LANSING - The LCC Men's Basketball Team is making huge leaps. First, their team earns the number one spot in the Division II Men's Basketball Poll. They are 12-1 this season, and in their most recent game in Flint, defeated their rivals, Mott Community College, 77-74.

But what might interest you is the team's unwavering optimism and dedication which stems from their coach. He pushes them hard when other teams are on vacation time or otherwise absent from the gym. It's that kind of sacrifice and dedication that shows the kind of mental drive it takes to earn such a winning streak.

When asked what unique characteristics made the individuals on his team stand out from competitor teams, head coach Mike Ingram had this to say:

"I think that we've got six sophomores on our team and all of them went to the national tournament last year. Having that many sophomores is like having four 4 year seniors. Three of them started last year and so I think it gives us an edge that way. Plus we've got great size to go with them."

"But you also want a kid that's dedicated to being here on time all the time that comes to all your work outs that makes it during the summer".

Mike Ingram introduced me to his head scorer Javon Haines. When I asked him what sacrifice meant to him, he said this:

"You have to sacrifice a lot of people, you know, some friends that I thought were my friends, had to cut em off, just because they might not have realized what I'm trying to do for myself and what I have going for the team, so yeah you gotta sacrifice going out, you know, staying in, doing your homework, staying in the gym, you know, trying to get better thinking about the bigger goal."

He also said, "We're just doing other things that teams aren't doing. when like for instance the thanksgiving break, I know, coach reminded us that a lot of teams won't be practicing over thanksgiving break. We practiced early during Christmas break. And that's the sacrifices you gotta make for the better good of the team."