Ravens Win First Game of NJCAA National Tournament

The Ravens Played Kaskaskia College in the first round of the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansa. Coffeyville came into the tournament as 4 seed giving them a by round automatically moving them to the second round. Kaskaskia, a 20 seed, had just upset the 13 seed Sheridan.

The Red Ravens took an early lead in their first game of the tournament. Keon Queen, a KJCCC all second team player, helped the Ravens stay in a very close, back and forth first half with 9 points and 4 boards and a big blocked shot. Coffeyville racked up 34 points on 9 assists and 7 turnovers coming of the hands of 4 steals and 3 blocked shots. The Ravens pull away from the opposition in the closing moments of the first half and take a 38-32 lead to the locker room.

The Ravens come out of halftime riding their scoring spurt from the first half and take a 10 point lead early in the 2nd half on the hands of a 13 point 2nd half from Casey Benton. Casey, another KJCCC second team player, shot an impressive 4-5 from the field missing only one 3 point shot. Tevin Brewer, the KJCCC Player of the Year, helped the Ravens in the second half as well with 9 points including a 3 ball. Kaskaskia made a push in the final minutes bringing the game within 2 points, but the Ravens keep the pressure they have been bringing all season and hold on in the closing minutes of the game, clinching their first game in the National Tournament, and advance into the quarter finals. Ravens win, 76-73.

The Ravens will be back in action Thursday, March 21st at 6:00 pm against #5 seed Florida Southwestern in Hutchinson, Kansas. Keep Flying through the tournament Ravens!

       Story Written by Brett Carson