The NCMC Pirates got off to a fast start Wednesday night and were able to coast to a 95-86 point victory over Wentworth Military Academy.  The win marked the beginning of region play.  On the year, the Pirates are 8-4 and 1-0 in Region 16.

The Pirates featured a balanced offensive attack in the contest.  Major Finley poured in 27 points to lead the charge.  Big men MJ Johnson and Jalen Gant had 18 and 15 points respectively.  Guards Teyontae Jenkins, 11 points, and Demetrius Houston, 10 points, rounded out the lineup of double figure scorers.  "I was really pleased with all of our players' performances and for all five of our starters to be in double figures just shows how balanced and dangerous we could be," commented Coach Esry. 

"Our bigs did a great job controlling the glass and attacking plus I was really impressed with how our guards defended and pressured their guards," remarked Esry on some of the tactical success his team put together.

With the win, the Pirates are off to a good start as they try to take home a Region 16 title.  "It was a good win for the guys. I was really happy how we came out in the first half defensively and had a mindset that we were going to stop them multiple times in a row. In the second half, Wentworth did a really good job of exposing us and showed what we need to continue to work on," stated Esry who is always looking for ways to improve his team.

The Pirates are back in action Saturday at home against Southeast Community College.  The Storm are currently 8-9 on the year.  The tipoff for that game is set for 4:00pm at the Ketcham Community Center.