By Christy Cain
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) It has been said that to "create something exceptional, your mindset must be focused on the smallest details." It is safe to say that since day one of this season, the Westmont men's basketball team has been focused on being great. Despite the original low conference standing, despite the critics and despite the limits that have seemingly been put on this team, the men have never wavered. You will not hear a Westmont player talk about how "young they are" or about how "good other teams" are in the conference- because to them, that doesn't matter. They are focused on the small details that make them Warriors.
Small detail #1: This is a team that is relentless.
Tonight, in the GSAC Tournament First Round, the Warriors showed just how relentless they are. The men took the court in The Murch one last time and defeated The Master's Mustangs 89-75. From tip off to final buzzer, the Warriors were locked in on defense and firing on all cylinders offensively. They knew the game plan, and they executed it well.
"I have said it many times tonight, but Britton Williams started the game for us and played tenacious defense'" opened head coach John Moore. "He set the standard and we were able to maintain it for most of the game." The junior guard was quick on his feet and was continually getting the ball to the open shooters. He finished with four points, six assists and four steals.
"The smallest guy on the floor (Williams) and the tallest guy on the floor (Carlin) were very valuable to us this evening," exclaimed Moore. "Tonight was the last night for Daniel Carlin in a Warrior uniform at home. For him to play as special of a game as he did was very rewarding for him and for the team." It only seems fitting that during his final performance in Murchison, Carlin would set a new career high of 28 points scored in a game. He not only led the team in points, but had six rebounds and three assists on the night. When going up against a roster of men who were nearly his size, Carlin pushed through and held his own in the paint.
"It was also Nate Marsing's last night in Murchison Gymnasium," explained Moore. "He was a defensive standout. He held their best player, the leading scorer in the GSAC, to 0-8 from the three point line and no field goals in the second half." Westmont knew that Russell Byrd would be the greatest challenge for them tonight, but Marsing certainly rose to the occasion. Anytime that Byrd got the ball, Nate was up in his face, channeling him to the weak side. "I think Nate and Daniel have been the ones who led us all season long in different ways, but they led us particularly well tonight," said Moore.
Small detail #2: This is a team that has a great mindset.
"I think we always come into games with an underdog mentality—it is a very helpful thing to have," continued Moore. "If you feel as though you are a team that is always 'up against it', always with a challenge ahead of you and always feel as though the team you are playing is better than you are (or has the potential to be better), you will naturally take on the underdog mentality." It is safe to say that the Warriors have been highly underestimated by some opponents this season. With a young roster and difficult schedule, the odds were stacked against them from the beginning. But may I remind you that back in December we beat the then ranked #1 (and defending National Champions) of Vanguard University. Not long after that, we defeated #19 Arizona Christian twice and only lost to #2 Hope International by four points the first time we played them. The Warriors have proven that they are a contender in the fight for the GSAC crown.
As they advance to the Semifinals of GSAC Tournament play, they will once again be the underdogs when going up against Concordia University (25-6) who is currently ranked seventh in the NAIA.
"The next game up is the only one we are focused on," continued Moore. "Concordia at Concordia is quite difficult. They have proven that they are a very, very good team. There is a reason that they are the seventh in the nation. That gym is a very tough place to win games, but a couple of years ago we ended their 34 home-game winning streak–so it can be done."
Small detail #3: This is a team of overachievers.
"No matter what kind of team you are, you want to be overachievers. We have been that way all season long and we will continue to be overachievers. We are a good team, but we want to be a championship level team. It has been a while since we have won a GSAC tournament, so it is time to get back to that mentality," closed out Moore.
Tonight, the men came one step closer to a GSAC crown, yet the only thing on their minds is the next game ahead. The men will be focused on the small details of the game. They have been training all season with a relentless pursuit of better. They have kept an underdog mentality and they have continually strived for the highest level of excellence in their play. While they have come a long way, there is still much work to be done. The Warriors may not be there yet, but because they execute the small details well, they are one step closer than they were yesterday.
Tipoff will be this Saturday March 7 at 7:30 pm at Concordia in Irvine, Calif.
