Indians Capture First Round Win

By Clint Cox

HUTCHINSON, KANSAS. The Chipola Indians basketball squad, ranked #1 in the nation, took care of business in the opening round of the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament with a 81-70 win over Southwest Tennessee CC. The Indians placed four players in double figures, led by the State of Florida Player of the Year Casey Mitchell who finished with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Torye Pelham followed with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Malcolm Armstead added 11 and Justin Brownlee chipped in 10.
The Indians led by as many as 15 points in the first half but saw that lead dwindle to 9, 37-28, had the half. With the opening round win Chipola advanced to round two of the tournament with a scheduled matchup on Wednesday evening against Lamar CC, who beat Cape Fear CC 57-47 in their opening round contest. Results of Chipola’s Wednesday night game were not available at press time. If the Indians won on Wednesday night they would be scheduled to play again on Friday at 6 pm against the winner of Salt Lake CC and North Dakota. A loss on Wednesday night would result in them being scheduled to play in the loser’s bracket on Thursday at 4:30 pm against the loser of the Salt Lake CC and North Dakota game.
The Chipola Lady Indians also captured the State Championship and are in Salina Kansas for the NJCAA National Tournament. They were scheduled to take on Sheridan CC on Wednesday afternoon. Results of that contest were not available at press time.