Nighthawks Win Region II Tournament Opener
The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks men’s and women’s basketball teams defeated
South Arkansas Community College in the NJCAA Region II Tournament at Harding University
on Tuesday. The Nighthawk women defeated the Stars, 67-49, while the Nighthawk men
picked up a 73-55 victory, earning the teams’ first postseason wins in Nighthawks
basketball history.
In women’s action, the Nighthawks (12-14) and Stars went toe-to-toe for the large
majority of the first half. Tied, 13-13, after the first quarter, NPC rode a nine-point
second quarter effort from sophomore India Atkins (Bryant) to take a 28-26 lead at
halftime.
With six and five points, respectively, in the third quarter, Atkins and sophomore
Amaya Coakley (Killeen, TX) guided the Nighthawks to a 45-41 lead entering the fourth
quarter. In the final act, NPC pulled away quickly with a 19-2 run over the first
seven minutes of the fourth quarter, soaring to the team’s 12th win this year.
Atkins led the Nighthawks in scoring with 19 points, while Coakley added 11 points
in the win.
In men’s action, NPC (21-8) flexed its muscles early, erupting on a 15-2 run over
the six minutes and never
looking back. Paced by strong scoring from sophomores Sayvon Traylor (Atlanta, GA)
and JoQuarius Valrie (Houston, TX), the Nighthawks cruised to a 43-19 halftime advantage.
Led by nine points form Valrie and seven points from sophomore Kam Vick (Little Rock),
the Nighthawks coasted throughout the final 20 minutes, relying on its defense to
defeat South Arkansas Community College for the third time this season and notching
NPC’s 21st victory this year.
Traylor led the Nighthawks in scoring with 18 points. Valrie finished with 17 points
while Vick added 12 points in the win.
The Nighthawk men and women advance to the NJCAA Region II Tournament semifinals at
Harding University on Friday, Feb. 25. The women face No. 7 North Arkansas College
at 3 p.m., followed by the Nighthawk men against ASU Mid-South at 7 p.m. Both games
will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk men’s basketball and Nighthawk women’s basketball online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
