Click here to listen to Head Coach Jason McKinney Preview Ellsworth
Estherville, IA- The NJCAA 12th ranked Iowa Lakes Men's Basketball team is set to take on 6th ranked Ellsworth in the Region XI Championship game Thursday, March 7th at 7:30pm in Estherville.
The Lakers who finished the regular season going 24-6 overall and 14-4 in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference play are led by Sophomore Kai Evans. Evans is averaging 18.4 PPG and 6.0 rebounds per contest this season. The Lakers have a balanced scoring attack with 4 averaging double figures. Sam West is averaging 15.2 PPG and 8.2 RPG, Benard Omooria is averaging 14.9 PPG and Jaedan Jefferson is averaging 10.5 PPG. Evans is 2nd in the conference in points per game. West is 4th in the conference in rebounds per game and 4th in assists per game with 4.2. Omooria is leading the conference in three-point percentage at 40.7%.
Ellsworth finished their season 24-6 overall and 14-4 in ICCAC play. They are led by Chimobi Ikegwuruka who averages 19.5 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game. Others scoring in double figures for the Panthers are Clinton Efinda at 14.2 points per game, Jordan Glenn-Hawkins at 14.2 points per game, Arlandus Keyes at 13.5 points per game, Jaron Crews at 12.8 points per game, and Cameron Liggins at 12.7 points per game.
This will be the third time the Lakers have faced the Panthers this season. Iowa Lakes won both meetings; 81-69 on January 10th, and 93-88 on January 31st.
"This should be a great college basketball game between two great college basketball teams. We are excited to be able to get the chance to play in front of the Laker faithful one more time. I am proud of our team for all they have achieved this year and how hard they fight every time they step on the floor." said Laker Head Coach Jason McKinney.
The winner of the game advances to the NJCAA National Tournament which will be held March 18th-23rd in Danville, Illinois.
PHOTO: Blake Kooiman attached
OTHER: Interview with Coach McKinney Previewing Ellsworth
Link to Roster: https://www.iowalakesathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/roster
Link to Schedule: https://www.iowalakesathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/schedule
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Men's Basketball Coach Jason McKinney at (712) 362-7916 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.