Central Washington Wildcats Men's Basketball 2010-2011

The Central Washington University Men’s Basketball Team was ranked 5th in the NCAA Division II standings released on March 8th.

The Wildcats finished their season with an overall record of 26-4. Central Washington fell to Seattle Pacific 76-63 in the opening round of the NCAA West Regional tournament.

The Wildcats’ Season

The opening round was one of upsets as all three top seeds fell. Fourth-seed Dixie State was the only higher seed to survive as it defeated fifth-seed Chaminade. Central had beat Seattle Pacific twice during the regular season, but couldn’t seal the deal on this game.

The Wildcats only made 7 of 31 three-point shots and an early run by Seattle Pacific put the Wildcats behind 27-13. Central came to within 5-points but that would be as close as they would get.

Central forced SPU into 21 turnovers, but SPU had a 25-14 advantage in points off turnovers including 16-2 in the first half. Fouls and free throws also contributed to the loss as SPU made 25 of 37 free throws and Central made 8 of 10.

Despite this unfortunate loss Central Washington can still be proud of the accomplishments this season that include earning its first Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championship and a 26-win season. Head Coach Greg Sparling leads the Wildcats but looks to Jamar Berry and Chris Sprinker to take control of the game.

About The Team

Head Coach Greg Sparling is in his sixteenth season with the Central Washington Wildcats and is the third-winningest coach in the program’s history.

Central Washington was also Sparling’s alma mater and it shows in his accomplishments. He is a five-time conference Coach of the Year with five conference championships and has led Central Washington to the NCAA Division II tournament in five of the past six years and eight times in its 13 seasons as a NCAA member. Sparling was also named this seasons Co-Coach of the Year.

Seniors Jamar Berry and Chris Sprinker were named to the All-GNAC First Team. Berry was one of three who were given top votes for Player of the Year, but was narrowly edged out. He led the Wildcats in scoring with 17.5 points, 46 three-pointers made, 111 free throws made and 141 attempted, and 175 field goals made and 342 attempted.

Berry was also named to the Daktronics West Region First Team and GNAC Newcomer-of-the-year. Sprinker was named to the Daktronics West Region Second Team. He averaged 13.5 points per game and became the school’s career leader in blocked shots with over 130.

About The School

Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA and is a comprehensive, four-year public university. The university offers small classes taught by first-rate professors.

There are several branches that grant baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Central prides itself on preparing students to take responsibility for themselves, their communities and the earth. The university also serves as an intellectual resource for the region, assisting in solving human and environmental problems.

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