The 2025-26 season came to a close for the Owens Community College men's basketball team Wednesday night, as the Express fell to Lorain County Community College, 93-74, in the Region XII Championship game on Feb. 18.
Owens struggled to find its rhythm early, falling behind by 20 points in the first half. Lorain County set the tone with its defensive pressure and tempo, forcing Owens to play catch-up for most of the night.
Head Coach Joell Heidelberg said the slow start proved costly.
"Unfortunately, the regional championship game didn't go the way we hoped. We came out a little flat and didn't have the energy we needed early. I want to give a lot of credit to Lorain; they came in with great intensity and the mindset to win, and that showed. Falling behind in the first half made it difficult for us to really find our rhythm."
Despite the deficit, Owens showed resilience after halftime. The Express increased its defensive intensity and moved the ball more efficiently on offense, creating better scoring opportunities. However, every push was answered by Lorain County, which capitalized on second-chance points and key defensive stops to maintain control.
"I thought we responded much better in the second half," Heidelberg said. "The energy and effort were there, but being down 20 points is a tough hole to climb out of. Every time we tried to make a run, small details — missed box outs or missed defensive opportunities — slowed our momentum.
That said, I'm proud of our group. They continued to fight and compete, which says a lot about their character. We'll learn from this experience and use it as motivation moving forward. The future is bright for our program. We're bringing in a strong Class of 2026 with great size and speed, and I'm excited about the sophomores we have returning."
Even in the loss, Owens had bright spots. The Express finished the season with one of its strongest offensive outputs in recent years, averaging over 80 points per game and shooting efficiently from the field throughout the year. Their fast-paced style and depth helped them earn a spot in the Region XII title game and remain competitive in conference play.
The loss marks the end of a season filled with growth, adversity, and development. While the championship result was not what Owens hoped for, the foundation built this year, combined with a promising incoming recruiting class, gives the program momentum heading into 2026-27.
For the sophomores, it was their final time in an Owens uniform. For the returning players, Wednesday's loss will serve as motivation.
The Express may have fallen short of a regional title, but the fight they showed, especially in the second half, reflected the culture Coach Heidelberg and staff continue to build.