Northeastern Junior College

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2026 Region 9 Men's Basketball All-Tournament Team

Quis Davis - Northeastern Junior College
Tate Monroe - Northwest College
Trey Rinn - Northwest College
Demorae Pritchett - Trinidad State College
Manning Shareef - Trinidad State College
TJ Coulter - Laramie County Community College
Aeramiah Binfod - Laramie County Community College
Jaylon Brown - Lamar Community College
Christian Payawal - Lamar Community College
Gavin Dabney - Lamar Community College

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Trinidad State Captures Fifth Straight Region 9 Championship, Advances to Nationals

STERLING, Colo. - March 14, 2026

Trinidad State College claimed its fifth consecutive Region 9 Men's Basketball Championship on Saturday, defeating Lamar Community College 101-91 in a commanding performance at the Bank of Colorado Event Center on the campus of Northeastern Junior College. The Trojans' relentless offensive attack and stifling second-half defense propelled them to victory and punched their ticket to the 2026 NJCAA National Championships in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The Trojans caught fire from beyond the arc, converting 18 of 32 three-point attempts for a blistering 56.3 percent from long range. Trinidad State shot 57.1 percent overall from the field, including a dominant 56.0 percent in the second half when the game was decided.

Manning Shareef led all scorers with 31 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting performance, adding 12 rebounds for a double-double. Shareef was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line and contributed three assists in 37 minutes of action. Demorae Pritchett added 18 points off the bench, connecting on three triples and going 5-for-5 at the charity stripe.

The Trojans received balanced scoring throughout their lineup. Donavahan Cain finished with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including three three-pointers, while Dylan Omweno contributed 11 points. TaRea Fulcher added nine points and knocked down three shots from downtown.

Trinidad State dominated the glass, outrebounding Lamar 32-19, and distributed the ball effectively with 18 assists. The Trojans' bench provided crucial production, outscoring Lamar's reserves 32-10.

Lamar Community College was led by Christian Payawal's 22 points and eight assists. Donovan Dabney added 13 points off the bench, while Ahmed Cisse, Jaylon Brown, and Gavin Dabney each scored 13 points in the losing effort.

Trinidad State led 50-41 at halftime before extending their advantage with a 51-point second half. The Trojans shot 100.0 percent from the free-throw line, converting all 19 attempts, demonstrating their composure in the championship setting.

The victory marks Trinidad State's fifth consecutive Region 9 title, cementing the program's dynasty in the conference. The Trojans will now turn their attention to the NJCAA National Championships, where they will compete against the nation's best junior college programs.

GAME SUMMARY

Final Score: Trinidad State College 101, Lamar Community College 91
Location: Bank of Colorado Event Center, Sterling, Colorado
Records: Trinidad State advances to NJCAA Nationals
Key Stats: Trinidad State shot 57.1% FG, 56.3% 3PT, 100.0% FT

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Trinidad State College

Manning Shareef: 31 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
Demorae Pritchett: 18 points
Donavahan Cain: 12 points
Dylan Omweno: 11 points, 6 rebounds

Lamar Community College

Christian Payawal: 22 points, 8 assists
Donovan Dabney: 13 points
Ahmed Cisse: 13 points
Jaylon Brown: 13 points
Gavin Dabney: 12 points

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Trinidad State Stuns Northwest 73-72 on Last-Second Dunk in Region 9 Semifinal

Pritchett's 27 points send Trojans to championship game

STERLING, Colo. - March 13, 2026

The Trinidad State College men's basketball team pulled off a dramatic 73-72 victory over Northwest College in Friday's Region 9 Semifinal at the Bank of Colorado Event Center on the campus of Northeastern Junior College, advancing to Saturday's championship game on a last-second steal and dunk.

Freshman guard Demorae Pritchett delivered a heroic performance, pouring in a game-high 27 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field. The clutch guard connected on 2-of-5 from three-point range and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, converting 11-of-12 attempts. Pritchett also grabbed six rebounds, dished out one assist and recorded one block in 27 minutes of action.

Freshman forward Manning Shareef provided crucial presence with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Shareef added seven rebounds and four fouls while playing a team-high 27 minutes for the Trojans.

Sophomore guard TaRea Fulcher chipped in nine points on 3-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-8 from three-point range, while contributing one rebound and three assists. Freshman guard Kenny Black-Knox added eight points, one rebound and two steals, while freshman guard Donavahan Cain contributed seven points and three rebounds.

The fast-paced and physical contest saw Northwest College build a slim 36-34 halftime advantage. The second half remained tight throughout, with neither team able to pull away. Trinidad outscored the Trappers 39-36 in the final 20 minutes to force a dramatic finish.

With the Trojans trailing by one point and only seconds remaining, Pritchett jumped a passing lane, secured the steal and raced to the basket for a game-winning dunk that sent the Trinidad bench into celebration and punched the Trojans' ticket to the Region 9 Championship game.

Trinidad State shot 42.9 percent from the field for the game and connected on 9-of-26 three-pointers (34.6 percent). The Trojans' clutch free-throw shooting proved critical, as they converted 16-of-18 attempts (88.9 percent). Trinidad was outrebounded 35-32 but forced 11 turnovers and capitalized on second-chance opportunities with 18 second-chance points.

Northwest College was led by guard Justus Michael's 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range. Michael also grabbed five rebounds and dished out two assists in 35 minutes. Sophomore forward R'Zha Zha'Quire Whittle provided a spark off the bench with 15 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting performance in 19 minutes.

Guards Tate Monroe and Nayel Girard each contributed 10 points for the Trappers. Girard added six rebounds and six assists, while Monroe grabbed three rebounds. Forward Winston Allen chipped in 10 points and four rebounds, while forward Dennis Rocha added 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three-point range.

The Trappers shot 49.2 percent from the field but couldn't hold off Trinidad's late rally. Northwest dominated the paint, outscoring Trinidad 44-28, but the Trojans' clutch plays down the stretch made the difference.

Trinidad State improves to 16-16 on the season and advances to Saturday's Region 9 Championship game. The Trojans will face Lamar Community College, which defeated Laramie County Community College 87-79 in overtime in Friday's earlier semifinal. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center.

GAME NOTES:

Trinidad State shot 24-of-56 (42.9%) from the field
The Trojans connected on 9-of-26 (34.6%) from three-point range
Trinidad State converted 16-of-18 (88.9%) from the free-throw line
Northwest out rebounded Trinidad 35-32
The game featured 10 lead changes and eight ties
Northwest outscored Trinidad in the paint 44-28
The Trojans' bench contributed 32 points compared to Northwest's 27
Trinidad scored 18 second-chance points to Northwest's 14

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Lamar Survives Overtime Thriller, Defeats Laramie County 87-79 in Region 9 Semifinal

Brown's 25 points, Cisse's 16 lead Lopers to championship game appearance

STERLING, Colo. - March 13, 2026

The Lamar Community College men's basketball team survived a back-and-forth overtime thriller, defeating Laramie County Community College 87-79 in Friday’s Region 9 Semifinal game at the Bank of Colorado Event Center on the campus of Northeastern Junior College.

Sophomore forward Jaylon Brown delivered a dominant performance, pouring in a game-high 25 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field. Brown was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, converting 10-of-13 attempts while adding three rebounds and two assists in 38 minutes of action.

Sophomore guard Ahmed Cisse provided crucial support with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three-point range. Cisse also contributed eight rebounds, four assists and one steal in 40 minutes for the Lopers.

Lamar Community College lead by 10 at halftime, as both teams traded baskets throughout regulation. Lamar outscored Laramie County 14-6 in the overtime period to seal the victory. The Runnin’ Lopes shot 46.9 percent from the field for the game and connected on 5-of-17 three-pointers (29.4 percent). Lamar's clutch free-throw shooting proved decisive, as LCC converted 22-of-33 attempts (66.7 percent).

Laramie County was led by sophomore guard TJ Coulter's spectacular 29-point performance on 8-of-25 shooting. Coulter was 4-of-12 from three-point range and an almost perfect 9-of-10 from the free-throw line, while adding eight rebounds and three assists in 41 minutes. Sophomore guard Anthony Nettles added seven points despite struggling from the field, while sophomore forward Karim Elgizawy contributed 12 points and five rebounds.

The Golden Eagles shot 35.6 percent from the field, but couldn't match Lamar's intensity in the extra period. Laramie County converted 22-of-38 free throws (57.9 percent), however they fell short in overtime.

Lamar improves to 19-14 on the season and advances to Saturday's (March 14^th) Region 9 Championship game. The Runnin’ Lopes will face the winner of Friday’s other semifinal game between Trinidad State College and Northwest College. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center. Region 9 Championship game will start at 3pm on Saturday, March 14^th.

GAME NOTES:

Lamar shot 30-of-64 (46.9%) from the field
The Runnin’ Lopes connected on 5-of-17 (29.4%) from three-point range
Lamar converted 22-of-33 (66.7%) from the free-throw line
LCCC out rebounded Lamar 49-44
The game featured one technical foul on each team

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Trinidad State Upsets Top-Seeded Northeastern 78-74 in Region 9 Quarterfinal

Pritchett's 29 points power Trojans past Plainsmen to end NJC's 20-win season

STERLING, Colo. - March 12, 2026

The Trinidad State College men's basketball team pulled off a stunning upset, defeating top-seeded Northeastern Junior College 78-74 in Thursday's Region 9 Quarterfinal at the Bank of Colorado Event Center, ending the Plainsmen's impressive 20-win season.

Sophomore guard Demorae Pritchett delivered a spectacular performance, pouring in a game-high 29 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. The dynamic guard connected on two three-pointers and was 11-of-14 from the free-throw line while adding seven rebounds in 28 minutes of action.

Sophomore forward Manning Shareef provided crucial inside presence with 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting and a game-high eight rebounds. Shareef also dished out two assists while playing a team-high 32 minutes for the Trojans.

Trinidad State built a commanding 42-32 halftime advantage and withstood a furious Northeastern rally in the second half. The Trojans shot 41.3 percent from the field for the game and connected on 10-of-29 three-pointers (34.5 percent). Trinidad State's clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch proved decisive, as the Trojans converted 16-of-26 attempts (61.5 percent).

Northeastern was led by sophomore point guard Quis Davis, who poured in a team-high 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting while adding six rebounds, four assists and four steals in 36 minutes. Freshman forward Ethan Carter added 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting with seven rebounds, while sophomore forward Parker Davis contributed nine points and five rebounds.

Freshman forward Dodge Davis chipped in eight points, converting 6-of-8 free throws. The Plainsmen shot 44.1 percent from the field but struggled from three-point range, connecting on just 3-of-18 attempts (16.7 percent).

The loss ends Northeastern's season at 20-10 overall and 9-4 in Region 9 South Conference play. The Plainsmen, who entered the tournament as the top seed from the Region 9 South, saw their championship hopes dashed by the three-seeded Trojans.

Trinidad State improves to 15-16 on the season and advances to Friday's Region 9 Semifinal. The Trojans will face Northwest College, which defeated North Platte Community College 76-74 in Thursday's earlier quarterfinal. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center.

GAME NOTES:

Trinidad State shot 26-of-63 (41.3%) from the field

The Trojans connected on 10-of-29 (34.5%) from three-point range

Trinidad State converted 16-of-26 (61.5%) from the free-throw line

The Trojans outrebounded Northeastern 32-30

Trinidad State committed 19 turnovers compared to Northeastern's 15

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Northwest College Outlasts North Platte 76-74 in Region 9 Quarterfinal Thriller

Trappers survive late Knights rally to advance to Friday's semifinal

STERLING, Colo. - March 12, 2026

The Northwest College men's basketball team held off a furious North Platte Community College rally to escape with a 76-74 victory in Thursday's Region 9 Quarterfinal at the Bank of Colorado Event Center on the campus of Northeastern Junior College.

Sophomore guard Justus Michael led all scorers with 28 points on an efficient 11-of-21 shooting performance, including a scorching 4-of-7 from three-point range. The dynamic guard also contributed five rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes of action.

Northwest College sophomore forward Dennis Rocha provided crucial perimeter shooting with 17 points, connecting on 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. Rocha added one rebound and one assist while playing 26 minutes for the Trappers.

Sophomore forward Winston Allen dominated the paint with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting while grabbing four rebounds in 29 minutes. Sophomore guard Brady Kennison added three points, five rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 39 minutes of floor leadership.

Northwest College built a 36-32 halftime advantage and maintained control throughout most of the second half. The Trappers shot 47.5 percent from the field for the game and connected on 8-of-24 three-pointers (33.3 percent). Northwest converted 15-of-18 free throws (83.3 percent) to hold off North Platte's late charge.

North Platte was led by sophomore guard Josh Osayan's 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Sophomore forward Justus Michael added 28 points for the Knights, while sophomore guard Winston Allen contributed 10 points and four rebounds. The Knights shot 47.5 percent from the field but couldn't overcome Northwest's balanced attack and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch.

Northwest College improves to 21-11 on the season and advances to Friday's Region 9 Semifinal. The Trappers will face the winner of Thursday's quarterfinal between host Northeastern Junior College and Trinidad State College. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center.

GAME NOTES:

Northwest shot 28-of-59 (47.5%) from the field

The Trappers connected on 8-of-24 (33.3%) from three-point range

Northwest converted 15-of-18 (83.3%) from the free-throw line

The game featured 10 lead changes and six ties

Northwest outscored North Platte 42-40 in the second half

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Laramie County Edges McCook 88-79 in Back-and-Forth Region 9 Quarterfinal

Coulter's 33 points lead Golden Eagles to semifinal showdown with Lamar

STERLING, Colo. - March 12, 2026

The Laramie County Community College men's basketball team survived a back-and-forth battle with McCook Community College, pulling away late for an 88-79 victory in Thursday's Region 9 Quarterfinal at the Bank of Colorado Event Center on the campus of Northeastern Junior College.

Sophomore guard TJ Coulter delivered a spectacular performance, pouring in a game-high 33 points on 11-of-23 shooting from the field. The Nevada native added six rebounds, three assists and two steals while playing all 40 minutes for the Golden Eagles.

Sophomore guard Brevin Phillips provided crucial support with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including a perfect 5-of-5 performance from the free-throw line. Phillips also contributed five rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes of action.

Freshman guard Anthony Nettles added 13 points, while sophomore forward Alier Alier chipped in 10 points and six rebounds off the bench. Freshman guard Lewis Dyer contributed eight points and four assists in 28 minutes.

The game was deadlocked at 43 at halftime before both teams traded baskets throughout the second half. Laramie County shot 47.5% from the field for the game and converted a critical 15-of-18 free throws (83.3%) down the stretch to seal the victory.

McCook was led by sophomore guard Nate Coley's 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Sophomore guard Djibril Diawara added 15 points, including three three-pointers, while sophomore forward Mo Diao contributed 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench. The Indians shot 47.5% from the field but couldn't match Laramie County's efficiency at the free-throw line.

Laramie County improves to 17-11 on the season and advances to Friday's Region 9 Semifinal. The Golden Eagles will face Lamar Community College, which defeated Casper College 84-70 in Thursday's earlier quarterfinal. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center.

GAME NOTES:

Laramie County shot 28-of-59 (47.5%) from the field

The Golden Eagles connected on 8-of-24 (33.3%) from three-point range

Laramie County converted 15-of-18 (83.3%) from the free-throw line

The Golden Eagles outrebounded McCook 33-25

Laramie County committed 18 turnovers compared to McCook's 17

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Lamar Advances to Region 9 Semifinals with 84-70 Victory Over Casper

Lopers dominate paint, shoot 47.8% to earn quarterfinal win at Bank of Colorado Event Center

STERLING, Colo. - March 12, 2026

The Lamar Community College men's basketball team punched its ticket to the Region 9 Semifinals with an 84-70 victory over Casper College Thursday afternoon at the Bank of Colorado Event Center on the campus of Northeastern Junior College.

Sophomore guard Ahmed Cisse led the Lopers with 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including a scorching 4-of-7 performance from three-point range. The dynamic guard added seven rebounds and four assists in 34 minutes of action.

Sophomore forward Jaylon Brown provided a powerful inside presence with 21 points on an efficient 9-of-17 shooting performance. Brown also contributed six rebounds and two assists while playing a team-high 29 minutes.

Freshman guard Gavin Dabney chipped in 13 points, while sophomore guard RJ Foreman added four points, five rebounds and four assists.

Lamar controlled the game from the opening tip, building a commanding 39-28 halftime advantage. The Lopers shot 47.8% from the field for the game, including 37.5% from beyond the arc, and converted 11-of-12 free throw attempts (91.7%).

The Lopers dominated the paint, outscoring Casper 40-26 in the lane. Lamar also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, converting 11 second-chance points compared to Casper's six. The Lopers' bench provided 10 points, while Casper managed just two points from reserves.

Casper College was led by forward Channing Cade's incredibly accurate shooting. He finished with 26 points on 10-of-12 from the field. Senior guard Nasir Washington added 23 points, including four three-pointers, but the Thunderbirds couldn't overcome Lamar's balanced attack.

Lamar improves to 18-14 on the season and advances to Friday's Region 9 Semifinal matchup. The Lopers will face the winner of Thursday's quarterfinal between top-seeded Laramie County Community College and McCook Community College. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center.

GAME NOTES:

Lamar shot 32-of-67 (47.8%) from the field

The Lopers connected on 9-of-24 (37.5%) from three-point range

Lamar outrebounded Casper 36-34

The Lopers committed 17 turnovers compared to Casper's 16

Lamar outscored Casper 40-26 in points in the paint