Nighthawks Split With Rhema
The National Park College Nighthawk basketball teams split the series with Rhema Bible
Training College Thursday, with the Nighthawk women falling, 83-78, and the Nighthawk
men winning, 109-86.
In the women’s game, two early three-pointers from Hailee Crosby (Mountain Pine) helped
the Nighthawks (3-9) keep pace against the visiting Lady Eagles, who led, 19-17, after
the first quarter. In the second quarter, National Park College lost ground, mustering
just 13 points, while Rhema capitalized on turnovers to take a 40-30 lead into halftime.
In the second half, National Park College exploded with a 33-point third quarter,
fueled by an 11-point effort from sophomore Bailey Womack (Fountain Lake), to take
a 63-57 lead into the fourth quarter. However, the Lady Eagles knocked down 5 three-pointers
in the final frame to outscore the home team, 26-15, sealing the win.
Womack led the Nighthawks in scoring with 23 points. Crosby added 18 points, while
sophomore Laney Wallace (Malvern) and freshman Logan Keener (Lake Hamilton) amassed
13 and 11 points, respectively, in the loss.
Utilizing its strong sophomore class, the Nighthawk men (11-2) powered their way through
the first half against the Eagles, soaring behind 13- and 12-point efforts from sophomores
Seth Duke (Gravette) and Braylon Steen (Bryant). Strong defensive efforts from freshman
Garrison Branscum (Perryville) and sophomore Preston
Crowder (Arkadelphia) helped stifle Rhema late, pushing the Nighthawks to a 47-45
halftime lead.
In the second half, the Nighthawks found their rhythm early, dominating the paint,
drawing fouls and hitting 11 of 13 free throws. After scoring just one point in the
first half, freshman David Jagers (Mayflower) came alive late, scoring 17 points and
sending the home team to a convincing finish.
Jagers and Steen led the Nighthawks in scoring with 18 points apiece. Duke added 16
points, while sophomore KJ Corder (Hot Springs) finished with 13 points in the win.
The Nighthawk men play host to ASU Mid-South Thursday, January 24 at 6 p.m. at “The
Kettle” at National Park College in Hot Springs. XZero Sports will stream the games
live at www.xzerosports.com. The Nighthawk women return to action Feb. 2 for homecoming against North Arkansas
College.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit www.np.edu/basketball. Visit NJCAA Division II team stats for up-to-date NJCAA statistics on the Nighthawks. Fans can also follow
the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
