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The 2006-07 basketball season was a season of near misses for the Stormy Petrels. In compiling a solid 14-12 record, the Petrels had an amazing eight losses by five points or less, including three in which their opponents made shots inside the last three seconds to win or tie the game. Despite the heart-breaking losses, the Petrels still finished with their most wins and best record in eight years.
The fast-paced Petrels played a style that was different than any other in the conference, forcing the tempo on offense and defense in leading the conference in scoring by a wide margin while also leading the conference in steals for the second consecutive season. The offense also scored at a proficient rate, finishing second in the conference in field goal percentage. For most of the year, the Petrels challenged both the conference and the school all-time records for points per game. The squad ended the season with the second highest points per game average in the 91-year basketball history of Oglethorpe University. The team also led the conference in free throws made and attempted, a feat they have accomplished in each of the past four seasons.
The Petrels opened the season 6-3, but a tough two weeks in January saw the squad sitting with a 6-6 record and an 0-4 start in conference play. With the season at a cross-roads, the Petrels reeled off six consecutive conference victories, including a sweep of Trinity and Southwestern out in Texas, becoming the first conference team to pull that off since 2002. The six consecutive conference wins was also the longest such streak for the Petrels in twelve years. The Petrels finished the regular season with a 14-11 record, and then lost on a last second shot to Trinity University in the conference tournament.
Several individuals had excellent seasons for the Petrels. Senior Andrew Tulowitzky capped his career off by being named 1st Team All-Conference. The sharp-shooting Tulowitzky finished 3rd in the conference in scoring (16.6 ppg) while leading the conference in three-point percentage, three-pointers made, and free throw percentage. Junior post Ahmad Kareem Shaheed continued to elevate his play, averaging 15.3 ppg and 9.8 rpg. He finished the year leading the conference in both rebounds and field goal percentage. Senior Arthur Pilkivics had an excellent all-around season and senior Terry Bailey led the conference in steals for the third time in four years.
Off the court, the Petrels had a very successful year. Seven team members were named Academic All-Conference, a feat achieved by earning a 3.25 GPA or better. This marked the second year in a row the Petrels have had seven players earn this honor. The Petrels community outreach efforts were also recognized, as the team was named “Volunteer of the Year” for the entire Metro Atlanta area by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. |
