The #3-seed Ellsworth Community College men’s basketball team will enter the next stage of a special season when they face #14-seed Monroe Community College (NY) in the second round of the NJCAA Division 2 national tournament on Tuesday afternoon. This will be the Panthers’ first NJCAA national tournament game in 38 years.
Head Coach Bryan Bender on the impact of freshman First-Team All Region honorees Chimobi Ikegwuruka and Clinton Efinda.
“We had five players on the all-conference teams. Chimobi Ikegwuruka was our best player throughout the year, and led the league in scoring, led the league in rebounding, and many other statistical categories, so he had a great year,” says Bender. “Our second leading scorer was Clinton Efinda. Clinton was named the MVP of the whole tournament. Clinton played outstanding at 30 points in our last game, willed us to victory, got to the free throw line more than anyone else in the conference this season.”
Ikegwuruka leads the Panthers with 19.5 points and 10 rebounds per game. The Panthers run an efficient offense with 87 points per game, that is aided by 17 assists per game. Bender says elevated defensive play has traveled well and complimented the offense during the postseason.
“What kind of led us in this tournament run was our defense. When we collectively guard as a team and rebound the ball and play with toughness, it really helps create our offense. It not only shut other teams down but gives you a chance to win, especially when you travel because defense does travel. You may miss shots on the road but if you can guard, it always gives you a chance to win.”
Monroe enters after hanging on for a 71-70 victory over #19-seed Morris Community College (NJ) in the round of 32 on Monday. Sophomore Terrell Williams leads the Tribunes with 16 points and nine rebounds per game.
The tip off is at 3:00 p.m. in Danville, Illinois. Ellsworth is providing a free watch party at the Panther Den in Iowa Falls.
