QUINCY, Ill. - Parkland men's basketball (23-7) came in to postseason play as the #3 seed in the NJCAA Central District (which includes all of Region 24). After knocking off #2 seed Danville Area CC, the Cobras upset their second opponent in as many days to win the championship. The victim this time was #1 seed John Wood CC, on its own home court. A final score of 76-58 qualifies Parkland to move on and join fifteen other district champions in the Sweet Sixteen at the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. This marks the Cobras' eighth appearance in the national tournament and its third appearance in the past five seasons.
Parkland was in control of the championship game from the start, taking a 34-26 lead into halftime. With just under thirteen minutes remaining in the game, John Wood closed to within four, at 46-42. The Cobras then went on a 13-0 run, and from that point on the Blazers could get no closer than 11 points.
"We were really locked-in the last three games," stated head coach
Anthony Figueroa. "Everybody was on the same page. Today we were a little lucky, which you have to be, that John Wood was missing some shots they normally make. We are really proud of our guys and excited they get to experience the national tournament!"
Parkland shot 53% from the field, including 44% from 3-point range. John Wood was held to 31% shooting for the game, a key to the Cobras' victory.
Carter Jeffries (31 points, 3 assists) led the scoring for the Parkland, making six 3-pointers.
Bruno Williams Jr. (14 points, 6 rebounds) was also strong on the offensive end and in the paint.
Joey Saracco (8 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block) and
Charles Campbell Jr. (8 points, 7 rebounds) helped Parkland collect 33 rebounds.
With the win, Parkland moves on to the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship, which takes place March 17-21 at the Mary Miller Center in Danville, Ill. The brackets for the tournament are yet to be determined. Specific game dates and times for Parkland will be announced when they become available.
