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In Danville, Illinois, the Parkland College men’s basketball team is once again setting its sights on the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, hoping to improve on their impressive runner-up performance from last year.
The Cobras kicked off the tournament with a stunning victory, defeating Johnson County Community College with a score of 86-78. Prior to nationals, Parkland claimed the Region 24 championship by overcoming Danville Area Community College (DACC) with a decisive 81-67 win.
Despite the challenges posed by a roster limited to just eight active players due to medical redshirts, Parkland is navigating the season with determination and resilience.
“We might only need five players to compete, but right now, we have the right eight on the court,” remarked head coach John Bowler. “Our sidelined players are incredibly engaged, providing vocal support and staying focused. They contribute to practice by maintaining clear communication.”
Chris Bush, a freshman from Central and a new addition to Parkland, expressed confidence in the team’s adaptability, saying, “It’s something that we’re used to.”
Bush scored 20 points in the first game of the national tournament.
“Being a local guy, having passion for the program, having the pride to put the Cobra uniform on… I think it’s immensely important,” Bowler said.
Playing less than an hour away from home was a big boost for the Cobras in their opening round win.
“It’s great because, we get our fans here, we get our baseball guys there just to give us the extra support or extra rally,” Bush said. “We kind of needed that last game, and when the fans got into it, then we got into it.”
In the second round, Parkland takes on the winner of Milwaukee Area Technical College and Coastal Alabama North Community College on March 19 in Danville. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM CST.
“For the most part, I’d like to continue to set the tone where we can get to the free-throw line,” Bowler said. “We can get plays in paint that we can find our open shooters. “We like to shoot threes in Champaign, as long as they’re good ones.