After six days of teams and visitors from all over the country at Danville Area Community College, the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament concluded Saturday night with National Park taking the championship.
With the help of more than 350 volunteers put together by Danville Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Jeanie Cooke, the first year of having 20 participating teams (up from 16) and a Monday start (moved up from Tuesday) was scored a rousing success.
Both Cooke and DACC Athletic Director Tim Bunton declared the whole week a major hit.
AUDIO: (COOKE) It was an amazing week. I can’t say enough for the volunteers, and our staff and the staff of the college. It was just a joy. It was a joyous week. (BUNTON) What a great tournament, and what a great final game. And I think the at large bids were verified. National Park was an at large; last year they wouldn’t be here. So, they were undefeated and the number one team for a long time.
National Park from Hot Springs, Arkansas defeated South Suburban from South Holland, Illinois in the title game 84-79. Leading the way was tournament MVP Taylor Harrell with 22 points, followed by Keryn Collins with 19. In addition, Ja’Bryant Hill scored 15 and hit the clinching free throws at the end of the game.
South Suburban was led by Jamel Jones with 25 points. Jones also scored 37, 39, and 46 points during South Suburban’s earlier tournament wins.
The NJCAA will be back in Danville again next March, as the tradition continues.
COMPLETE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div2/index
