The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk women’s basketball team fell to No. 12 North Central Missouri College in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Central Plains District Tournament championship Saturday, 70-59.
Turnovers and fouls plagued both teams in a low-scoring first half. Behind strong rebounding and timely steals from freshman guard Kishaliya Doss (Magnolia), NPC battled within two points, 11-9, at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, NPC began to develop an offensive rhythm, with sophomore guard Hannah McLain (Cove) pushing the Nighthawks into the lead, 16-15, with 7:32 to play. The Pirates would not go away quietly, however, rallying for a late run to take a 26-18 lead in the final two minutes. NPC shortened the deficit from the foul line, with Doss and McLain sinking free throws to send the game to halftime with the Nighthawks trailing, 26-21.
NPC’s shooting woes continued throughout the first five minutes of the third quarter, with North Central Missouri College holding a 36-28 advantage midway through the period. Following a timeout, NPC rallied behind McLain, who surged for six quick points, followed by a layup from freshman guard Parish Norfleet (Wichita Falls, Texas) to pull within two points, 40-38. The Pirates would catch a second wind, however, outscoring NPC, 6-2, to take a 46-40 lead going into the final act.
North Central Missouri College took advantage of NPC foul trouble in the fourth quarter, padding its lead from the free throw line. Unable to answer the deficit, the Nighthawks fell short of their goals in their first District Championship appearance.
McLain led the Nighthawks in scoring with 14 points, while Doss and freshman guard Khyra Garrett (Brownsboro, Texas) finished with 10 points apiece in the loss.
The Nighthawk women are currently pursuing an at-large bid to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament and are awaiting the results of the selection show, which is scheduled to air Tuesday, March 11 at 12 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