NJCAA DIVISION THREE
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME – The top seeded NORTH LAKE COLLEGE BLAZERS vied with the 3 seeds – the HERKIMER COLLEGE GENERALS – for the NJCAA’s D3 title.
This was a tale of two Halves, as the Blazers were clinging to a mere 30-29 edge over Herkimer College by the midpoint of the game. After the break, North Lake College dominated the Generals to win by a final score of 74-61. Bryson Smith tossed in 24 points to lead the Blazers to their 5th national championship.
THIRD PLACE GAME – This D3 consolation clash pitted the 5 seeds – the BROOKDALE COLLEGE JERSEY BLUES – against the 10th seeded RIVERLAND COLLEGE BLUE DEVILS.
The Jersey Blues folded, spindled and mutilated Riverland College in the opening Half, which ended with them doubled-up on their opponents 42-21. From there, Brookdale College coasted to an 86-67 victory. Manny Bell’s 20 points led the Jersey Blues, while his teammate Phillip Byrd logged a Double Double of 16 points and 13 rebounds.
NJCAA DIVISION TWO
FINAL FOUR: FIRST BERTH – The 5th seeded NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE NIGHTHAWKS took the court against the 13 seeds – the NORTH CENTRAL MISSOURI COLLEGE PIRATES.
Come Halftime the Nighthawks were out in front 49-39. After the break National Park College kept the Pirates pretty much at arm’s length on their way to an 83-74 triumph. THIRTY-TWO points from Nakavieon White led the Nighthawks into the semifinals.
FINAL FOUR: SECOND BERTH – Up next was this game between the top seeds – the DAVIDSON-DAVIE COLLEGE STORM – and the 8th seeded DES MOINES AREA COLLEGE BEARS.
The Storm had compiled a comfortable 45-34 advantage over Des Moines Area College by the Half. From there, Davidson-Davie College left the Bears further and further behind as they smoked them 89-61. Nygie Stroman led the Storm with his Double Double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.
FINAL FOUR: THIRD BERTH – The 3rd seeded ELLSWORTH COLLEGE PANTHERS collided with the 6 seeds – the MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE STORMERS.
The Panthers saw their 52-35 Halftime lead melt away as MATC forced Overtime with a Century Club tie of 101-101 to end Regulation. In the extra session Ellsworth College defeated the Stormers 121-113. The Panthers were led by Clinton Efinda with his Double Double of 25 points and 10 rebounds. His teammate Chimobi Ikegwuruka also had a Double Double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
FINAL FOUR: LAST BERTH – This game pitted the 2 seeds – the SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE BULLDOGS – against the 7th seeded PARKLAND COLLEGE COBRAS.
The Bulldogs were on top of Parkland College by just 32-30 at the Half. After the break South Suburban College managed some separation from the Cobras, ultimately winning by a count of 79-70. Jernel Jones registered THIRTY-NINE points to lead the Bulldogs in scoring.
Balladeer's Blog 
Charlee: “Uh-oh! Cat vs. Dog! Who will win?!”
Lulu: “Dog.”
Chaplin: “Cat.”
Java Bean: “Dog.”
Oona: “Cat.”
Lulu: “Looks like it’s a tie—”
Charlee: “Cat.”
Lulu: “Well phooey.”
March Madness has infected your pets!
Great posts as always. I don’t have any interests in basketball but always find your posts engaging. While I don’t enjoy the game itself, I’ve always loved films that capture the appeal of basketball. For instance, Ben Affleck’s “Air” is a good example. It tells the true story about how Nike founded the famous Air Jordan shows used by the renowned basketball player Michael Jordan. One of the best movies of 2023. I have no interest in Nike’s shoes so I was rather surprised by how much I loved the film.
Here’s why it’s worth watching:
I appreciate it! I’m on my way to your review!