2002 Miracle Yearbook

7111ifhe traditional pounding of the bass drum and the shouts ofa raucous crowd marked the beginning ofthe men's basketball season, a season that saw the Yellow Jackets start four sophomores and one freshman. Few expected the young team to achieve much success, but they fought through numerous bumps and bruises and earned the opportunity to host a playoffgame against conference rival, Tiffin. In December,they pulled offthe biggest upset ofthe season by going to Saint Vincent and winning 92-90 in overtime. Cedarville University's Men's Basketball program ended the season with a 21-16 record (10- 8 in the AMC.) In their first playoff match, the young Jackets played with excellent poise and pulled away at the end to win by twenty. Freshman Jason Wealdey carried the team with career high twenty points as he set a Cedarville record by going five for five from behind the three point line. Barry Chamberlain added 18 points and CUrnens basketball 11 15 rebounds,and Cedarville's leading scorer,Josh Gast had 15. The Yellow Jackets won nine of their last 13 games to set up this meeting. The win sent them to number one seeded Saint Vincent who ended the Yellow Jackets' successful season. Additionally, the Jackets placed 3rd at NCCAA Nationals with Gast and Chamberlain winning All-Tournament Honors. An excellent recruiting class and good coaching contributed greatly to the success ofthe team this year. Freshmen Justin Lower and Wealdey stepped into prominent playing roles and produced. Lower hit a team high 69 three pointers during the regular season, while Wealdey chipped in ten points a game from his point guard position. Although the team will feel the loss ofSenior David Dingeman's leadership, many freshmen look to take up the slack in the future. The team demonstrated outstanding potential for future seasons. Proud to be tall, Barry Chamberlin jumps up to make a shot over two defenders. 4 As the image of a basketball hoop appears in the distance, Jason Howard prepares himself to make the shot. The Cedarville Jackets celebrate another win with their classmates as the Pep band fills the background with lively music. Jason Weakley shows his skills by blocking a pass for the Cedarville Jackets. Athletics 49