Howard Community College Men’s Basketball Team Advances to NJCAA Division II Championship
COLUMBIA, MD – Howard Community College’s Men’s Basketball Team has received an automatic bid to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament in Danville, Illinois. During a campus watch party of the tournament selection show, the No. 15 seed Dragons learned they will face the No. 18 seed Florida State College at Jacksonville in the first round of the tournament. The match tips off on Monday, March 18 at 3 p.m. CT in the Mary Miller Center at Danville Area Community College.
“I could not be more proud of this team,” said Mike Smelkinson, director of athletics and head men’s basketball coach. “They were counted out from the start of the season, because we couldn't play any home games. They’ve shown talent, grit, and determination and we are honored to represent Dragon Country in the national tournament.”
All games were played on the road this season, as the Kahlert Foundation Complex, which will house the college's mathematics and athletics programs, remains under construction. The new facility is slated to open in spring 2025.
The Dragons secured their place in the tournament after defeating the CCBC Catonsville Cardinals 74-71 in the thrilling final of the NJCAA Region 20 championship. The win marks the team’s second regional championship title in four years.
“This team embodies the spirit of Dragon Country and our community of scholars, faculty, employees and supporters,” said Dr. Daria J. Willis, president of Howard Community College. “We are tenacious, goal-driven, and settle for nothing short of excellence. Our coaches and athletes have made us so proud, and we look forward to showcasing our brand of basketball and sportsmanship on the national stage.”
Howard Community College was recently named among the nation's top two-year colleges by Niche, an online college selection and data resource for families. HCC ranked #92 among all two-year institutions and the top community college in the Baltimore metropolitan area. HCC enrolls nearly 22,000 credit and non-credit students of all ages from more than 104 countries and yields more than $343 million in economic impact as one of Howard County's largest employers.