The Rams Men’s Basketball wrapped up its season with a thriller versus College of Sequoias and  a bench-clearing argument with Porterville as the team continued its dominance in the Central Valley Conference, winning the conference title for the 15th straight time.

“We still have a lot of things left to grow and most of it’s mental,” said Head Coach Ed Madec.

FCC has rolled through conference play with a 11-1 record securing  a California State record 15th league title.

With the playoffs looming, the Rams look to avoid an early defeat and bring home a state championship for the first time since 2011.

BJ Shelton, sophomore guard and Co-CVC player of the Year, led the Rams with a game-high 26 points on 12 of 16 shooting from the field versus Porterville and 20 points versus COS.

“Winning this last game, now we can focus on playoffs,” said BJ Shelton.

The Rams after starting the season 5-5 went on a 21-1 record.  Under Head Coach Ed Madec, the Rams went 24-6 overall on the season.

They are ranked seventh in the CCCAA, and  have shown off why they are a top tier team in the state throughout the season. Guard Terrance Wienecke shed some light on why they are successful.

“The strength is our brotherhood, and how we come together as a whole,” Wienecke said. “We are a family.”

The sense of family and brotherhood is an aspect shared by the players and fans alike, especially after the recent controversy surrounding player Nick Hilton for his role in multiple incidents involving rough and illegal play.

Hilton was warmly received in his first home game back from suspension, and he scored 14 points and dished out eight assists. Hilton also had two steals in the game. He also scored the game winning basket versus COS.

Going forward, the Rams hope to make an impact in the playoffs, and Madec has told his team that they will have to improve their defense in order to do so.

The team has the physical presence to accomplish its goals, and every player is giving his fullest on every possession.

“With defense like that, we will be out after the first round[of playoffs],” Coach Madec said.

Wienecke said the team needs to improve the mental aspect of the game, just as they do physically.“[We need]to get mentally stronger, come together as one and make less mistakes.”

The physical prowess of the Rams has never been in doubt, with every player having a different skillset to wreak havoc on opposing teams.

But when playoff basketball comes around, the success is truly dictated by a team’s chemistry and ability to play as a unit, rather than a group of individuals.

Fresno will focus on the playoffs and the playoffs alone. If the Rams are able to play to their absolute potential, they have the chance to claim the State Championship and bring it home to Fresno.

Wienecke added, “If we max out to our strengths, we can go to the highest point, and that’s the state.”