District Dominance: Blazers Chart Course to New York

NJCAA DIII South Central District Tournament Page

Head Coach Josh Mills Interview

IRVING, Texas – North Lake left no doubt.

No. 2 nationally-ranked Dallas College North Lake cruised to a 90-63 win over No. 11 Dallas College Richland Saturday in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III South Central District Championship. The win sends the Blazers (25-6) to the NJCAA Division III National Tournament March 15-18 in Herkimer, New York.

"It's been a long journey from August when we first got on campus, but a quick one at the same time," Blazers first-year head coach Josh Mills said. "It just goes by so fast."

North Lake made quick work in this one, beating Richland (15-11) for the third time this season. The Blazers led, 49-30, at halftime, and didn't let off the pedal as they raced to their 21^st straight win, all the while earning an opportunity to defend their 2022 national title.

"We have a couple guys that have come back, four players actually, and they've been able to mentor and show the new players the work ethic that is needed to reach that level," Mills said.

�� @northlakembb 1st-year coach @josh_mills talks about winning an @NJCAABasketball District Championship & an opportunity to defend a national title.

��️ https://t.co/a91ExOrFrg#NorthLakeBlazers | #NJCAABasketball pic.twitter.com/LEHwhGPa5e

— Dallas College Athletics (@DallasCollAth) March 5, 2023

Sophomore guard Darion Jones headlines that list. A returner from last season's national championship team, he scored 25 points, including 16 in the first half, in his second straight dynamite performance. Jones, who was 10 of 13 from the floor and had four assists, was later doused with water by his teammates before accepting the championship trophy.

His 25 points matched his career-high, and it marked the second straight day he's scored at least 20 points.

Jakob Zenon had 16 points on 6 of 9 shooting, four rebounds and a steal. Brandon Lawrence scored 11 points, while Ryan Pondant had eight points for North Lake, which completed a perfect season at home. The Blazers went 16-0 in Irving this season.

Desmond Combs had 14 points on 5 of 6 shooting, and Devin Teague scored 10 for Richland. They were the only two players in double figures. Jaylen Salsman had seven points, three assists and a block. Ed Trahan had six points and four rebounds, and Coco Rose six points.

North Lake held Richland to under 64 points for the third time this season. The Thunderducks shot 46.7 percent, but were limited to 4 of 9 from three-point range.

"We've really been focusing a lot on the defensive end," said Mills, whose team is leading the nation in fewest points per game allowed at 63.2. "Kind of making games inside of games. The offense is going to come. We have a lot of talented players. It makes it a lot easier to coach."

The Blazers will receive a first round bye at the national tournament, and will await their quarterfinal opponent.

"What I tell these guys, and what I tell recruits is, it's one of your college years," Mills said. "It uses a year of eligibility, so why not win?"