DANVILLE, Ill.—March 20, 2026—In a high-stakes clash between familiar foes, the No. 11 Parkland College men's basketball team delivered a statement performance Friday night, defeating No. 7 Danville Area Community College 77-66 to advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championship game.
With the win, the Cobras improve to 28-7 on the season and secure a spot in the title game, continuing a remarkable postseason run against top competition—and against a rival they know all too well.
Parkland set the tone early, building a 39-24 halftime lead behind efficient offense and disciplined defensive play. Despite a second-half push from Danville, the Cobras maintained their composure down the stretch to close out the 11-point victory.
Jaiden Martin led the way with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting, while Chris Bush added 17 points and 6 rebounds. De'Shaun Tolever provided a major spark off the bench with 16 points, and Nick Harrell chipped in 9 points and 5 rebounds.
As a team, Parkland shot 53.1% from the field and knocked down 90% of their free throws (18-20), capitalizing on key opportunities throughout the game.
Defensively, the Cobras disrupted Danville's rhythm and controlled key stretches of the game, particularly in the first half where they built a lead they would not relinquish.
The victory carries added significance for Parkland, not only as a win over a local rival, but as a moment of growth after multiple matchups this season. On the national stage, the Cobras rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Now, Parkland turns its attention to the championship game on Saturday evening (March 21), where they will face No. 8 Ellsworth Community College. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 PM CST.
For head coach John Bowler and the Cobras, the opportunity is especially meaningful. After falling just short in last year's national championship game, Parkland now has a chance at redemption. Even more impressive, this run comes from a resilient, battle-tested group that has persevered through injuries and roster challenges throughout the season.
One game remains—and a championship is on the line.
