Back-to-back regional champs; Harrison named MVP

Niagara County Community College won its second consecutive Region III Division II Championship this past weekend on its home floor. The Thunderwolves, ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II poll of the regular season, improved to 30-1 on the year. NCCC advances to the NJCAA Division II Tournament on March 17-21 in Port Huron, Michigan.

Niagara CCC 116, Jamestown CC 48

Sophomore post Aubrey Halloran had a career-high 31 points to go with eight rebounds, five blocks and four steals in the semifinal win. Classmate Nickelle O'Neil also had a career-best 25 points along with six assists, six steals and five boards. Sophomore wing Cierra Harrison finished with 15 points, six assists and five boards and second-year guard Paige Emborsky chipped in with 10 points and five assists. NCCC had 32 assists in the victory.

Niagara CCC 92, Genesee CC 54

Emborsky netted 26 points to surpass 1,000 for her career as NCCC won the title. Harrison stuffed the stat sheet with 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists, Halloran had 13 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals and freshman guard Alaina Forbes chipped in 11 points and seven boards off the bench. NCCC held a 55-35 advantage in rebounding. 

* Following the championship tilt, Harrison was named Tournament MVP, while Emborsky, Halloran and O'Neil were members of the All-Tournament team.