The Riverland Community College men’s basketball team wrapped up one of its best seasons in the past 40 years when it lost 85-72 to top-seeded Vermillion in the Regional tournament and it dropped a consolation game 99-89 to Mesabi Range in Anoka over the weekend.

Ricky Landers had a big weekend for the Blue Devils (16-13 overall) as he had 12 points and 11 rebounds against Vermillion and 22 points and 12 rebounds against Mesabi.

While their season ends on a loss, RCC head coach Scott Koenigs is pleased with the progress the program has made this season. With a roster that included mostly freshmen, the Blue Devils had a winning record for the second time in 42 years and they played in their first Region tournament in 17 years.

“This is a season that goes in the history books,” Koenigs said. “We laid a foundation I hope for continued success. We brought in some talent and we only have two sophomores moving on. I think the sky’s the limit with the talent we have at this point and the experience that they’ve gained.”

RCC’s Landers, Dearionte Hudson and Marcus Myers were all named to the All-MCAC and All-MCAC South basketball teams.

Koenigs likes what his team has coming back next year, but he said a lot of other MCAC teams have better facilities than RCC, which makes it difficult to get players to want to come play for the Blue Devils.

“Our facilities need a serious upgrade. It’s tough to recruit,” Koenigs said.

Vermillion 85, RCC 72

RCC scoring: Marcus Myers, 21; Robert Parker, 17; Dearionte Hudson, 12; Ricky Landers, 12; Nate Emge, 3; Devonte Miller, 3; Gary Cook, 2; Jeremy Stuart, 2

Mesabi 99, RCC 89

RCC scoring: Landers, 22; Parker, 18; Myers, 13; Miller, 10; Hudson, 9; Stuart, 5; Cook, 2