
Raider Basketball Opens Conference Play at Home Saturday Versus Tallahassee
WOMEN
#2 Northwest Florida State vs. Tallahassee State
January 11, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Raider Arena | Niceville, FL
MEN
#13 Northwest Florida State vs. (RV) Tallahassee State
January 11, 2025 | 4:00 PM | Raider Arena | Niceville, FL
Stream: https://nwfraiders.com/multimedia/WATCH_LIVE
NICEVILLE, Fla. – The new year brings with it another exciting season of Panhandle Conference Basketball! This Saturday afternoon, Northwest Florida State's men's and women's basketball teams will kick off the conference portion of their seasons with a pair of home games against Tallahassee State.
The action begins with the Raider women tipping off at 2:00 p.m., followed by the men at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Both teams have enjoyed strong performances during the non-conference schedule. The Raider women dominated with a perfect 16-0 record, marking the second consecutive season they've achieved this milestone. Meanwhile, the Raider men concluded non-conference play with an impressive 14-3 record and are riding a nine-game win streak dating back to late November.
When it comes to Panhandle play, both teams have a track record of success. Under Coach Bart Walker, the Raider women have claimed six straight Panhandle Conference Championships, boasting a 61-14 record in conference games during that stretch.
The Raider men's team has also thrived in Panhandle play, securing seven of the last 10 conference titles. After finishing second last season with a 9-3 record, the team is eager to reclaim the top spot.
Both teams face significant challenges as they begin their quest for conference championships, starting with Saturday's games against Tallahassee. The Lady Eagles come into the matchup with a solid 8-8 record and will aim to make a strong statement to kick off conference play. Meanwhile, the TSC men's team boasts one of the nation's top records at 14-4 and has been receiving votes in the latest NJCAA national poll, making them a formidable opponent for the Raiders.
YOUTH POSTER DAY
All youth attending Saturday's games will have the opportunity to receive a Raider Athletics poster signed by both the men's and women's basketball teams during halftime. The Raider men's team will sign posters during halftime of the women's game, and the Raider women's team will sign during halftime of the men's game. Additionally, all kids in attendance will receive a free cup of popcorn to enjoy during the games!
FAST BREAKS (WOMEN)
- Northwest Florida State women's basketball is off to a blazing 16-0 start to their season, coming in at #2 in the NJCAA National Poll, just behind defending National Champion Hutchinson.
- The Raiders wrapped up their non-conference slate last Monday with a road victory over Northeast Mississippi, defeating the Tigers, 79-56. This marks the second year in the row the Raiders close out non-conference play undefeated.
- Northwest Florida State is looking to capture it's seventh consecutive Panhandle Conference Championship this season (12th overall).
- Deborah Davenport continues to be a force offensively and defensively. The third year Raider is averaging 10.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. She ranks 33rd in the nation for total rebounds (129) and 15th in blocks (23).
- Neveah Scott has been a sharpshooter from three-point range this season, connecting on 49.3% of her attempts, placing her 9th nationally.
- Freshman guard Kamyrn Corporan has played a big roll on defensive front, averaging 2.8 steals per game and ranking 23rd in the NJCAA with 44 total steals.
- The Raiders are a very well rounded and disciplined team. This squad ranks 13th in field goal percentage (47.0%), 18th in three-point percentage (34.2), 16th in assists (17.9), eighth in blocks (4.9), third in points per game allowed (43.3), and third in opponents field goal percentage (29.2).
FAST BREAKS (MEN)
- Northwest Florida climbed to No. 13 in the latest NJCAA national poll, making them the second highest ranked team in the state.
- The Raiders wrapped up their non-conference slate last week with a home victory over Bishop State, beating the Wildcats 82-56.
- Northwest Florida State is looking to capture it's 17th Panhandle Conference title this season. Last year the Raiders finished second in conference play. The team defeated Tallahassee in all three of their matchups last season including two road matchups.
- The Raiders are currently on a nine-game winning streak dating back to late November. During this stretch, they've averaged 81.2 points per game while limiting opponents to just 62.3 points per game.
- Known for their athleticism and offensive efficiency, the Raiders are averaging 82.4 points per game—ranking 69th nationally—while shooting an impressive 51.0% from the field (13th nationally) and 35.6% from three-point range (44th nationally).
- The scoring effort has been balanced, with four players averaging double figures—Davion Hill (12.8 ppg), Josh Hayes (11.5 ppg), Dwayne Pierce (11.1 ppg), and Curtis Williams (10.8 ppg).