The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (30-1) defeated Davidson-Davie
Community College, 92-83, in the Final Four of the National Junior College Athletics
Association (NJCAA) Division 2 Men’s Basketball National Tournament Friday, earning
a trip to the National Championship game.
In a battle between one-loss teams, all eyes were on the Nighthawks and Storm, who
held No. 1 and No. 2 national rankings, respectively, for most of the season. Sophomore
center Taylor Harrell (Houston, Texas) amassed a double-double in the first half for
NPC, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds as the Nighthawks stifled the Storm’s starting
five down low early. NPC capitalized on Storm miscues throughout the majority of the
first 20 minutes, converting 15 points off turnovers. Sophomore guard Siddiq Canty
(Dallas, Texas) dazzled with 15 first half points, including three treys, on six-of-eight
shooting as NPC took a 40-33 lead into the locker room.
In a physical second half, free throws paved the way to victory for the Nighthawks,
who knocked down 26 of 30 attempts over the final 20 minutes. Sophomore guard Ja’Bryant
Hill erupted for 18 points in the final period, including 10 free throws, while sophomore
forward Nakavieon White (Odessa, Texas) cleaned up with 10 second-half points. Defensively,
the Nighthawks added 11 more points off Davidson-Davie turnovers as NPC punched its
ticket to the National Championship game in its first National Tournament appearance.
Canty led the Nighthawks in scoring with 19 points. Harrell finished with 18 points
and 15 rebounds, while Hill and White recorded 18 and 17 points, respectively, in
the win.
The Nighthawks will face No. 2 seed South Suburban College in the NJCAA Division 2
National Championship Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m. The 2024 NJCAA Division 2 National
Tournament will be streamed live by the NJCAA Network.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
X: @NPC_Nighthawks
