NPC Nighthawks Soar on Sophomore Night
HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS – The No.1 ranked National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (23-0) took down University of Arkansas-Cossatot (UA Cossatot) in National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Region 2 play Thursday, defeating the Colts, 80-68.
Before the game, National Park College honored twelve sophomores—Matelyn Adaway (Hot Springs), Victoria Dalton (Hot Springs) and Destiny Covey (Mountain Pine) of NPC cheer and Patrick Punch (Houston, Texas), Taylor Harrell (Houston, Texas), Anthony Swift (Las Vegas, Nevada), Ja’Bryant Hill (Dallas, Texas), Nakavieon White (Odessa, Texas), Keryn Collins (Dallas, Texas), Them Koang (Grand Island, Nebraska), Siddiq Canty (Dallas, Texas) and Brody Tucker (Kirby) of Nighthawk men’s basketball—for their outstanding contributions to Nighthawk Athletics.A low-scoring affair made things interesting early in the Nighthawks’ final home game of the season, with NPC holding a 10-8 advantage with 12 minutes remaining in the first half. Led by Harrell, Hill and White, the Nighthawks found their offensive groove over the next six minutes, extending the lead to double digits, 25-15. With help from the free throw line, National Park College pushed ahead to a 36-29 lead at halftime.
UA Cossatot entered the second half fired up, outscoring the Nighthawks 12-4 in the first four minutes to take their first lead, 41-40. The Colts’ run would be short-lived, however, as White sank a layup at the 14-minute mark to put NPC back in front for good, 46-45. Following that basket, NPC erupted on a 21-5 run, led by Punch, White and Hill to boost the Nighthawks to their 23rd win of the season in front of a record crowd in the Kettle.
White led the Nighthawks in scoring with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Punch added 19 points, while Hill finished with 18 points in the win.
The Nighthawks travel to Shorter College Monday, February 19 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.
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National Park College was established in 1973 and is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The College serves approximately 7,000 credit and non-credit students per year. NPC is a comprehensive two-year institution offering associate degrees and certificates as well as continuing education, community services and workforce training.