National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk women’s basketball team captured its first National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Region 2 Tournament championship Saturday, defeating North Arkansas College, 56-49.
In a physical ballgame from the opening tipoff, NPC found itself in a back-and-forth battle with the Lady Pioneers throughout the first 10 minutes. Freshman guard Kishaliya Doss (Magnolia) served as NPC’s offensive catalyst early, turning multiple steals into seven first quarter points. Freshman guard Daisy Dollar (Mena) provided extra ammunition from beyond the arc, knocking down a key trey as well as two crucial free throws as the Nighthawks battled within one point, 14-13, at the end of the quarter.
NPC regained its momentum, defensively, in the second quarter and never looked back, capitalizing on Lady Pioneer fouls to pad its lead. Freshman guards Parish Norfleet (Wichita Falls, Texas) and Ta’Keyla Williamson (Blevins) contributed four points apiece while holding North Arkansas College to just nine second quarter points as the Nighthawks took a 29-23 lead into the locker room.
Defense paved NPC’s path to victory throughout the second half, with the Nighthawks taking control of the rebounding battle, including a lopsided 17-3 advantage in offensive boards. Sophomore guard Hannah McLain (Cove) was unstoppable down the stretch, recording 13 total rebounds and limiting the Lady Pioneers’ opportunities, offensively.
Leading by eight points, 43-35, entering the final act, NPC endured a fourth quarter Lady Pioneer rally as North Arkansas College pulled within one score, 45-42, with 5:34 remaining. Clutch free throws from Doss and freshman guard Khayla Garrett (Brownsboro, Texas) fueled a fearless 11-7 Nighthawk run as NPC advanced to its first NJCAA Central Plains District Tournament appearance in program history.
Doss led the Nighthawks in scoring with 14 points. Dollar added 14 points, while McLain finished with six points and 13 rebounds in the win.
The Nighthawk women advance to the NJCAA Central District Championship at North Central Missouri College Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. in Trenton, Missouri. The game will be streamed live by North Central Missouri College at PiratesDigitalMedia.com.
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