NAC’s Play in National Tournament Postponed

According to the NJCAA Website the National Tournament of the Women’s Division II, which is set to feature North Arkansas College’s Lady Pioneers, has been postponed due to COVID-19.

Per NJCAA Website:

In light of recent developments regarding COVID-19, the NJCAA has made the decision to postpone national championship events for the upcoming DI and DII men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. DIII men’s and women’s basketball championships, currently underway, will work with an expedited schedule that will conclude on Friday, March 13.

Originally scheduled to begin the week of March 16, the four upcoming national championship events – DI men, DI women, DII men, and DII women will aim for a tentative start date of Monday, April 20.

The DIII men’s and women’s national championships, currently underway, will cancel all consolation games and will move semifinal and championship games to Friday, March 13.

Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO expressed his sentiments regarding the situation. “Due to the concerns surrounding the safety and security of our student-athletes and those involved with Division I and Division II NJCAA championships, we are postponing the tournaments and maintaining a fluid mentality to see these tournaments take place with a tentative start date.

We have two main objectives in this situation – first and foremost is to protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, college personnel, and fans. Second is to make sure our student-athletes receive the national championship experience that they have worked so hard for.”

Start dates for each of the respective tournaments are tentative and the NJCAA will continue to follow all state and local mandates, restrictions, and regulations as it impacts its member institutions and national championship events.

Blue Eye Girls Advance, Eureka Springs, Flippin Teams Fall

by: Scott McCaulley

The Blue Eye Lady Bulldogs overcame a bad shooting night and a tough College Heights Defense to slip by the Lady Cougars 46-40 at the Missouri Class 2 Sectional Game at Carthage Wednesday Night.

After jumping out to a quick 7-1 lead, Blue Eye went ice cold from the field while College Heights heated up and led most the rest of the half before the Lady Bulldogs tied it up at half. Blue Eye stretched the lead to five several times in the second half only to see College Heights stay close before the Lady Bulldogs managed to hit some key shots and free throws late to seal the win and move Blue Eye to the Class 2 Quarterfinals at Republic Saturday against Mansfield.

In the Boys Sectional, Greenwood overcame a slow start to down Purdy 79-50.

Meanwhile in Arkansas, a tough day for the local teams in State Tournament action, as Bergman, Eureka Springs, and Flippin all lost their opening round games:

Bigelow Girls 54 Eureka Springs 41 (2A in Quitman)
Des Arc Girls 49 Flippin 38 (2A in Quitman)
Pangburn Boy 71 Flippin 63 (2A in Quitman)
Dumas Boys 55 Bergman 35 (3A in Charleston)

Today in Arkansas State Tournament action:
Kingston Boys vs Bradley 2:30 (1A in Hot Springs)
Kingston Girls vs Emerson 4:00 (1A in Hot Springs)
Jasper Boys vs Kirby 5:30 (1A in Hot Springs)