Laramie County Community College picked the perfect night to play its most disciplined, high‑powered offensive game of the season, defeating McCook Community College 88–79 in the Region IX Quarterfinals and punching its ticket to the semifinals on March 13th vs. Lamar.
Coulter's Masterclass Leads the Way
From the opening whistle, TJ Coulter looked like a man determined to extend LCCC's postseason run. The sophomore guard delivered a flat‑out tournament performance, erupting for 33 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing 6 assists while controlling the flow of the game.
Coulter attacked mismatches, lived in the paint, and relentlessly put pressure on McCook's defense. Anytime McCook made a push, he calmly answered — at the rim, in the mid‑range, or at the free‑throw line. His 10-of-13 shooting at the stripe was crucial late as LCCC closed the game out.
This was the kind of take‑over performance regional tournaments are built for.
Balanced Support Behind the Star
While Coulter stole the headlines, Laramie County's supporting cast delivered the toughness and execution needed to win a playoff game.
Inside Presence
- Aeremiah Binford had one of his best offensive games of the year, dropping 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting, scoring through contact, and finishing in transition.
- Isaac Fiagbe controlled the defensive glass with 8 rebounds and added 9 points, while anchoring key defensive sequences.
- Brevin Phillips came off the bench and gave LCCC a massive lift: 9 points, 8 boards, and relentless energy.
Perimeter Execution
- Karim Elgizawy hit timely threes and finished with 10 points, helping open the floor for Coulter's drives.
- Anthony Nettles added 7 points and 4 rebounds, while providing steady ball pressure.
From top to bottom, LCCC played connected basketball — defending, sharing, rebounding, and responding every time McCook threatened.
STAT LEADERS — LARAMIE COUNTY
- TJ Coulter: 33 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast
- Aeremiah Binford: 17 pts, 5 reb
- Brevin Phillips: 9 pts, 8 reb
- Karim Elgizawy: 10 pts
- Isaac Fiagbe: 9 pts, 8 reb
- Team Shooting: 50% FG
- Rebounding Advantage: +3
This was tournament basketball at its finest — efficient, resilient, and executed with poise.
NEXT UP: Region IX Semifinals — March 13th vs. Lamar
With the quarterfinal behind them, LCCC turns its attention to a March 13th semifinal showdown against Lamar — a trip to the Region IX Championship game on the line.
The Golden Eagles enter the matchup with confidence, momentum, and a star playing his best basketball at exactly the right time.