The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (18-0) celebrated
its third consecutive week ranked No. 1 in National Junior College Athletics Association
(NJCAA) Division 2 with a 99-85 victory over North Arkansas College Monday.
Following a 7-0 run to start the game, NPC set the tone early with aggressive three-point
scoring from sophomore guard Patrick Punch (Houston, Texas) and dominant put-backs
down low from sophomore center Taylor Harrell (Houston, Texas). The Pioneers would
not go away quietly, however, catching fire from beyond the arc to take a 21-19 lead
with 11:27 to play in the first half. Sophomore forward Nakavieon White (Odessa, Texas)
heated up down the stretch, knocking down 12 first-half points as NPC outlasted the
Pioneers, 45-42, at the break.
After North Arkansas College regained the lead briefly, 50-49, with 17:55 to go, Punch
answered with a deep three-pointer to give the Nighthawks the lead for good. Sophomore
guard Ja’Bryant Hill (Dallas, Texas) erupted for 11 points late as National Park College
crossed the finish line with its 18th win of the season. With seven assists in the
second half, White passed former Nighthawk Kam Vick to become NPC’s all-time leader
in assists.
Punch led the Nighthawks in scoring with 23 points. White recorded his second triple
double in a week, adding 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Harrell finished with
17 points and 11 rebounds, while Hill and sophomore forward Anthony Swift (Las Vegas,
Nevada) contributed 11 points apiece in the win.
The Nighthawks travel to South Arkansas College in El Dorado Thursday, February 1
at 6:30 p.m.
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
