LOUISBURG, NC – The Lady ‘Canes basketball team wrapped up their 2012-13 season with a final record of 32-3 and a first-place finish at the 2013 NJCAA National Championship Tournament on Saturday, March 23. Their 75-65 win against Arizona’s Mesa Community College earns the program its third Division II national title.
In addition to their national championship, the ‘Canes had a regular season conference record of 12-2, and avenged their two losses to top-ten team Catawba Valley Community College by dominating them 73-55 in the Region X Tournament final game.
As a regular on the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Top 20 list, the Lady ‘Canes appeared as high as #1, a spot they held for four straight weeks. The Hurricanes’ potent offense and aggressive defense were the keys to their success. Three players averaged double-digit scoring efforts, with Olivia Gaines (Chester, SC) leading the way at just over 18 points per game. Justin Taylor (Gastonia, NC) finished just behind Gaines averaging 15.5 per game, while Jazmine Parker (Burlington, NC) rounded out the big three with just over 11 points per game. Latrice Phelps (Virginia Beach, VA) just missed the double-digit effort with over a nine-point average, but she did lead the way on the glass as she swiped nearly eight boards per game.
For their efforts on the court at the season-ending tournament, three players earned individual tournament awards: Justin Taylor led the way with a Most Valuable Player nod, and both Tiffany Johnson and Olivia Gaines were named to the All-Tournament Team. Head Coach Brett Vana was also named the Coach of the Tournament.
About Louisburg College
Related by faith to The United Methodist Church, Louisburg College is the oldest two-year residential college in the nation, and the only one in North Carolina. With a student body of 700 students, over 90 percent of Louisburg graduates continue their education at four-year schools. Learn more at www.louisburg.edu.