Ramsey: On this day at Clune, hope springs eternal
A day of hope.
Air Force bounced Wyoming, ended its Mountain West Conference losing streak and delivered happiness to long-suffering fans at Clune Arena.
But the most encouraging performance didn’t happen at Clune.
A couple of miles away, the Air Force prep school trashed Brown Mackie Junior College 73-53, improving to 21-6 while running a precise, crisp version of the Princeton offense.
The prep school stars have a plan for future games at Clune.
“We’re going to win,” said forward Jordan Jahr, who scored 16 points. “And then we’ll go from there. We’re going to win conference, make the NCAA Tournament.
“That’s my vision right now.”
Jahr left open the possibility of expanding his vision.
Guard Bryce Brady, a sturdy point guard, shrugged when asked about the Falcons’ recent woes.
“Life is all about phases,” he said, “and there are some down times that Air Force basketball is having and it will pass.”
On this day, Brady’s optimism didn’t seem senseless.
Wyoming has been crippled by the injury of forward Afam Muojeke, one of the conference’s better players, but the Falcons deserve credit for virtually flawless basketball in the final 5 minutes.
Guard Evan Washington played the best game of his career, collecting 23 points, seven assists and four rebounds, and point guard Todd Fletcher ran the offense calmly and wisely. Remember, Washington and Fletcher return next season.
I don’t share Jahr’s boundless optimism for the program, but there’s one important thing to remember about the Falcons: It can’t get any worse than it’s been.
I don’t believe the Falcons are about to embark on another 22-game MWC losing streak.
The prep school’s strength is a reminder of coach Jeff Reynolds’ recruiting skills. Former coach Jeff Bzdelik’s reckless disregard of recruiting helped send Air Force to the depths.
Now, Reynolds must try to make a massive leap. The Falcons have tumbled with losses becoming the norm at Clune. Mediocrity is a long journey from here.
Air Force last won a conference game on March 3, 2008. On that day, President Bush occupied the White House and about 15 people in the Lower 48 had heard of Sarah Palin.
It was a long time ago. For many of the Falcons, it was almost half a college career ago.
Since then, Air Force has lost games in nearly every way possible in a long, depressing march to the MWC basement.
But Washington and Fletcher and Brady and Jahr offer something that had been lost at the academy.
They offer hope.
