The Goshen College men’s and women’s basketball teams battled against Bethel University at home on Saturday in the annual US Highway 20 Cup. The women’s team came out on top, winning 108-98, whereas the men’s team fell short, finishing the last game of their season 63-84.
On Tuesday, the women’s team also wrapped up their season after losing to Indiana Wesleyan University in the conference tournament.“I was disappointed in the result tonight and felt like we are a much better team than we showed out there,” said Stephanie Miller, the women’s basketball coach, after the Tuesday game. “But what is much harder than this loss is saying goodbye to (the senior) class of young women that has meant so much to this program.”
“They came to us when we were in a rebuild,” Miller continued, “and will be leaving the program with the culture, direction, and identity that it takes to win in the Crossroads League.”
Following the women’s game against Bethel University, the team recognized the achievements of five players at a senior night celebration. The seniors are Emily Brandeberry, Graysen Cockerham, Kiarah Copeland, Janara Flowers and Taniece Chapman, who led the women’s team with 26 points and 17 rebounds against Bethel.
The men’s team recognized Austin Branagan, who led the team with 16 points against Bethel.
In a speech recognizing Branagan, Jon Troph, the men’s basketball coach, said, “He leaves Goshen as one of the best big men to ever play here — but I’m mostly proud that he leaves as a better person.”
Although the men’s team did not make it to the conference tournament, they finished the season with a 7-23 record, which is as many wins as the past two seasons combined. In addition, they won as many conference games this year as they have the last three seasons altogether.
