Raiders win the 2021-22 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

HUTCHINSON, KS - The NJCAA Men's Basketball National Championship trophy is headed back to the campus of Northwest Florida State College!! For the third time in school history, the Raiders claimed the national title on Saturday night against Salt Lake Community College behind a thoroughly convincing and dominant 83-67 victory at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.  The win put an exclamation mark on a sensational, week-long run for the Raiders that saw them claim victories in 5 games in 6 days against the top teams in the country.

The final score of 83-67 does not clearly demonstrate just how dominant the Raiders were on Saturday.  In the first half, Northwest Florida overwhelmed Salt Lake, especially defensively.  SLCC is rightfully considered one of the most dynamic offenses in the country and the Raiders completely shut them down the first 20 minutes.  NWF held the Bruins to just 25% shooting from the field and 12% from 3-point land, forced 9 turnovers, and limited them to only 15 first half points. 

Conversely, it was a totally different story when the Raiders had the ball.  NWF blistered the nets, shooting 51% along with draining six 3's, leading them to 41 points at intermission.  The result was a 26-point first half lead that left the Raiders clearly the driver's seat the rest of way.

The second half, NWF sustained some mini runs by Salt Lake but always had an answer.  Whether it was a Brennan Rigsby 3 pointer or dunk, Deshawndre Washington layup, Kam Woods floater, Jaylon McDaniel slam………the list goes on an on…..the Raiders responded.

The Raiders were led in scoring by Brennan Rigsby who scored 24 points on 9-14 shooting. Kam Woods added 17 points, 13 of which were in the first half, while Deshawndre Washington chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds.  Rigby and Woods were named to the All-Tournament Team and Deshawndre Washington was selected as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

It was a masterful performance for a masterful week.  The team chemistry was off the charts, the coaching was spectacular, the execution flawless….yep, those Raiders got themselves a ring and it better by shinny….just like their performance!

For more information on Northwest Florida State athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow @NWFRaiders on Twitter.