Saints Repeat as NJCAA Region III Champions

SARANAC LAKE – Before a raucous home crowd at the Sparks Athletic Complex, the North Country Community College women’s basketball team claimed its second-consecutive NJCAA Region III championship on Sunday, March 1.

The Saints secured the title, and a berth in the national championship tournament, with a 76-67 victory over Onondaga Community College.

“It feels great, it’s really exciting, especially being here (at home),” Saints head coach Jerrad Dumont told the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. “The girls have put a lot into this. We’ve been practicing since September 1 really. Running and lifting and doing everything. They deserve this. They’ve played hard all year, every single day for us.”

North Country had five players in double figures, led by tournament MVP Lauren Denny with 21 points. Kayla Carder posted 18 points and 12 rebounds, Lavender Ward netted 15 points and four steals, while Talesa Campbell and Damoni Wells each recorded 10 points.

With the win, the Saints advance to the 2019-20 NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship, March 12-14, at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois. Last year, the Saints made it to the semifinal round of the national tournament.

“Last year we were very happy to be there — not that we didn’t try to win, but I think this year, there’s going to be a lot more oomph going into it,” Dumont told the Enterprise. “We have kids who have been there before.”