Jeremy Deemer Part of 2017-18 Graceland University Men's Basketball National Championship Team

2018 Apr 25

Jeremy Deemer of Leon, IA, is a member of the 2017-18 Graceland University Men's Basketball National Championship team.

A historic season for Graceland University Men's Basketball came to a close Tuesday, March 20, when the team hoisted the national championship trophy of the 81st Annual NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship at Municipal Auditorium. Graceland became the first team from the state of Iowa to win the national championship in the event's history in an 83-80 overtime victory over Louisiana State University-Alexandria.

The win was the Yellowjackets' fifth national tournament victory in as many games in their first-ever appearance in the tournament. Graceland (29-10) finished its season winning its last 11 straight games, 12 of its last 13, and the Yellowjackets were 19-2 from Jan. 17 through the end of the season.

"We are so proud of our student-athletes, but this is much bigger than just basketball," said Graceland head coach Craig Doty. "This is about a university, a community and an alumni base coming together and celebrating what higher education is all about. This roster was built organically with a vision for those who care about each other, accept coaching and want to be a part of a family environment."

The championship game had an attendance of 6,377, which was the highest-attended final since the tournament returned to Kansas City in 2002.

Read the full release here.