North Platte – The No. 7 North Platte Community College men’s basketball team’s (18-1, 8-1 South Sub-Region) hosts three games this week. The Knights have not played at home since Dec. 11 and have started 2014 out with seven straight road games. The Knights kick things off on Wednesday Jan. 29 as they host the McCook Community College Indians (15-6, 6-3 South Sub-Region, 1-1 NCCAC) in a Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference (NCCAC) and Region IX game at 7:30 p.m. The Knights then host the Hastings College JV the next day Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. before finishing the week with Central Community College (16-4, 1-1 NCCAC) on Saturday Feb. 1 at 3 p.m.
The Knights host the Indians of McCook on “Fill the Gym” Night sponsored by KOOQ-ESPN for their first of two meetings this season. The Knights make the return trip to McCook on Feb. 11. The game is doubly important as it counts in the standings for both Region IX and the NCCAC race. McCook is led by Tony Dobbinson who is sixth in the nation in scoring at 23.2 points per game and Dominic Williams who averages 17.0 points and 8.3 rebounds.
As part of “Fill the Gym” Night, KOOQ-ESPN is giving away tickets all week during The Blitz with Robert Lovell and Scott Carlson. During halftime several members of the crowd will be given a chance to make a lay-up, a free throw and a 3-pointer in 30 seconds to win a prize from KOOQ-ESPN.
The Knights then host the Hastings College JV the next day on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. The Knights host of the Broncos after traveling to Hastings at the beginning of December. In that game, the Knights emerged victorious 82-79 behind 20 points from Tim Simmons. Ethan Montalvo (17), Marco Pascolo (15) and Cameron Williams (14) were all in double-figures for the Knights. Aireon Porter recorded 15 rebounds to go with six points. Nate Maloley led the Broncos with 25 points.
On Saturday Feb. 1 the Knights finish up their three game home stand when they host the Central Community College Raiders. The Raiders make the return trip to North Platte after the Knights knocked off Central in Columbus 78-71. The Knights placed four players in double-figures in that game, led by Montalvo’s 21. Cameron Williams and Marco Pascolo each scored 19 while Tim Simmons contributed 13. TraDeon Hollins led the Raiders with 16 points.
Saturday’s game will also be Boy Scout Night at the college as Boy Scout’s will be given free admission and the Knights basketball team will sign autographs after the game.
All three home games will be broadcast live by Coaches Aid and ASBN. A link to all live broadcasted games is available on the Knights webpage at www.npccknights.com. All three games will also be broadcast live be ESPN radio 1410 and online.