Wahoo entered the 1994 Capitol Conference Tournament as they had for the previous seven years – the top seed and overwhelming favorite to win the championship. But on the other side of the bracket loomed a team some thought would have a chance against the Warriors. Valley had only one loss and had something that might cause the Warriors a problem – 6’7” Josh Kroupa who entered the tournament averaging 23 points per game. If Wahoo had any weaknesses, it was their strength on the boards. Warrior center, 6’4” Travis Toline, would certainly be tested.
Wahoo easily cruised through the first two rounds of the tournament, defeating Raymond Central 127 - 60 and then clearing the century mark again with a 105 – 53 win over Syracuse. Valley downed Fort Calhoun and Arlington to emerge as Wahoo’s opponent in the championship round.
With its early season success and a powerful inside game that some thought might be the Warriors’ Achilles’ heel, Valley approached the championship contest with more confidence than many Wahoo opponents could muster. But the Terrier’s hopes of an upset were quickly squelched. The Warriors clamped on their full court press and forced 12 Valley turnovers in the first quarter while sprinting to a 28 – 5 lead as Mike Hancock and Greg Hain combined for 20 points and Travis Toline going against the taller Kroupa netted 6. The second quarter was more of the same as the Terrier’s suffered 12 more turnovers and the Warriors led at half 56 – 13. Ultimately, the Warriors posted their third consecutive 100 point game and held Valley to just 34 points. Coach Anderson noted that the Wahoo defense was at peak performance – “We played defense like we’re capable of playing.” The Wahoo quickness in the full court helped to limit Kroupa’s effectiveness, holding the Valley standout to just two first half fieldgoals – Kroupa finished the game with 18 points. Valley’s second leading scorer, Kelly Merryweather, was held scoreless. Valley coach Charlie Doeden noted, “Our guards are struggling and when you come up against something like this, they’re just not ready.”
After the drubbing in the Conference Tournament final, Valley had to face Wahoo again in a regular season game that determined the regular season championship as both teams entered the contest with 6-0 conference records. There was little apprehension on the part of the Warriors and the outcome of the second game wasn’t much different. But it was a home game for the Terriers, which might have increased expectations of a possible upset. In an effort to create that upset, Valley employed a box and one defense on Mike Hancock. But it wasn’t successful as Mike Simons took his turn to lead the Warriors, netting six three’s and scoring 29 points. The Warriors led 32 – 6 at the end of the first quarter, ultimately producing a 98 – 45 win. Coach Anderson commented, “All we did was move Mike Simons to the top of the key. They had virtually one guard trying to guard two of our guys.” Coach Doeden defended the strategy: “I’d much rather see them hit three-pointers than shoot layups.” Coach Doeden said his team came to compete, but had “no illusions” about the task in front of them: “Wahoo is one of the top two or three teams in the state regardless of class. We can’t stay with them.” As in the previous years, the best of the rest of the Capital Conference wasn’t nearly good enough to compete with the Warriors.
Validation?
