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• When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
• Where: Hutchinson, Kan.
For 25 years, North Platte Community College coach Kevin O’Connor has been trying to make it to the national junior college basketball tournament.
He said his dream finally came true when the Knights edged Sheridan (Wyo.) on its home court 69-65 to win the Region IX title and a spot in the 16-team field in Hutchinson, Kan.
North Platte (28-4) will play Eastern Utah (24-9) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“It’s kind of one of those things you just work for and work for and we were finally able to get it to happen this year,’’ he said. “When you are only one of 16 teams left in Division I playing, it’s kind of a big challenge. I hope our guys are up for it.’’
O’Connnor said depth was a big factor this season. The Knights returned all of the players from last year’s team, which lost to Lamar Community College by two points in the Region IX final.
Sophomore guard Joe Ragland leads the team, averaging 18.4 points. Karol Gruszecki, a freshman forward, averages 14.6 points. Sophomore guard Chase Grabau averages 11.9 points and 7.5 rebounds.
North Platte’s twin towers continue to draw lots of recruiting interest but haven’t decided on a school. Rundell Mauge, a 7-footer from Trinidad, is averaging 5.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and five blocked shots. Kamil Gawrzydek, 6-11, is averaging 3.9 points and 3.9 rebounds.
O’Connor said his team came together to knock off Sheridan, which he called the biggest obstacle to a national berth.
“That was a big accomplishment for our team to win that game,’’ he said. “We’re excited and obviously happy being this is the first time the school has ever done it.’’
Contact the writer:
444-1034, marjie.ducey@owh.com
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