The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks men’s and women’s basketball teams swept
their games against Shorter College Monday, with the Nighthawk women defeating the
Lady Bulldogs, 95-91, and the Nighthawk men picking up a 115-83 win.
NPC’s (6-7) defense shine early in women’s action, holding Shorter College scoreless
for the first four minutes of the game. Behind nine points from freshman guard Sidney
Townsend (Nashville), NPC jumped in front early, setting the tempo for the first 10
minutes.
With 3:37 remaining in the first quarter, sophomore guard India Atkins (Bryant), NPC’s
all-time leading scorer, eclipsed 700 career points on a reverse layup to give the
Nighthawks a 13-5 lead. Despite a slight rally from the Lady Bulldogs, NPC kept its
foot on the gas, leading 23-17 at the end of the quarter.
Shorter College rallied in the second quarter, chipping in 10 free throws to outscore
the Nighthawks, 27-24. Atkins led the offense for NPC, amassing 15 points, including
six free throws, to keep NPC in front, 47-44 at halftime.
In the second half, NPC received an offensive and defensive spark from freshman guard
Janayi Baker (Magnolia). Fueled by nine third-quarter points from Baker, NPC managed
to match the Lady Bulldogs bucket for bucket to take a 72-69 lead into the fourth
quarter. In the final act, Baker shined, delivering five points to stave off a late
Shorter College rally and propel NPC to its second-consecutive NJCAA Region II victory.
Atkins led the Nighthawks in scoring with 26 points, while Townsend and Baker finished
with 21 and 18 points, respectively, in the win.
In men’s action, NPC (11-5) jumped out to a double-digit lead early, outscoring the
Bulldogs, 14-2, in the game’s first three-and-a-half minutes. Responding with a run of their own, the Bulldogs rallied
for 10 consecutive points to make it a one score game, 14-12, with 15 minutes remaining.
Led by strong scoring from freshman guard Patrick Punch (Houston, Texas), the Nighthawks
rebuilt a double digit lead, 28-17, with 9:06 to play—a lead that would not be relinquished
for the remainder of the period. Paced by timely three-point shooting from freshman
guard Nakavieon White (Odessa, Texas), NPC sailed into halftime with a 52-41 advantage.
With 15 second-half points, sophomore forward Quinntez Grimes (Dallas, TX) jump-started
NPC’s offense quickly and never looked back. Building the lead to 30 points, 101-71,
seven minutes into the half, the Nighthawks survived nine second-half Bulldog three-pointers
down the stretch to notch their second NJCAA Region II victory of the season.
Punch led the Nighthawks in scoring with 29 points, while White and Grimes finished
with 21 and 19 points, respectively. Sophomore guard Ty-Shon Pannell (Long Island,
New York) amassed 11 points, while freshman guard Ja’Bryant Hill (Duncanville, Texas)
added 10 points in the win.
Nighthawks basketball will host a health care and first responder appreciation night
Thursday, January 19 in the Kettle at NPC. The Nighthawk women play host to North
Arkansas College at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be
streamed live on the Nighthawk Network. Each honored health care and first responder will receive two tickets to the game
and will be recognized during halftime of each game. Additional tickets can be purchased
at the door for $5. Tickets and concession are cash only at this time.
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
