This weekend, the cadets of Detachment 415 flaunted their
basketball skills during NDSU’s basketball tournament in Fargo, ND. With a team
of eleven amazing players and eight enthusiastic cheer leaders, Det. 415’s team
played for five amazing games (four of which were in a row.) Of those games,
there were three wins and two losses, placing the cadets in second.
The first game was a close one that ended with the team down
by a single point. After the initial loss, the dedicated players stepped up
their game and dominated the court all the way into the finals. The second game
was straight Flying Gopher domination. The third game, however initially ended
in a tie. During overtime, the team managed to pull ahead and win. With that
win, the great team of Detachment 415 went into the finals. During the first
game against the undefeated, UND Army, the amazing cadets of Detachment 415
pulled ahead and won the first game. During the second game, both teams were in
fierce competition. However, the UND Army managed to pull ahead and win.
Some highlights of the game included the non-stop three
pointers by Cadet Leveille (he made over 10.) In addition, Cadet Leveille
scored over 40 points (the most of any cadet), over 12 rebounds, and quite a
few blocks. Cadet Wachter also gave quite a bit of trouble to the opposing
teams, scoring over 27 points and having over eight rebounds. Cadets Malcolm
and Brown also violated the Honor Code in the best possible way by constantly
stealing the ball. Our esteemed Wing Commander, Cadet Kornhoff; ace trainer,
Cadet Lamers; and Cadet Hofland all were able to not only score, but help with
many assists. And, there was also some new talent from Cadets LaFrance and
Hubert. Though both were relatively new to the game, they each were able to
stay competitive in the game. Cadet Erickson, the coach, also cannot be left
out. From the sidelines, Cadet Erickson led the team and came up with
strategies that pushed the Flying Gophers to success.
Additionally, the cheer team that went along for the ride
were both extremely loud and extremely proud. Many made signs between the first
and second game in order to motivate the Flying Gophers. The cheer team also
had a constant stream of encouragement and cheer, especially when a cadet scored.
There was also a great bit of motivation from the very colorful outfits worn by
Cadets Krapf and Almquist. Cadets Gulsvig and Kornhoff also brought along food,
so the players and cheerers were never short on energy.
The game played over the weekend is one that will always be
a great memory for the cadets of Detachment 415. The camaraderie between cadets
and the rush of victory will certainly be felt by everyone for a very long
time.
-Cadet Forester
