In a story that reads more like a Hollywood script than a college basketball season, the Nelson Warriors, a program barely out of its infancy, have ascended to the pinnacle of the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA). Just their second year of existence, and they're cutting down the nets, national champions, after an 89-74 victory over the top-seeded Columbia International University Rams at the raucous Keeter Gym.
"Words fail me," a visibly emotional head coach Kole Ebert told reporters after the final buzzer sounded. Ebert, who took over the reins just two games into the season, orchestrated a masterpiece. "This feeling, this moment, it's something I'll cherish forever. These guys, they poured their hearts out, every single possession. This championship? It's the culmination of their brotherhood, their warrior spirit. They represent everything Nelson University stands for, and now, they're champions."
The matchup, a clash of titans between the tournament's top two seeds, lived up to the hype. A back-and-forth first half saw the Warriors claw back from a six-point deficit, unleashing a 15-5 run to briefly seize control. But a buzzer-beating bucket from Columbia International’s Christian Howard sent the teams into the locker room deadlocked at 43.
"We knew they'd be tough," Ebert admitted. "We missed some threes, had a few turnovers, but we weathered the storm."
The second half started with the same intensity, a palpable tension hanging in the air. Then, the Warriors exploded. A Larry Holmes jumper sparked a 10-4 run, giving Nelson a six-point cushion. But the real fireworks were yet to come.
Harley Upton, a name that will forever be etched in Nelson lore, ignited a scoring frenzy. A three-pointer, followed by another from Rob Jenkins, pushed the lead to double digits. Then, Upton struck again, capping an 11-2 run with a breathtaking alley-oop assist to a soaring Holmes slam – all within a dizzying 90-second span.
Up 15, the Warriors shifted into cruise control, managing the game with poise and composure. Columbia International, desperate to claw back, unleashed a full-court press, twice forcing Ebert to call timeouts to regroup. But Nelson's resolve was unbreakable.
A late 5-0 Rams run cut the lead to 10, but that was as close as they'd get. An Orlando Gonzales steal with 33 seconds remaining sealed the deal, allowing the Warriors to savor the moment, the clock ticking down to championship glory.
Upton, the tournament MVP, and Jenkins, both logging all 40 minutes, delivered masterful performances. Upton poured in 21 points, while Jenkins recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Gonzales chipped in with 16 points, his defensive prowess proving crucial. Holmes provided a spark off the bench, scoring 14 points.
This victory is more than just a championship; it's a testament to the power of belief, the strength of brotherhood, and the unwavering spirit of the Nelson Warriors. In just their second year, they've written a story that will be told for generations. And for a program that started from scratch, they are now sitting on top of the college basketball world.
