AUBURN, Maine (YSCC) – The #4 seeded Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Seawolves men's basketball team defeated the #6 seeded Great Bay Community College (GBCC) Herons in a mighty battle, earning a 59-47 victory on Sunday, March 5th, capturing the YSCC Men's Championship.

Kingsley Breen got the scoring going for the Herons as he converted on a layup. Randy Vasquez of the Seawolves would respond quickly, scoring two straight buckets. The fast-paced game was physical from the start. 

A Jack Pyzynski three-pointer with 14:28 to go in the half brought the Seawolves to even at 7-7. The physical battle continued and with 10:44 remaining in the first half Great Bay called timeout as they trailed 13-10. 

The Seawolves came out of the timeout hot with back-to-back Luke Briggs three-pointers SMCC extending their lead 21-10. The Herons' Breen would throw down an electric dunk in transition, followed by a Scneider Vil three-pointer to bring this game to 21-15, Seawolves with the advantage. 

A Bryce Gibson steal and layup pulled the Herons within six, 27-21 with under three minutes remaining in the half. A Pyzynski free throw and Bode Meader converted and-one gave SMCC a double-digit lead, 31-21. 

The Seawolves continued their run and entered halftime leading 35-21. Theodore Wolfe of GBCC had two points and nine rebounds at the half. Thomas Martinotti led the way for the Seawolves with eight first-half points on perfect efficiency. 

Jack Pyzynski opened the second half for the Seawolves by doing what he does best, knocking down a three-pointer. Theodore Wolfe was doing everything he could for the Herons, dominating the offensive glass and making multiple layups. 

Southern Maine appeared to be clicking on all cylinders, jumping out to a 46-28 lead. The story of this game was physicality. With under 12 minutes to go, there had been just three foul calls in the second half. 

Great Bay put together a much-needed run and a Theodore Wolfe layup with 8:17 to go made it a single-digit ball game. SMCC coach Matt Richards called a timeout, still leading 48-39. 

Great Bay continued to battle down the stretch, doing everything they could to pull closer, but the Seawolves were relentless, holding a 59-47 lead with 1:13 seconds to go. 

SMCC rode their lead to the end of this game, and despite an incredible effort from GBCC, the #4 Seawolves got the better of the #6 Herons, winning by a final score of 59-47. 

Thomas Martinotti led the Seawolves to the victory charge with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Despite the loss, Theodore Wolfe would finish with 14 points and 18 rebounds to lead Great Bay.

The Seawolves capture the 2022-2023 YSCC Championship and will move onto the USCAA National Tournament. Congratulations to both teams on incredible seasons! 

TOURNAMENT AWARDS

YSCC Men's Final Four Tournament MVP - Thomas Martinotti, Southern Maine Community College Seawolves

YSCC Men's Final Four Offensive Player of the Tournament - Theo Wolfe, Great Bay Community College Herons

YSCC Men's Final Four Defensive Player of the Tournament - DeSean Cromwell, Southern Maine Community College Seawolves

YSCC Men's Final Four Tournament Runners Up - Great Bay Community College Herons

YSCC Men's Final Four Tournament Champions - Southern Maine Community College Seawolves

2023 YSCC Men's Final Four Tournament Awards

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Article by: Jake Laroche

YSCC Sports Information and Media Services Intern