The knights beat The college of Dupage 89- 66 on March 18th to claim fifth place in Northern Essex community college’s first appearance in the national NJCAA tournament. They finished the season 2-1 in tournament play and a 33-2 overall season record. Additionally, they secured a NJCAA region 21 and NJCAA East region district title.  

An impressive performance by The Knights bench carried the bulk of the offense scoring 51 points. Darlin Santiago of Salem and Phillip Cunningham of Haverhill each scored 18 and 10 points. 

Luis Reynoso of Lawarence recorded his 28th double-double of the season knocking down a team high 19 points and 13 rebounds.  

The victory concludes the most successful season in the program’s history and the 20th season under head coach Darren Stratton. 

After a loss in the quarterfinals The Knights rebounded on March 17th with a 67-62 victory over Mohawk Valley community college to advance to the 5th place game. This was their 32nd win in 34 games.  

NJCAA’s first team all-region member Luis Reynoso of Lawarence recorded his 27th double-double of the season. Reynoso dropped 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Darlin Santiago added 12 points off the bench. Johnathon Ligisi of Hamilton, ON and Mehmet Asik of Ankara, Turkey added seven points each.  

Defensively, Edwin SamMbaka of Paris, contributed holding Mohawk Valley to 34% shooting, well under their season average.  

The Knights faced College of Dupage on March 18th at the Herkimer college campus for the right to claim 5th place in the NJCAA national tournament.