Kirtland Community College

Sports News Release

10775 N. St. Helen Road, Roscommon, MI 48653 (989) 275-5000     kirtland.edu
Subject: Both Kirtland Firebirds teams defeat Oakland
For Release: Monday, January 10, 2004		 Office: Public Relations 
Contact: Irene Borak, (989) 275-5000 Ext. 242

Both Kirtland Firebirds teams defeat Oakland
ROSCOMMON – It was a great day for the Kirtland Firebirds and their fans as both the men’s and women’s teams played to victory against the Oakland Community College Raiders before a home crowd at the CRAF Center in Roscommon Saturday, Jan. 8. The women’s team won with a score of 76-70, while the men played into overtime, winning 90-88.

The Lady Firebirds had their work cut out for them against a team they’d lost to in pre-conference play. But Saturday’s final score was the product of a complete game for Teresa Stuck’s young team, during which they finally seemed to hit their stride.

“The most important factor in this game was finishing our defense with the rebound,” Stuck said. “Overall, we rebounded well. We gave ourselves 26 extra possessions through offensive rebounds.

“I am very proud of our performance.”

“My compliments to the girls on a really fine game,” added Kirtland men’s coach and Athletic Director Glen Donahue.

Tied at the half, the Firebirds came out after the buzzer to meet the challenge with a 16-2 scoring streak. They kept their edge until the final minutes of play when it was back to a one-point game. But the Firebirds continued to play smart and took the win.

Kenzie Steward led in scoring for the Firebirds with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Amanda Cooper had 15 point to go with 5 boards, while Casey Burrows tallied 14 points and 3 steals. Felon Harris added 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals.

“Jamie Dent and Meghan Bastian both had huge games for us tonight,” Stuck added. “They really stepped it up.”

Erika Vandereer scored 12 to lead the Raiders. Both Oakland and Kirtland are now 1-1 in conference play.

***

In addition to adding to what is now its 10-game winning streak, the Kirtland’s men’s team gave its fans a great show Saturday, pulling off a 90-88 overtime win against Oakland.

If the Firebirds had hit more than 33 percent on either their field goal or three-point attempts, it might have been a blowout, but instead it was a close score for most of the game, with the Raiders on top of the 31-30 half-time score.

With about three and one-half minutes left on the clock, the Firebirds were actually down by 14, but quickly regained their spirit and their focus to end regulation play at 74 apiece. In a heated overtime, the Firebirds kept that focus and topped the Raiders, 16-14, to end the game.

Bernard Daniels led the Firebirds, dropping in 22 points and adding 7 assists, followed by David Allison with 19 points, Frank Washington with 16 and Vic Hamilton with 10. Playing center, Sherman Yarbrough led all with 13 rebounds.

Kirtland is now 2-0 in conference play (12-3 overall), while Oakland dropped to 1-1 (8-7).

The Firebirds take to the road Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this week, with both the men’s and women’s teams facing Schoolcraft College in Livonia Jan. 10, Delta College in University Center Jan. 12 and St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron Jan. 15.

They’re back at the CRAF Center in Roscommon for a Wednesday, Jan. 19, game against visiting Mott Community College, then will continue to play to the home crowd through the end of the month with CRAF Center games on Jan. 22, 26 and 29.