On March 2 the Knights knocked off Massasoit community college 63-52 to advance to the East district championship round for the third year in a row. The nationally ranked Knights improved to a (29-1) record overall this season. The victory marks the first time since a team in the region repeated district finals appearances. The last time this was accomplished was twenty years ago by Springfield tech. 

Sophomore forward Luis Reynoso of Lawerence, MA is looking forward to participating in the second district finals match. 

“It feels great for me and the team, especially the freshman who didn’t get to experience that last year,” said Reynoso. 

The match was close throughout as neither team led by double digits much of the game. The Knights would take a four-point lead into the half, 29-25. In the early going Massasoit would tie the score at 29. However, The Knights wouldn’t relinquish the lead. 

Reynoso was the team leader in points, rebounds and assists with 19, 15 and 5 respectively. Freshman forward Javien Kirmil of Lowell, MA recorded eight points as well as knocking down two critical three-pointers to help The Knights keep their lead. 

Sophomore guards Darlin Santiago of Salem, MA and Edwin SamMbacka of Paris, France each added 13 and 12 points respectively. 

In the East district finals tournament, The Knights will face a Quincy community college squad that finished in seond place and (21-5) overall. NECC’s last meeting with Quincy came in February with The Knights winning by a slim two-point margin 76-74. Quincy forced 14 turnovers and held The Knights to only 35 percent shooting in the game,which is below their season average. Head coach Darren Stratton is prepared for the challenging matchup ahead. “We only beat them by two at their place,” said Stratten. “Quincy probably has the best starting five in the league and probably the best head coach in the league. We will need to adjust to another style of play.”