Raiders MBB Set to Open Season at Home Wednesday, Nov. 1 vs. Southern Union; WBB Opens Season in Panama City Friday, Nov. 3 against Salt Lake
NICEVILLE, Florida – As we near the end of October, anticipation is building for the upcoming season of Raiders men's and women's basketball. This new season is poised to offer excitement and triumph, much like the previous ones that brought immense joy to Raider fans.
This season, both Raider men's and women's basketball teams were selected first overall in the NJCAA Region Eight and National NJCAA Preseason Coaches' Polls. The prior year witnessed both programs achieving remarkable success, concluding with an incredible combined record of 58-12. Each program reached the highly esteemed Division I National Championship Game, making it an unforgettable season.
Head women's basketball coach, Bart Walker, and his team were able to secure the programs second national title in three seasons after an impressive 66-63 victory over the formidable No. 3 seeded Trinity Valley.
Now, with renewed determination, both programs are setting their sights on replicating the remarkable success they've enjoyed over the past few years. The aspiration is to clinch two more national championships, a feat that coaches and spectators from across the nation genuinely believe is within their grasp. The stage is set for another thrilling season of Raiders basketball, one filled with promise and the pursuit of excellence.
OPENING WEEK
NWF Men's Basketball will kickstart their season at home this Wednesday, November 1, against Southern Union, beginning at 7:30 PM from Raider Arena. Last season, the Raiders secured victories in both of their matchups against the Bison by a combined score of 167-151.
Fans who stick around during halftime on Wednesday can witness a ring presentation celebrating our 2022-2023 NJCAA Women's Basketball National Championship. You won't want to miss it!
Following their opening game on Wednesday, Raiders MBB will stay in Niceville as they prepare for two more matchups against East Central College on Friday, November 3, at 7:30 PM, followed by a game on Saturday, November 4, featuring East Mississippi College at 4:00 PM.
Raiders women's basketball will begin their quest for back-to-back national championships on Friday, November 3 at 7:00 PM from Panama City, FL, when they take on Salt Lake College.
From there, the women will stay in Panama City to take on Central Georgia Tech on Saturday, November 4, at 2:00 PM.
RUNNING IT BACK
Head men's basketball Coach Steven DeMeo enters his second consecutive season at NWF (eighth overall). He brings back three players from last season's conference championship squad: Jadyn Shider, Tajuan Simkins and Tavion Banks. Shider and Banks will look to take over the Raiders front-court this season after seeing guys like Kasean Pryor and Chad Baker-Mazara depart.
Last season, the two combined to play in 68 total games – mainly off the bench – with Banks averaging an impressive 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game in his first season in the Panhandle. Shider is looking for an increased role after posting 3.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game during his freshman season. Simpkins will be making his collegiate debut this season after redshirting his freshman campaign and will look to follow in his brother Takai's footsteps, who averaged 8.8 points and 1.7 assists last season for the Raiders.
Women's basketball head coach Bart Walker is entering his ninth season with the Raiders. He will also bring back several players from last season's national championship squad. In total, five players will come back and rep the scarlet and black for another season: Destiney McPhaul, Jaela Davis, Mya Peirfax, Deborah Davenport and Celia Riviere.
McPhaul was NWF's second-leading scorer last season behind Sakima Walker, who is now playing at NCAA powerhouse South Carolina. Last Season, McPhaul averaged 12.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.3 points a game. Starting center Celia Reviere will look to assert her dominance in the low post once again this season after posting 7.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists during her freshman campaign.
FOLLOW ALONG
Fans can watch all the men's and women's basketball action this season by visiting nwfraiders.com, clicking the watch live tab, or by downloading the Team1Sports app. Prices to watch games online will be $8/game, $15/month or $75/year.
TICKETS
Admission to Wednesday's (Nov. 1) game will be free to the public. For all other games this season, tickets can be purchased at the arena on the day of the game, or you can join our Raider Club by visiting nwfraiders.com and clicking on the support and join Raider Club tab at the top.
Ticket information and prices for general admission are as follows: Adults $10, Children (K-12) $5, Small Children (Pre-K and under) Free, NWF Faculty, Staff and Students get in free by presenting their RaiderCard ID.
WELCOME BACK RAIDER CLUB TAILGATE
Raider Club members can pick up their season passes and gift at the Welcome Back Raider Club Tailgate this Wednesday, November 1, starting at 6:00 PM in the Raider Room. Food will be provided to members at the event while vintage merchandise will also be sold throughout the tailgate for just $10. Cash or checks will be the only forms of payment accepted.