The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) SeaWolves Men’s Basketball Team are national champions — the first in the program’s history. The team peaked at exactly the right time heading into the D2 small college tournament. They defeated NHTI at home 78-54 capturing its fourth Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC). As a result, the SeaWolves earned an automatic bid to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Div. 2 National Tournament in Richmond, Virginia.
Bode Meader (GHS ‘21), freshman and reserve player for the SeaWolves, would be a big part of the National title win. His dad, Daren Meader, and stepmom, Jennifer Banks Meader, explained, “It was clear after about five minutes in Virginia that the SMCC boys were the long shot in this national tournament. Not in our hearts or their minds but matching up to the competition. With each moment on the court, the team proved themselves not only worthy of being there but clearly the most dedicated, skilled and hardworking team.”
SMCC went in as the #5 seed matched up with the #4 seed Miami University Hamilton in their first quarterfinal game. Going into half-time 30-23, SMCC controlled the offense by connecting 50% from the field and holding their opponent to less than their season game average. They downed Miami Hamilton 71-57.
Photo credit: Jennifer Banks MeaderBode Meader in action throughout the tournament
The team looked very confident going into the semi-finals v. Penn State Mont Alto. The SeaWolves led early in the first half, coming out strong with an 11-0 run. The starters were hitting their outside shots early and would continue their streak, hitting seven 3-point shots over the course of the match-up. The result is SMCC 61 – Penn State Mont Alto 44.
In the championship game v. Johnson & Wales, the SeaWolves jumped out early again and never trailed. J&W made a push at the end to cut the margin to two points with four seconds remaining, leaving those in attendance on edge. The SeaWolves held on to win by a score of 79-75.
The starting five for SoMCC were outstanding on both ends of the floor throughout the tournament. The team overall played unselfishly. Meader came off the bench with teammate Anderson Kavutse. The two reserves would have an impact in all three games. Meader tallied five rebounds, nine points (including two 3 pointers), a steal and a block. Kavoutse chipped in 23 points in total.
The celebration continued and ended at the SMCC campus in South Portland. This team represented the state of Maine and should be extremely proud of its accomplishments.
“It is a big deal for the state of Maine and it should be talked about,” explained the coach of the Women’s Central Maine Community College team, who also won the National title in the same conference.
Meaders’ parents also went on to explain, “It was a true Cinderella story to watch unfold. It was well run, with patient offense along with a tenacious defense that absolutely left the other teams stunned.”
The SMCC Men’s National Championship win was earned every step of the way and is something that will never be forgotten.