it when the game is well played.
But there’s another, perhaps more important reason to show your support for the Little Giants this Wednesday night. It’s Senior Night when the seven seniors take the court for their final regular season contest. It would be a wonderful opportunity to applaud the efforts of these fine young men, on the court and off.
Joe DesJean is the current NCAC Player of the Year and will finish his career among the top-ten all-time scorers in Wabash history, the second highest number of career rebounds, and should take the career blocked shots record, too.
Brady Claxton is the Shelbyville sharp shooter whose three-point accuracy and fearless competitive spirit have provided dozens of highlights, including last Wednesday’s three-pointer near the end of the game that secured the Wabash victory.
Eric Buck has played the best basketball of his career over the last half-dozen games. The 6-7 center has averaged 11.1 points and has shot 65 percent over the last 11 games.
Jesse Burgess is a slashing forward-turned-center who can seem almost invisible until key moments of the game when he suddenly provides a critical rebound or put-back basket.
Kip Chase is a campus leader who came out for the team as a junior after playing intramural ball his first two years on campus. He stepped in when the team was short of guards, and provided solid leadership and spiritual inspiration for the team.
Then there’s Ryan Short, who brings his All-American football frame to the inside game for the Little Giants, while stretching defenses with his three-point shooting.
Finally, come out to cheer for Jeff Espino. If ever the phrase “I’m just glad to be here” applied, Jeff is the physical example. Less than 18 months ago he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, left school, got treatment, and now suits up with the varsity. Jeff’s is a story worth repeating over and over again simply as an example of the power of the human spirit.
So spend your Wednesday evening with the Little Giants. The basketball will be good. The competition between Wabash and Wittenberg will be intense. And the seniors deserve a rousing round of applause.
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