Induction Ceremony Photo GalleryThe 1983-84 Men’s Basketball team collected a 23-6 record en route to their second National Bible College Athletic Association championship. A 20-6 regular season featured a seven-game winning streak late in the year. The road warriors completed an outstanding 18-4 record away from their home court at O’Hara Catholic School.
NCC’s only easy game in the NBCAA tournament proved to be in the first round when they defeated Grace Bible (Michigan) by 18 points, 78-60. The Crusaders took a 45-38 lead at halftime and never looked back, fueled by 27 points from Jon Willis and 21 from his brother, Joe Willis.
In one of the most memorable victories in school history, NCC needed three overtimes to get past Pillsbury Baptist College (Minnesota) in the semifinals, 82-76. The Crusaders trailed by seven points at halftime and were down 14 with under eight minutes to play before charging back to tie the game on a pair of Jon Willis free throws with 20 seconds to play.
After an even first overtime, the Comets again had the upper hand in the second extra frame, but a tip-in by Dan Olseon at the buzzer sent the game to a third overtime, the only three-overtime game in school history. Oleson and Willis iced the victory in the third overtime and the Beacons survived to fight another day despite having four players, including three point guards, foul out during the contest.
The iconic game was highlighted by the iconic performance of Willis who shot 10-for-18 from the field and hit 16 free-throws to total 36 points. John Tastad added 12 points while Oleson finished with seven.
As if that weren’t enough, the championship game one night later also went to overtime where NCC defeated undefeated North Central Bible (Minnesota), and their formidable 6’10” center Slim Henry, 77-73. The Crusaders again rallied late, this time coming back from eleven points down with just two minutes to play. Head Coach Dave Lipp decided to switch to a full-court press, and that extra squeeze led to several turnovers and fast-break points. Jon Willis scored from the key with seven seconds remaining to end regulation tied 60-60. After a 19-point, ten-rebound night, Henry fouled out in overtime and Tastad went on to seal the victory with two free throws and a breakaway layup in the final minute.
Members of the 1983-84 team were Oleson, Tastad, Jon and Joe Willis, Kelly Bokn, Tony Carvey, Mike Delaplain, Jeff Jenkins, Mickey McGraw, Jim Newport, Steve Parker, and Keith Potter. Carvey, Jenkins, Oleson, Potter and Jon Willis were also members of the 1982-83 championship team which was inducted into the NCU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Willis was also inducted as an individual in 2008. Head Coach Dave Lipp was assisted by Barry Bokn.
Jon Willis was named a NBCAA All-American after averaging 20 points per game while shooting 60% from the field. He led the team with 539 points and 172 rebounds. Joe Willis averaged 14.3 ppg and led the team with 61 steals.
