Region 16 Champions.  That is the best way to describe Coach Croy's 2017-18 NCMC Women's Basketball squad.  After a pair of five point victories in the NJCAA Region 16 tournament, the Lady Pirates took home the hardware and are one game away from a trip to the national tournament.

The Lady Pirates opened the tournament with a 74-69 semifinal win over MCC-Penn Valley.  A balanced offensive attack was the key to victory; Sarah Lamp (15 points), Samm Jett (15 points), Kendey Eaton (14 points), and Maddison Book (11 points) all scored in double digits.  As a team, the Lady Pirates shot 50% from the field.

Next was the championship game against #4 ranked St. Louis Community College.  In the regular season, the Lady Pirates had dropped both meetings with the Lady Archers.  Saturday night would have a different ending.  Led by sophomores Kendey Eaton and Sarah Lamp, the Lady Pirates were able to pull off the upset 82-77.  Eaton totaled 26 points on 9 of 14 shooting.  Lamp poured in 20 points and pulled down 14 rebounds.  Also in double figures was fellow sophomore Samm Jett with 13 points.

A proud Coach Croy had these comments following the championship victory.  "We came out extremely focused from the tip.  The girls played well together and we had great leadership on the court and great energy from the bench.  Everyone contributed great minutes.  We knocked down our free-throws in the final two minutes to maintain our lead.  It's a great win for our program!"

#8 North Arkansas College will be the next opponent for NCMC.  The Lady Pirates will again be the underdog looking to avenge a couple of regular season losses.  Tip-off is set for 1:00pm on Saturday, March 10th in Harrison, AR.